Jeff Roe, a key adviser to the super PAC supporting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign, announced his resignation on Saturday night. This unexpected departure is the latest in a series of high-profile exits within the organization during a crucial period in the nomination process.
DeSantis Loyalists Take Control as Roe Exits
Roe’s departure comes at a time when DeSantis’ loyalists have taken over the governor’s beleaguered political operation, just weeks before the Iowa caucuses. Roe’s resignation was announced on social media shortly after the Washington Post published an account of the internal chaos within Never Back Down, the super PAC in question.
Accusations of Unauthorized Leaks Lead to Resignations
In the Washington Post story, Scott Wagner, Never Back Down’s chairman and interim CEO, attributed the recent exits of some of Roe’s top aides to “numerous unauthorized leaks containing false information.” Wagner later revised his statement after an attorney for the employees claimed his assertions were categorically false.
Uncertain Future for Never Back Down
Following a wave of departures, including its CEO and board chairman, Adam Laxalt, the future role of Never Back Down remains unclear. Despite the internal turmoil, DeSantis’ campaign has expressed confidence in the Iowa ground operation built by the super PAC. However, the campaign’s reliance on another super PAC, Fight Right, has increased, particularly in the campaign’s advertising efforts.
DeSantis Trails Trump as Haley Gains Traction
As the Iowa caucuses approach, DeSantis trails former president Donald Trump, who has taken every opportunity to highlight the internal discord within the Florida governor’s political operation. Meanwhile, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has gained momentum in the early nominating states and is now threatening to become the top Republican alternative to Trump in the race.
Never Back Down: A Cautionary Tale
The implosion of Never Back Down serves as a warning against entrusting the machinery of a political operation to an external organization that cannot legally coordinate with a campaign. The super PAC was created by DeSantis’ allies and tasked with many functions typically reserved for campaigns, including staff recruitment and training, get-out-the-vote operations, advertising, and event planning.
DeSantis and Roe: A Relationship Destined to Fail?
Despite the initial optimism, the relationship between DeSantis and Roe, a shrewd businessman in the lucrative world of political management, was seen by some as destined to fail. The tension between the super PAC, based in Atlanta, and DeSantis’ Tallahassee campaign, was evident from the beginning and often spilled into the public eye.
Roe’s Exit Anticipated Amidst Internal Changes
Roe’s departure had been expected since last week, when his aides were dismissed and his role was further marginalized with the appointment of Phil Cox, another longtime DeSantis adviser, to oversee operations at Never Back Down. Despite his exit, Roe expressed continued support for DeSantis’ presidential bid in his resignation post.