Koch Network Backs Nikki Haley In An Effort To Steer GOP Away From Donald Trump

A group aligned with billionaire Charles Koch is throwing its support — and vast financial resources — behind Nikki Haley, in an effort to steer the Republican party away from frontrunner Donald Trump.

Haley “represents a new generation of conservative leaders who will solve the tough problems and lead our country forward. Her positive vision for America is what we desperately need,” Americans for Prosperity Action said in a statement on Tuesday.

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Trump is still far ahead in the Republican primary, according to the latest polls, but the Koch network support could boost Haley in the two early states of Iowa and New Hampshire, providing her with some momentum in the final weeks of the race. The Iowa caucus is Jan. 15 and the New Hampshire primary is Jan. 23.

Americans for Prosperity Action already had indicated that it would endorse a candidate in the primary, but that it would not be Trump, as its slogan is “it’s time to write a new chapter.” Haley has emerged as a top Trump alternative, edging out Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in some recent polls. DeSantis had entered the race as a contender who looked to best Trump in amassing far right and establishment support, but his campaign proved to be lackluster. Haley, meanwhile, has generated positive reviews for solid debate performances in the three GOP gatherings so far. Trump has skipped each of them.

The group said in a statement, “Nikki Haley will beat Joe Biden, drive down our debt, take on reckless spending, secure the border and unleash American energy.”

Charles Koch and his late brother, David, have long been Democratic bogeymen, symbols of efforts on the right to roll back government regulations across industry.

Steven Cheung, spokesperson for the Trump, blasted the endorsement, calling Americans for Prosperity “the political arm of the China first, America last movement,” and Haley as a “pro-China, open borders” globalist. He also referred to Haley as “birdbrain.”

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