Government / Politics

LACONIA, New Hampshire (Reuters) – Florida Governor DeSantis kicked off his campaign at rallies in Iowa and New Hampshire, the Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election. bottom. For some Republican voters, the presence and message of Mrs. Casey DeSantis, 42, appears to have been a significant political asset.

Mrs. Casey, a former TV host, is trusted by Mr. DeSantis and his entourage as his closest political adviser. Aside from her steadfast defense of her husband’s track record as governor, there are plenty of stories about her struggles with raising her three children, ages 3, 5 and 6.

Some Republican voters in the states where the ballots are first cast said they were encouraged by the story of Mrs. Casey’s breast cancer recovery, while others criticized him for being stiff and uncharismatic. A voice was heard saying that it would be done.

“She’s a very strong woman, and I think it will help him get the vote,” said former IT expert Lisa Tiemann, 62, who attended DeSantis’ campaign event in Laconia, New Hampshire, on Jan. 1. ‘ said.

Mrs. Casey has emerged as a key figure in the early days of Mr. DeSantis’ campaign. Her prominent presence stands in stark contrast to former President Trump’s wife, Melania.

Trump usually holds campaign rallies without Melania. His daughter Ivanka has also said she will not join Trump’s campaign for re-election.

Republican political consultant Jeannette Hoffman said the DeSantis, unlike Democrat Biden, also have a “sell” of youth and energy.

“She (Mrs. Casey) is nothing less than a campaign asset,” Hoffman said. bottom.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll from May 9 to 15 showed Mr. Trump’s approval rating among Republicans at 49 percent, while Mr. DeSantis trailed second with 19 percent.

Mrs. Casey has a track record of success in her husband’s election campaigns in the past. She decided to run for re-election In last year’s gubernatorial race, she led a campaign of “mothers who support Mr. DeSantis.”

The movement supports DeSantis on education and parental rights, such as banning classes that touch on gender identity and sexual orientation in most public schools and ending funding for diversity and inclusion programs at public universities. The main purpose was to support Mr.

At a rally in Des Moines, Iowa on May 30, which kicked off Mr. DeSantis’ presidential campaign, Mrs. Casey declared, “I will fight on behalf of all mothers across the country.”

At a rally in Laconia on Thursday, her husband defended his policies by highlighting how he resisted pressure to continue his stringent coronavirus measures as governor of Florida. While avoiding the violent leftist attacks of Mr. DeSantis himself, she said his efforts were necessary to “protect the American mindset.”

“He never shrinks. He never takes the path of least resistance. He always stands up for what is right.”

After the rally, she stayed later than her husband to greet voters and take pictures.

Suzanne Nelson, president of the Women’s Association of New Hampshire, which supports Republican candidates, said: “She was very warm, caring, kind and intelligent. I think we can change the situation,” he said.

Doug Lambert, Republican vice president of Belknap County, a very conservative area, said he was impressed with Casey’s focus on children and families in his speech and expressed his support for DeSantis. said to have become stronger. “Don’t let this end with a First Lady story casting. She’s the real deal,” he insisted.

(Reporter Nathan Layne)