Staff Reports
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’s recent decision to support Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida in the 2024 Republican primary has stirred up some drama in the political landscape of Iowa. While some folks are clucking their tongues over her choice, many are wondering if she’ll feel the heat from her own party’s probable nominee, who’s not exactly known for being forgiving.
Former President Donald Trump even took to the stage at a rally in Iowa to throw a little shade in Reynolds’s direction, claiming that she had been disloyal to him. He told the crowd that he had helped her become governor, and in return, she had betrayed him by endorsing DeSantis. He even went as far as to say that she had gone from the most popular to the least popular governor in the span of just two weeks. Ouch!
'Trump is a forgiving guy': Kim Reynolds grapples with DeSantis endorsement post-Iowa – Washington Examiner https://t.co/YTUYl2FNvW
— Fearless45 (@Fearless45Trump) January 17, 2024
And according to a poll from last November, her approval-disapproval rating was at an even split of 48%-48%, making her the least popular governor in the country. Yikes, that’s gotta sting a bit!
But, not to worry, Reynolds has at least one person in her corner. DeSantis himself came to her defense, saying that Trump’s digs are just because she didn’t endorse him in the primary. He accused Trump of only caring about his own issues and priorities and claimed that he’ll praise anyone who grovels at his feet.
Of course, not everyone is rallying around Reynolds. Some Iowa Republicans, like Dallas County Republican Party Chairwoman Kelley Koch, were disappointed by her endorsement of DeSantis. They had all pledged to remain neutral and are feeling let down by her decision.
The Iowa Democrats didn’t pull any punches either, criticizing Reynolds for being “out of touch” with her own party and suffering the consequences of her endorsement.
Despite the criticism, not everyone thinks Reynolds will face much fallout from her endorsement. Some, like Nevada Attorney General Brenna Bird, downplay the idea of any political consequences, claiming that Reynolds is “untouchable.”
But not everyone is as forgiving. Arizona Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake was disappointed in Reynolds’s decision, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and reciprocity in Iowa. She called on Reynolds to make amends by throwing her support behind Trump.
While some folks, like Waukee handyman John Engelhardt, respect Reynolds’s right to endorse whoever she wants, there are many rumblings and murmurings over her decision. It seems like the political drama is far from over for Governor Reynolds.
