Republican party insiders in Florida are casting a wary eye at former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) for meddling in the upcoming primary aimed at choosing the GOP nominee to replace termed-out Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).
According to a report from NBC News, Gaetz, now hosting a streaming commentary show since resigning his seat in Congress before a reportedly brutal House Ethics Committee report was released, has taken to promoting Casey DeSantis who now trails front runner Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL)
With Casey DeSantis and her husband trying to tamp down criticism over the alleged misappropriation of $10 million in funds, funds, Gaetz has recently taken the side of Florida's first lady, thereby boosting her chances if she chooses to run.
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That, in turn could cause problems for presumed front-runner Donalds which would allow Gaetz to later jump in and make it a three-way race helping his chances.
According to the NBC report, "The thought process that is settling in is that Gaetz sees an opportunity if both Donalds and Casey DeSantis run. A three-way primary in what is now a Republican-leaning state can open up the opportunity for a dark horse candidate to win the GOP nomination with just roughly 30% of the vote," with one GOP insider suggesting, "Matt is always thinking — I could see him seeing a potential multi-way race presenting him an opportunity to re-emerge for a run."
On Monday, Gaetz told NBC, "Casey is right about one thing: It’s very early. Many tectonic plates can shift in Florida in the next year or so.”
That came after he posted on X, "If @CaseyDeSantis announced tomorrow she was running for Governor she would be an absolute force - and probably the instant frontrunner."
According to one GOP political veteran, "Matt is using the patented tried and true Gaetz backhanded compliment. He believes a three-way race would benefit him, and he is thinking ‘Why not me?’ on a double [Trump] endorsement.”
That is based upon Trump having previously endorsed two candidates in the GOP primary in the Arizona governor’s race, with Donalds having already secured a Trump nod.
The report added Trump's advisers "told NBC News not to expect him to do it again in any race, including the Florida governor’s contest. Trump advisers also view Donalds as doing what it takes to signal to Trump that he is willing to work to keep other potential GOP rivals boxed out."
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