The Koch network's endorsement of Nikki Haley for the Republican presidential nomination has left the conservative group internally roiling, according to a report.
Chris Maidment was "terminated" as director of grassroots operations in New Hampshire for Americans for Prosperity after going public with his opposition to the endorsement, and he told NBC News that other rank-and-file members of the organization told leadership they would leave if they backed Haley.
“There are dozens who feel the way I do," Maidment said. "That was the main motivation for my thread. They, for obvious reasons, don’t want to speak out, but I’ve spoken with many who agree with my perspective on this and are dismayed with the endorsement, and it was made known to leadership well in advance of the endorsement that there would be a lot of attrition if Haley ended up being the choice.”
An AFP official downplayed Maidment's comments, saying the group would expect its operatives to leave for other campaigns, but a former Iowa chapter director said the organization was out of step with voters.
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“Respectfully, anybody not supporting Trump is delaying the inevitable,” said Mark Lucas, the former AFP chapter director in Iowa. “I’m one of the biggest champions of our beloved Iowa caucus. But this primary is done.”
Former operatives say the Haley endorsement would diminish AFP's standing, and those close to Trump say he'll hold a grudge against the group.
“Trump is p---ed at anyone backing his opponents, particularly one who served in his administration," said one person close to the ex-president. "He never forgets — and he won’t forget this either."
