Doug Burgum super PAC to spend $4.5 million ahead of second GOP debate
Mabinty Quarshie
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A super PAC supporting Gov. Doug Burgum‘s (R-ND) 2024 presidential run is launching a multimillion-dollar ad campaign this week to boost his profile ahead of the second Republican National Committee debate in late September.
The Best of America PAC is spending $4.5 million on ads that will run nationally on multiple networks from Aug. 30 to Sept. 24, just days ahead of the Sept. 27 debate, during which Republican presidential candidates will meet onstage at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
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The effort comes after Burgum, who almost missed last week’s first GOP debate due to an Achilles tendon injury from playing basketball, ranked second-lowest in terms of speaking time. Only former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson spoke less than he did onstage.
The RNC announced more stringent requirements to make the second debate. All participating candidates must attain at least 3% support in two national polls, or 3% in one national poll and 3% in two polls conducted in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, or Nevada, the early nominating states. Candidates must also reach 50,000 unique campaign donors, up from the 40,000 donors required for the first debate.
The requirements will likely block lower-tier candidates from the debate stage, leading Burgum’s PAC to step up its efforts to increase his profile with Republicans nationally. Burgum attracts 0.4% support, according to a RealClearPolitics polling average.
The Best of America PAC also announced its fourth TV ad, titled “Cold War,” on Wednesday, touting Burgum’s “tough” stance on China. In the ad, Burgum declares, “We need to stop buying energy from our enemies and start selling energy to our friends and allies.” Burgum joins a growing list of GOP candidates who are stepping up their criticisms of China as they run for president.
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“Conservative business leader and Governor Burgum is the strong leader America needs to take on China and win,” Best of America PAC spokeswoman Emily Benavides said. “Governor Burgum will stand strong against China by strengthening America’s energy independence, lowering gas prices, and rebuilding our military.”
Best of America PAC launched a nearly $4 million ad campaign in early August, boosting Burgum in Iowa and New Hampshire, the first two nominating states of the GOP primary calendar.