(NewsNation) — Sen. Mitt Romney is urging Republican donors to hold 2024 primary candidates accountable for dropping out of the race when it becomes evident that they have no chance of succeeding.
Romney made this plea in an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal, as the field of presidential hopefuls continues to grow. Former President Donald Trump maintains a leading position in the field, which is further solidified as other candidates divide the vote.
Concerns arise among Republicans over the possibility of a rematch between Trump and President Joe Biden, as Trump faces multiple indictments and potential further legal troubles. NewsNation/Decision Desk HQ polling indicates that voters are also somewhat unenthusiastic about the process, with nearly half considering a third-party candidate if faced with a repeat of the 2020 ballot.
With super PACs and major donors funding candidates who may not realistically have a chance at securing the nomination, Romney calls on these donors to demand that candidates commit to dropping out when necessary.
This strategy echoes the 2020 Democratic primary, where candidates united to cede the field to Biden in an effort to defeat Trump. This approach prevented a repeat of the prolonged and divisive primary that occurred in 2016, leaving nominee Hillary Clinton struggling to rally support for the general election.
Currently, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is considered Trump’s main competitor, although polls show him trailing behind by a significant margin. However, nearly a dozen other candidates are hitting the campaign trail, whether they genuinely aspire for the presidency or simply aim to enhance their reputations. On the Democratic side, Biden faces challenges from Marianne Williamson and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.