DLNews Politics:

"Top GOP Donors Back Haley's Republican Primary Challenge Against Trump."

Nikki Haley will be a vessel for donors, including billionaire Charles Koch, who believe that Donald Trump is too risky to support in November, regardless of criminal investigations or congressional hearings.

Americans for Prosperity Action, one of the most influential political groups within conservative politics, announced Tuesday that it was throwing its considerable resources behind Haley's bid to unseat Trump. Senior advisor Emily Seidel wrote in a memo addressed exclusively to members of AFP Action that she saw Haley as best equipped to "turn the page" on Trump and boost Republican candidates across the ticket in 2024. Seidel did not address four pending criminal trials against Trump but spoke about how his "negative baggage" has negatively impacted past candidates -- something she believes Haley can rectify.

Haley faces an uphill climb in her bid for the Republican nomination, beginning with winning Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primaries in January before beating Trump in South Carolina, according to aggregated public opinion polls. She would then look to build momentum as she competes against him later on the calendar in large states like California and Texas that offer large swaths of delegates.

Polls continue to show Donald Trump holding an overwhelming lead in early primary and Super Tuesday states, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie try in vain to catch him; Haley's numbers remain relatively flat; she emphasizes her electability by touting polling which indicates she would defeat Joe Biden by several percentage points in general elections.

As more wealthy conservative donors such as metal magnate Andy Sabin, hedge fund manager Stanley Druckenmiller, and South Carolina businessman Chad Walldorf come on board as Haley supporters, others such as Tim Scott, Florida Rep Matt Gaetz, and Mike Pence may become seen as more flawed alternatives to defeat Trump. Still, she faces an uphill battle compared to those already committed to Trump as their presidential candidate.