Look at the bright side, Senator Tim Scott, no one can accuse your independent super PAC of coordinating its actions with your campaign. Because while Scott’s campaign message is full speed ahead . . .
South Carolina, it’s official!
I’m thrilled to be on the ballot in my home state.
I wouldn’t be here without your support. Let’s bring this HOME! pic.twitter.com/CpI9q76Z43
— Tim Scott (@votetimscott) October 16, 2023
. . . the Tim Scott super PAC is canceling most of its television advertising in the coming months. That’s not a surrender, but it’s not a roar of confidence, either.
The super PAC supporting Tim Scott’s presidential bid is canceling most of its remaining TV spending, reversing course after reserving $40 million in ads for him ahead of the Iowa caucuses. . . .
In a memo to donors, Trust In the Mission PAC, also known as “TIM PAC,” announced it will cancel “all of our Fall media inventory,” according to a copy of the document obtained by POLITICO.
“We are doing what would be obvious in the business world but will mystify politicos — we aren’t going to waste our money when the electorate isn’t focused or ready for a Trump alternative,” wrote Rob Collins, co-chair of the super PAC, who said the “Never-Trump field” is going to be “wasting money this fall” trying to undermine Trump’s current lead.
“This electorate is locked up and money spent on mass media isn’t going to change minds until we get a lot closer to voting,” Collins continued.
The group will instead “fully fund” its current grassroots and door-knocking program, Collins told donors. “The field remains splintered, so we will be patient,” he said.
Is Scott still running for president? Yes, but a move like this is somewhat ominous. It also raises the question of just what good the past television advertising has done. A decision like this is a de facto admission that the previous TV ads didn’t have much of an effect at all.
One of the reasons Scott once looked like a serious contender for the GOP nomination was, beyond his other advantages, his super PAC was sitting on a ton of money. As I wrote back in March, “Scott already has more cash on hand than John Kasich, Rand Paul, Carly Fiorina or Chris Christie individually spent in campaign funds for their entire 2016 efforts.” But in the end, a candidate has to match the mood of the electorate. So far, Scott’s sunny optimism just doesn’t align with what most Republican primary voters want.