Anti-Donald Trump super PAC prepares attacks in South Carolina
A super PAC opposing Donald Trump believes its attacks in the lead-up to the Iowa caucus contributed to the businessman's second-place finish in the state, and is planning a repeat performance in South Carolina.
Our Principles PAC has already begun making phone calls to voters, is hoping to have TV ads up by this weekend, and will send out mailers to be delivered next week in what the group's chairwoman, Katie Packer, called a "full court press." The group has also set up a website called TrumpQuestions.com that asks voters how much they "really know" about the candidate.
"We had an opportunity in Iowa because the issues that voters there cared about are exactly the issues where Trump is out of step," Packer told CBS News. The PAC opted to skip New Hampshire because of Trump's substantial lead and the fact that, she said, "those voters tend to be more liberal so would favor a more liberal candidate like Trump."
Trump ultimately won the New Hampshire primary, besting his next-closest rival, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, by nearly 20 points.
In South Carolina, Packer said, "we feel there is another opportunity."
"Those voters are very conservative and care a lot about getting rid of government run health care, holding the line on taxes, defending the Second Amendment and appointing conservative judges. Those are all issues where Trump is remarkably weak," she said.
A voter guide and newspaper advertisement used in Iowa hit Trump for what it says are his non-conservative views on taxes, immigration, health care, the Second Amendment and abortion. It was a more than $2.5 million effort. The ads highlighted Trump calling himself pro-choice and proclaiming his support for single-payer health care.
Packer also said her group's efforts are "somewhat dependent on other campaigns running good strong efforts and that part is out of our control."
So far, she has declined to reveal who is funding the PAC's efforts, and its donors do not have to be disclosed until April because the group was only created in January.
This story has been updated to remove a reference to the number of phone calls, mailers and voter guides incorrectly reported by The State newspaper.