The prominent conservative fundraising group Club for Growth has invited a slew of prospective GOP presidential candidates to its annual donor retreat next month, with one big name left off the guest list: former President Donald Trump.
Club for Growth, which is known for its anti-tax and other conservative economic policies, is set to hold its annual retreat next month in which the group introduces possible candidates to big party donors ahead of the primary cycle.
MITCH DANIELS ‘MORE LIKELY’ TO RUN FOR SENATE IN INDIANA AFTER CLUB FOR GROWTH ATTACKS
David McIntosh, president of the group, told reporters the decision to leave Trump off the list wasn’t a personal slight, but he noted that Republican chances to win back the White House would be diminished with the former president at the top of the ticket.
“The party should be open to another candidate,” McIntosh said in a meeting with reporters on Monday.
At least six likely GOP presidential candidates were invited to the retreat, including Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), and Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA). It’s not yet clear who on the list is planning to attend, and McIntosh declined to say which candidates had accepted the invitation.
Trump is the only major candidate so far to announce his intent to run for the White House, although Haley is also expected to launch her presidential bid on Feb. 15.
Club for Growth has sought to distance itself from Trump in recent years, with the two often clashing on endorsements during the midterm election cycle. Going further, the group promoted internal polling that showed Trump trailing behind DeSantis with voters in Iowa and New Hampshire just one day before the former president launched his third White House bid in November.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Although Trump has remained a strong front-runner for the GOP nomination, the former president has been beset with challenges — including a slow fundraising start in his first campaign finance report released last week. McIntosh also pointed to Republicans’ lackluster performance in the midterm elections, noting Trump’s presence may have deterred voters.
“Trump was on the ballot,” McIntosh told reporters. “So I worry that when we get into a general election, if Trump is the nominee, they’re going to be able to take a chunk of Republican votes.”
