Butler, Pennsylvania, October 5, 2024. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Struggles in Key States: America PAC’s Canvassing Efforts Facing Challenges
America PAC, a political action committee funded by billionaire Elon Musk to support the re-election campaign of former U.S. President Donald Trump, is facing difficulties in critical battleground states such as Wisconsin and Nevada. With just two weeks left before the November 5 election, the PAC’s door-to-door canvassing efforts have fallen short of their targets, raising concerns about their potential impact on the election outcome. This report, based on multiple sources involved in the campaign, outlines the challenges faced by America PAC in its voter outreach efforts and the internal issues plaguing its operations.
Shortfalls in Voter Contact Goals
America PAC’s strategy revolves around direct voter engagement, aiming to mobilize “low propensity voters” who may support Trump but are less likely to vote. However, the PAC is struggling to meet its ambitious voter contact goals in some states. According to Alysia McMillan, a former canvasser in Wisconsin, the team is significantly behind its target of contacting 450,000 voters by Election Day. In an October 8 meeting with canvassers, a manager expressed concerns about the shortfall, stating, “We’re not going to hit 450,000, not with what we’ve got now.”
McMillan, who worked for two contractors hired by America PAC, said the missed targets could jeopardize Trump’s chances in the election. “If this isn’t looked into in a timely manner, this can result in a waste of time and money and risk President Trump winning the election,” she warned. Despite her concerns, a source close to America PAC denied that the Wisconsin outreach is behind schedule, insisting that the group will meet its goals.
Canvasser Retention and Misconduct
America PAC’s door-to-door outreach is conducted through contractors who employ hourly workers to canvass voters. The retention of these workers has proven challenging, with some canvassers citing low pay and inadequate compensation for travel expenses as reasons for dissatisfaction. Starting pay for canvassers at some contractors is as low as $20 per hour, and many workers must cover their own fuel costs when canvassing in remote areas.
In Nevada, an audit led by Chris Young, a Musk aide and experienced Republican operative, uncovered instances of canvassers inflating their doorknocking numbers. Some workers used smartphone apps to disguise their locations, making it appear as though they had knocked on more doors than they actually had. Text messages reviewed by Reuters show that several canvassers were fired as a result of these discrepancies. One message from a Nevada contractor, Lone Mountain Strategies, noted, “Our auditors keep catching people cheating. We’ve fired two people today and auditors are going around checking doors for flyers.”
Financial Backing from Elon Musk
Elon Musk, the world’s richest person according to Forbes, has played a significant role in funding America PAC. Federal disclosures indicate that Musk has provided at least $75 million to support the group’s efforts to re-elect Donald Trump. In addition to his financial backing, Musk has become an increasingly vocal supporter of Trump, who has hinted that, if re-elected, he would appoint Musk to lead a government efficiency commission.
Despite the significant influx of funds, America PAC has faced operational difficulties, including issues with canvasser retention, target shortfalls, and reports of misconduct. The PAC recently increased its pay rate to $30 per hour, with performance-based bonuses, in an effort to attract more canvassers to meet its objectives.
Impact on the Election
America PAC’s outreach efforts are crucial in battleground states where voter turnout could determine the election’s outcome. Polls show that the race between Trump and his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, remains too close to call. Any issues in reaching key voters could have significant implications in swing states such as Wisconsin and Nevada, where the margin of victory could be narrow.
While Musk and America PAC continue to support Trump’s campaign, concerns remain about the effectiveness of the canvassing efforts. With time running out before Election Day, America PAC is working to resolve internal issues and meet its voter contact goals, while political analysts closely watch the potential impact of these challenges on Trump’s re-election bid.
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