AMES — Hot off the CNN debate stage, Ron DeSantis continued his jabs at former Governor Nikki Haley during his event in Ames, Iowa on Thursday evening. With the Iowa caucuses approaching quickly, DeSantis is in a close race with Haley for second place.
DeSantis was introduced and joined on stage by Bob Vander Plaats, president and CEO of the conservative group The Family Leader. Vander Plaats, an influential evangelical leader, extended a highly coveted endorsement to DeSantis in late November, but the campaign has continued to falter.
During the event, protesters interrupted DeSantis on three separate occasions. The second protester, who stepped onto the stage with DeSantis as he unfurled a banner reading, “DESANTIS: CLIMATE CRIMINAL,” was immediately tackled and pinned to the ground by three security guards.
