Trump taps Treasurer Jeff DeWit as state campaign chair
State Treasurer Jeff DeWit has endorsed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and will chair the billionaire developer's campaign in Arizona.
DeWit told The Arizona Republic he had the "good fortune of getting to know Mr. Trump" before Trump launched his presidential bid, and said he has always admired the mogul's business acumen and love of the United States.
"As I said when I was a candidate and still say in my speeches, our government needs less politicians and more business leaders who understand the economic principles that can put our country's finances back on a sustainable path," he told the newspaper.
"Mr. Trump and I share a deep love for America and a strong desire to see that our children and all future generations have the same freedoms and opportunities for a bright and prosperous future."
The endorsement aligns DeWit with the right-wing of Arizona's Republican Party, but could alienate more moderate, business-focused establishment members of the party who have condemned Trump's immigration rhetoric and bashing of U.S. leaders. It comes one day after former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin threw her support behind Trump, a move that could bolster his standing with conservatives.
In announcing DeWit's endorsement in a statement on his website, Trump said: "Jeff is a terrific guy. He has been supportive of my campaign since the very beginning and it is a honor to receive the endorsement of such an intelligent, high quality individual, committed to my vision to Make America Great Again!”
Trump also announced the endorsement of seven high-profile people in the Arizona GOP, including former state Attorney General Bob Corbin, former state Sen. Lori Klein Corbin, former state lawmaker Robert Blendu and former state Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey and former Republican Part of Maricopa County Chairman Lyle Tuttle,a nd former Yavapai County Supervisor Carol Springer.
Trump and DeWit spent time together during Trump's first trip to Phoenix in July, when Trump said U.S. Sen. John McCain was "weak" on immigration and mocked him as incompetent. After that campaign rally in downtown Phoenix, Trump hosted DeWit on his jet as it sat at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and suggested DeWit run against McCain.
At the time, DeWit downplayed his conversations with Trump, saying he couldn't turn down the chance to meet with such a successful business man. "For me the attraction is: He’s a business guy, I’m a business guy. He doesn’t have a political background, I don’t have a political background.”
DeWit has previously said he met Trump several months ago at a State Financial Officers Foundation meeting when Trump addressed the gathering.
DeWit's admiration of Trump apparently extends beyond politics. On the opening day of the state Legislature, he sported a flashy emerald-green Donald J. Trump Signature Collection necktie.
In the Trump statement, DeWit said the country needs a "conservative political outsider with financial savvy and success, who understands what it means to build a business, make a payroll, and flourish during tough times."
He added, “As someone who has spent one on one time with him, I can tell you that Mr. Trump is one of the smartest and quickest minds of our time. His business success is extraordinary. His passion for America, our veterans, and protecting our freedoms is inspiring. But what may be his most admirable quality is his willingness to give back and serve our country, and fight to see that our children and our grandchildren will have the same opportunities to live, work, and raise a family in the greatest country ever known to man, the USA. I have been proud to stand with Mr. Trump since before his campaign for President was announced and in every step along the way, and I am excited to now serve as his campaign Chairman in Arizona to ensure victory in 2016. Together, let's Make America Great Again!”
Follow the reporter on Twitter @yvonnewingett and reach her at yvonne.wingett@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4712.