Playing a quiet but important role in shaping the governor's remarks was the Washington-based Heritage Foundation, America's top conservative think tank, according to two people with knowledge of their interactions.
The range and frequency of those discussions with DeSantis' campaign have not been previously reported.
In addition to Carmack, the policy director, at least seven other Heritage staffers have taken positions in the DeSantis campaign.
Whether DeSantis' connection to the think tank has been helpful for his campaign is an open question.
Following the controversial March 13 statement, Heritage officials had a suggestion for the campaign, according to one person with knowledge of the discussions.
Persons:
Ron DeSantis, Kevin Roberts, Tucker Carlson, DeSantis, Donald Trump, Bryan Griffin, Heritage, Griffin, Generra Peck, Trump, Noah Weinrich, Weinrich, Roberts, Dustin Carmack, Carmack, Steve Bradbury, Bradbury, Joe Biden's, David Dewhirst, Gram Slattery, Ross Colvin, Daniel Flynn
Organizations:
Florida, The Heritage Foundation, Gaylord National Resort, Center, REUTERS, Sarah, Fox News, Heritage Foundation, Senior Heritage, Heritage, Republican, TALLAHASSEE, Mar, Trump, Justice Department, Department of Education, FBI, Department of Transportation, Democratic Party, Top Heritage, Economic, Reuters, Republican Party, Fox Nation, Thomson
Locations:
National Harbor, M.D, WASHINGTON, Florida, Ukraine, United States, Washington, U.S, Russia, China, Milwaukee, Tallahassee , Florida, Tallahassee