Romney names DeMint national co-chair

The campaign for Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney named U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina as one of the  campaign's national co-chairmen.   

As national co-chair, DeMint will serve as a key national adviser to Romney.

The other co-chairs are Gov. Matt Blunt, R-Mo., and Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H.

"Governor Mitt Romney is the standard-bearer the Republican Party needs in 2008," DeMint said in a Romney campaign release.  "His message of conservative change will bring our party and Washington back to our most basic conservative values of fiscal discipline, smaller government and lower taxes."

"Governor Romney has the record and experience to bring true change to Washington."   

Edwards returns to South Carolina this week

Former U.S. Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina will bring his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination back to his native state with a two-day campaign swing through South Carolina this weekend.
Edwards will make stops in Cheraw, Lancaster, Rock Hill and Columbia, where he’ll host a fund raiser for S.C. Rep. Bill Clyburn’s bid for a state Senate seat in Aiken.
Friday, Edwards will host a town hall meeting in Cheraw and then meet with former employees of the Springs textile mill in Lancaster before touring a community in Rock Hill.
Here are details of the trip:
Friday, 10:45 a.m., town hall at Town Green, Market Street in Cheraw.
At 1 p.m. Friday he’ll hold a roundtable discussion with former Springs employees at a location to be determined in Lancaster.
At 2:45 p.m., Edwards and actor Danny Glover will tour the Blackmon Road Community and A Place for Hope, 1020 Archer Drive in Rock Hill.
On Saturday, Edwards will host a breakfast for Clyburn, one of his supporters, a 9:30 a.m. at Mac’s on Main, 1710 Main St. in Columbia.

Ron Paul visits S.C. this week

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, a Republican candidate for president, will speak to the Spartanburg County Republican Party executive committee Thursday.

The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at Spartanburg County Council Chambers, 366 N. Church St., in Spartanburg. Paul will speak at 7:30 p.m.

McCain sets three-day S.C. visit

U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., will campaign in South Carolina this week with a series of stops Thursday through Saturday.
The Republican presidential hopeful will attend events in Myrtle Beach, Goose Creek, North Charleston, Lexington and Simpsonville.

Here are details of his stops:

THURSDAY

11:45 a.m., McCain will hold a town hall meeting at Coastal Carolina University’s Wall Auditorium, 119 Chanticlear Drive in Conway.
3 p.m., McCain will address the Charleston Area Combined Rotary Club at Oaks Country Club, 130 Oaks Ave., in Goose Creek.

FRIDAY
9 a.m., McCain will tour the Detyens Shipyard and host a town hall meeting. The shipyard is at 1670 Drydock Ave., in North Charleston.
6 p.m., McCain will address the “Tailgating for Torrence” event before the White Knoll High School football game. He will speak in the school’s cafeteria, 5643 Platt Springs Road in Lexington.
This event is open to the public; however there is a $10 admission fee. All proceeds will go to the dedication of the Joshua L. Torrence Fieldhouse at White Knoll High School.
Torrence was a graduate of White Knoll High School. In April of 2004, he joined the Marine Corps. Later that year, while serving in Fallujah, Torrence was killed in the line of duty.

SATURDAY

8:45 a.m., McCain will start the day with a meet and greet at Hot Dog Heaven, 7444 Broad River Road in Irmo.
11:45 a.m. McCain will make an appearance in Simpsonville for a meet and greet at The Garden House Bed and Breakfast, 302 S. Main St.

Huckabee Columbia visit set

Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee will be in Columbia on Friday.

Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, will address the S.C. Renewal Project Pastor’s Policy Briefing at 1 p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center on Lincoln Street in the Vista.

Updated: Obama in Manning, Sumter and Greenville Friday

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama will visit the historic Clarendon County Courthouse on Friday for a community gathering.
Obama, a U.S. senator from Illinois, will visit the site where the landmark civil rights case Briggs v. Elliot was heard.
The event begins at 2 p.m., and is free and open to the public. However, admission will require a ticket. The courthouse is at 3 West Keitt St.. in Manning.
To attend, sign up at sc.barackobama.com/manning to get a free ticket or go to one of the ticket locations listed below. For more information, call (803)-255-8008.

Obama will also attend NAACP Freedom Fund dinners in Sumter and Greenville.

The Sumter event begins at 5 p.m. at Morris College's Garrick-Boykin Human Development Center on Pinson Street.

The Greenville dinner, which begins at 7 p.m., will be at the Carolina First Center, One Exposition Drive.

 

Ticket locations for the Manning event:

• Styles of Distinctions

122 West Huggins St., Manning
(803) 435-4242
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Spencer’s Barber Shop

6 E. Boyce St., Manning
803) 435-6607
Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. (today) and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Wednesday and Thursday)

• Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

16 Mazyck St., Summerton
(803) 485-3601
Hours: Today through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Hickory Grove Baptist Church

1148 Old Manning Road, Turbeville
(843) 659-2326

• Coopers Barber Shop

422 W. Broad St., Darlington
(843) 393-1451
Hours: Today, Thursday or Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Obama Pee Dee Regional Office

466 West Cheves St., Florence
(843) 662-2408
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Willliamsburg County Complex

125 West Main St., Kingstree
(843) 355-9321
Hours: Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Bethesda Methodist Church

2000 Cade Road, Lake City
(843) 382-3208
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Platinum Cuts

439 E. Church St., Bishopville
(803) 484-3668
Hours: Today, Thursday or Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Fleming Delaine Funeral Home

302 East Boyce St., Manning
(803) 435-8994
Hours: Today through Thurs-day, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Holly Court Apartments

211 Dickson St., Manning
(803) 435-8786
Hours: Today through Thurs-day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Posh

260 W. Palmetto St., Florence
(843) 662-6756
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Biden in S.C. this week

U.S. Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware will bring his bid for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination back to South Carolina with a series of events Friday and Saturday.
Biden will hold a reception at 4:30 p.m. Friday at Stephenson Banquet Hall at Limestone College, 1115 College Drive, Gaffney, and then will attend the Greenville NAACP’s banquet at 6:30 p.m. at the Carolina First Center, One Exposition Drive, Greenville. He’ll finish the evening by attending the HBCU Classic coaches reception at 8 p.m. at the Greenville Hilton, 45 West Orchard Park Drive.
On Saturday, Biden will deliver the keynote address at the Anderson County Democratic Party’s monthly breakfast, held at the Golden Coral, 3546 Clemson Blvd., in Anderson.
At 10 a.m., Biden will take part in the Greenville HBCU Classic parade and then attend the HBCU Classic football game at Sirrine Stadium of Greenville Senior High Academy, 1 Vardry St., Greenville.

Bill Clinton in S.C. today

Former President Bill Clinton will campaign for his wife Hillary in Spartanburg and York counties today to boost the former first lady’s bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Clinton will speak at 12:30 p.m. in Spartanburg at a rally for the U.S. senator from New York. The event will be at the G.B. Hodge Center on the campus of USC Upstate, 800 University Way in Spartanburg. The event is open to the public and doors open at 11:30 a.m.
At 5:30 p.m., Clinton will hold another rally at The Freedom Center, 215 E. Main St. in Rock Hill. It is also open to the public and doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Huckabee names leadership team

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee on Friday named the S.C. leadership team for his bid for the Republican presidential nomination.
Huckabee already has the support of former Gov. David Beasley and much of former Gov. Carroll Campbell’s family, including Campbell’s widow Iris and his youngest son, Mike.
Endorsing Huckabee on Friday were:
Sen. David Thomas, R-Greenville
Sen. Danny Verdin, R-Laurens
Rep. Liston Barfield, R-Horry
Rep. Glenn Hamilton, R-Greenville
Rep. Keith Kelly, R-Spartanburg
Rep. Rex Rice, R-Pickens
Former Rep. Warren Arthur, R-Darlington
George Graham, former chairman of the state GOP.

Colbert in Columbia on Sunday

Last Sunday morning, he was on “Meet the Press” with Tim Russert. This Sunday, he shakes hands with Mayor Bob Coble and brings "truthiness" to the University of South Carolina.
Native Son Stephen Colbert, who has declared his trans-party candidacy for president of the United States, will be honored by the mayor with the key to the city and a proclamation declaring him South Carolina’s favorite son.
The event will take place at 9 a.m. on the university’s Horseshoe and is open to the public.
Colbert will also be the guest of honor at a brunch Sunday at 11 a.m. at the offices of Nelson Mullins law firm on Main Street, according to a copy of the invitation obtained by The State. Nelson Mulllins referred questions to Comedy Central. Efforts to reach the network's spokeswoman were unsuccessful.
“’The Colbert Report’ is a hugely popular national TV show, and our goal is to try to get, as best as possible in a satirical environment, a positive image out about Columbia, the Gamecocks, the University of South Carolina and Innovista,” Coble said.
Colbert, a Charleston native who hosts “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central, announced earlier this month on his show that we was running for president and would campaign only in South Carolina. The announcement coincides with the publication of his book, “I Am America, and So Can You.” In his appearances and on his show, Colbert has talked up South Carolina, especially its barbecue and peaches.

Gay pastor added to Obama gospel concert

  A gay minister will make an appearance at a Barack Obama campaign sponsored gospel show in Columbia Sunday in response to criticism from the gay community about one of the singer’s views on homosexuality.

Gay activists were in an uproar over Obama's "Embrace the Change" tour in South Carolina including gospel singer Donnie McClurkin, who says homosexuality is a choice.

In response, the U.S. senator’s presidential campaign invited Rev. Andy Sidden, a South Carolina pastor who is openly gay, to appear at the Township Auditorium performance

McClurkin is a Grammy Award winner who performed at the Republican National Convention in 2004. He told AP Radio in an interview that September that he was "once involved with those desires and those thoughts," but God turned him away from them.
Obama has spoken out against homophobia, including in the black community. He supports civil unions for same-sex couples but not the right for gay marriage.

—  Staff and wire reports

Clyburn to appear at Gullah-Geechee announcement

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn and National Park Serv-ice officials will introduce the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission on Monday in Charleston.

The U.S. Secretary of the Interior recently approved the members of the Commission.

Clyburn, a Columbia Democrat, authored legislation that became law in 2006 creating the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor that encompasses the coastal areas from Jacksonville, Fla. to Wilmington, N.C.

The purpose of this corridor is to preserve and protect the rich history and culture of the Gullah/Geechee people, according to a news release from Clyburn’s office.

S.C. students for Rudy formed

Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani announced Thursday the formation of S.C. College Students for Rudy.

Phil Paradise, a College of Charleston student, will serve as chairman of the group backing the former mayor of New York.

Its goal will be to spread Giuliani’s message to campuses across the state and provide volunteer help and campus recruitment.

“These students have been a big part of our early success in the state,” said Barry Wynn, Giuliani’s state chairman.

The other members of the group are:
Elizabeth Louise Armstrong, Clemson University, chapter co-chair
Reed Bjorkman, USC Upstate, chapter co-chair
Laura Bolos, USC
Patrick Ross Boylan, Clemson University, chapter co-chair
Joseph Brown, Medical USC, chapter co-chair
Curtis Gerald Condra, Francis Marion University, chapter co-chair
John Cornely, Wofford Col-lege, chapter co-chair
William Brice Dent, USC
Charles Diez, College of Charleston, chapter co-chair
Caroline R. Elliott, USC
Elizabeth Ann Ellis, USC
Elise Christine Ewing, USC
Alexandra Rane Gehringer, USC, chapter co-chair
Anthony J. Gentile, The Citadel, chapter co-chair
Kate Marie Hansson, USC
Andrew G.B. Heath, College of Charleston Law School, chapter co-chair
Christopher E. Holder, USC
Patrick Lee Laban, Francis Marion University, chapter co-chair
Jonathon M. Mahler, Coastal Carolina University, chapter co-chair
Margaret-Ellen McDermott, Converse College, chapter co-chair
Kelly Marie McDonough, Clemson University, chapter co-chair
Mallory Jeanne Morris, Winthrop University, chapter co-chair
Benjamin Matthew Pangle, Clemson University
Phillip Paradise, College of Charleston, State Chair
Donald Phillips, Clemson Uni-versity
Kimberly M. Rizzo, USC
Rachel Salerno, Clemson Uni-versity
Brian John Stevenson, Furman University, chapter co-chair
Amanda Stewart, College of Charleston, chapter co-chair
Andrew Symmes, Clemson University
Cassandra Tressler, Coastal Carolina University, chapter co-chair
Elizabeth Hunter Turner, USC
Kathryn E. Ware, USC
Kimberly Watson, USC, chap-ter co-chair
Terence Whitehead, Coastal Carolina University, chapter co-chair
Michael Whitsitt, Charleston Southern University, chapter co-chair
Glen R. Wieger, USC, chapter co-chair

Workers' Comp attorneys complain about Sanford

Attorneys packed a small hearing room Thursday to ask the state for clarity concerning workers’ compensation claims, but they got little, at least for now.

The seven-member S.C. Workers’ Compensation Commission heard arguments blasting a series of executive orders  issued by Gov. Mark Sanford which they said interfered with the commissioners’ oath to be impartial and fair in reaching judgments pertaining to worker injury on the job.

“The governor suggested justice is for sale,” charged John P. Freeman, a ethics professor at the USC School of Law, who filed a motion against the governor’s orders.

Sanford has issued three executive orders since September 20, his latest two on Oct. 24,  directing the commission to reconsider how it rules in workers’ compensation cases and to be more vigilant in approving attorney’s fees for such cases.

There is conflict over the governor’s intent in issuing the orders, and in their affect on rulings the commission will issue in the future.

“It is our opinion (the governor’s latest executive order regarding use of objective standards to determine life compensation for on-the-job injury) renders all these motions moot,” said Suzanne C. Bouleware, an attorney who defends clients against workers’ compensation claims.

“All this new executive order does is admonish commissioners to follow the law — it does not change law.”

The commission took testimony but rendered no decision Thursday. The commission may render a decision later, or not at all, and allow any changes fomented by Sanford’s orders to be reflected in rulings in individual cases over time.

Harrell endorses Graham for U.S. Senate

A day after earning the endorsement of Gov. Mark Sanford, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham snagged another big-name endorser: S.C.  House Speaker Bobby Harrell.

Harrell, a Charleston Republican, will serve as campaign co-chairman.

“Lindsey is a good friend and an excellent senator,” Harrell said in a news release.  “He is respected in Washington and at home because he has the integrity, honesty and intellect we need in our U.S. senator. I am honored to be a part of his re-election campaign.”

Obama ads aimed at black voters

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama aired a new radio ad in South Carolina featuring U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., son of civil rights activist Jesse Jackson.

The ad is aimed at black voters, who are projected to cast about half the votes in the S.C. Democratic Primary. Jackson, in playing up Obama’s civil rights record, recalls how his father won the state's Democratic presidential primary in 1988.

"Once, South Carolina voted for my father, and sent a strong message to the nation," the younger Jackson says in the ad. "Next year, you can send more than a message. You can launch a president."

Jackson goes on to mention laws the senator has supported "to stop racial profiling, and the railroading of the poor in the justice system."

Obama's campaign said the ad will air on 36 urban, gospel and other stations aimed at black listeners around the state.

To listen to the add go to my.barackobama.com/page/community/post_group/SCHQ/CJjg

Romney attacks spending in new TV ads

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney launched a new TV ad in South Carolina today, taking aim at runaway spending and touting his business experience.

"In business, you only spend what you have. In Washington, government always spends more. It shouldn't be that way," the former Massachusetts governor says in the ad. "I come from the business world, where turning around companies taught me how to manage budgets. That's what I did at the Olympics and as governor. As president, I'll audit Washington — top to bottom — and cut spending.'

The ads, which will air on TV stations across the state, can be viewed online at http://tv.mittromney.com/?showid=450503

Erwin decides against run against Graham

Greenville advertising executive and former S.C. Democratic Party chairman Joe Erwin will not run for the U.S. Senate next year against incumbent Republican Lindsey Graham.

Erwin told The State on Tuesday that “the issues that I am most passionate about are issues that are within South Carolina and that affect our state reaching its potential.”

He can best address those issues, Erwin said, by working in South Carolina. Erwin is forming a private foundation that he said will help tackle education and economic development with an emphasis on rural parts of the state.

“Whether or not in the future I’d feel compelled to offer for public service, I don’t know,” Erwin said, adding that the 2010 race for governor is something that is “of interest to me and one where I think my skill set does fit.”

That race, Erwin said, “is something that I will certainly keep an open mind toward, but in the meantime I’m not going to focus on that.”

Sanford endorses Lindsey Graham

Gov. Mark Sanford has endorsed U.S. Sen. Graham and agreed to serve as co-chairman of his campaign, the Graham campaign announced Tuesday.

“Lindsey Graham has been a good friend and leader for our state," said  Sanford said in a news release.  “I've known him for years, and I appreciate the skills and talents he brings to the table.”

“Lindsey understands the challenges facing our nation both here at home and abroad. I know how committed he is to winning the war on terror.  I know how committed he is to getting a handle on out-of-control entitlement spending," Sanford said.
"(Graham) understands the challenges and has shown us he is ready, willing, and able to meet them head-on.  Lindsey is a leader and wants to reform the way the federal government does business.  I am proud to support his re-election to the U.S. Senate.”

Republicans have been lining up behind the Graham campaign. Others who have endorsed the Seneca Republican include U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint and U.S. Reps. Henry Brown, Joe Wilson, Gresham Barrett and Bob Inglis have endorsed Senator Graham and will serve as vice-chairmen of the campaign.

Graham has fallen out of favor with some Republicans over his support of a failed immigration bill that would have allowed millions of illegal  aliens to gain legal residency.

“You can’t find a better steward of the taxpayers’ dollar than Mark Sanford,” said Graham.  “He is continually trying to restructure our state government to ensure we remain viable in a global economy.  I appreciate his leadership and all of the valuable contributions he has made to our state.  I am proud to call him a friend and honored to have him on our campaign team.”

Thompson back in S.C. this week

Republican presidential hopeful Fred Thompson will be back in South Carolina on Wednesday, this time in the Lowcountry.

Thompson made stops in Greenville and Columbia during his announcement tour last month, but Wednesday's breakfast event at Alex's Restaurant in Mount Pleasant will be his first official trip through the Charleston area.

The event is scheduled for 8:45 a.m.

Romney, McCain announce S.C. visits

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney returns to Columbia on Tuesday for a townhall meeting.

Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts will hold one of his “Ask Mitt Anything” events at 4:30 p.m. at the University House, 911 South Stadium Road in Columbia.

U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., will attend a memorial service Nov. 2 for Lance Cpl. Joshua Torrence, a Marine from Lexington who died in Iraq in 2005.

The memorial service for Torrence will take place before the Nov. 2 high school football game between White Knoll and Lexington.
Torrence, who died while on patrol in Fallujah on March 14, 2005, played football at White Knoll and the school community has worked to raise $150,000 to name the school’s new field house in Torrence’s honor.

Also, McCain’s presidential campaign said, four New York City firefighters who played on the department’s football team, will fly to South Carolina to honor Torrence.

To learn more about the memorial fund, or to contribute, go to https://www.edline.net/pages/White—Knoll—High—School/—LCPL—Joshua—Torrence—Memorial.

Thompson names S.C. steering committee

Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, a Republican presidential hopeful, has announced his S.C. steering committee.

The committee will be chaired by retired Marine Corps Major General James Livingston, a Medal of Honor recipient.

 

Vice Chairs include Columbia City Councilman Kirkman Finlay III, former Greenville County Councilwoman Phyllis Henderson, Columbia's Ed McMullen, president of the S.C. Policy Council, S.C. Higher Education Commissioner Cyndi Mosteller of Charleston, Greenville County Republican Party past chair Wendy Nanney and Lexington's Randy Page, president of South Carolinians for Responsible Government. 

Other members of the Steering Committee include:

•  Lin Bennett, Chair of the Charleston County Republican Party.
•  Phillip Bowers, Chair of the Pickens County Republican Party.
• Arthur Bryngleson, Chair of the Dorchester County Republican Party.
•  State Senator Chip Campsen, District 43; Berkeley and Charleston Counties.
• State Representative Harry Cato, Chair of the House Labor, Commerce and Industry (LCI) Committee; District 17, Greenville County.
• State Senator Ray Cleary, District 34; Georgetown, Horry, and Charleston Counties.
• · Chad Connelly, Board Member of the Palmetto Family Council and South Carolinians for Responsible Government.
• · Stephen Davis, Principal and Project Manager for Davis & Floyd, Inc.  He is a member of the Erskine College Board of Trustees, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources from the Third Congressional District.
• · Robert Dozier, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Midlands Technical College.  He is a former Director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, appointed by the Bush Administration. He is also the Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the Homeowners Mortgage Company and was named one of The State's "20 under 40" most successful businessmen in 2004.
• Brantlee Fulmer, President of a multi-facility, faith-oriented day care business.  She is a past Vice President of the South Carolina Child Care Association.
• State Senator Larry Grooms, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee; District 37, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester Counties.
• Todd Kincannon, South Carolina Republican Party Parliamentarian.
• Hunter Limbaugh, former advisor to Governors Carroll Campbell and David Beasley.  He is also a former legislator, having represented the Florence area in the State House in the 1990s.
• State Representative Dwight Loftis, District 19; Greenville. Representative Loftis is also a former member of the Greenville County School Board.
•  Larry Marchant, former advisor to Governor Carroll Campbell and principal of the Palmetto Policy Group in Columbia.
•  Taft Matney, a small businessman specializing in government relations with long-time ties to conservative grassroots political efforts.
•  State Senator Jim Ritchie, Senate Majority Whip from District 13; Spartanburg, Greenville, and Union Counties.
• Terrye Seckinger, member of the South Carolina Charter Schools Board who has previously served as a member of the State Board of Education and is widely recognized as a leading social conservative.

Thompson reveals S.C. steering committee

Republican presidential candidate Fred D. Thompson unveiled his campaign's S.C. steering committee today, Thursday, including a Columbia city councilman and a handful of influential leaders from various conservative groups.

The committee will be chaired by retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston, awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War.

"These are very serious times and we need a president with moral credibility who can lead with authority on social, economic and national security fronts," Livingston said in a press release.

The committee also includes Columbia City Councilman Kirkman Finley III, whose Doc's Barbecue and Southern Buffet restaurant hosted a Thompson event on the former U.S. senator’s announcement tour in September.

Also signing on:

• Ed McMullen, president of the S.C. Policy Council
• Randy Page, president of fund-raising powerhouse South Carolinians for Responsible Government, which favors using taxpayer money in private schools
• Cindi Mosteller, past president of South Carolinians for Life and a leader among the state's Christian conservatives.

Romney back in S.C.

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney will be in South Carolina Thursday for four campaign events. The former Massachusetts govenor's schedule includes.

• 8:00 a.m., Romney hosts an "Ask Mitt Anything" Townhall at the  Applewood Pancake House in Pawleys Island
  
• 1:30 a.m., Romney atttends a luncheon meet and greet at the home of Drs. Jed and Mary Tepper in Florence.
  
•  3:00 p.m., Romney visits to

  Spartanburg

  Regional Healthcare System
• 6:00 p.m.,Romney hosts an "Ask Mitt Anything" Townhall and BBQ at the

  Tega

  Cay

  Beach

  and Swim Club in Fort Mill.

Giuliani names new S.C. staff

The campaign of Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliania announced to new S.C. hires Wednesday.

Joining Team Rudy, according to a news release, are regional field directors Yonnick Hammond and Justin Charboneau. Hammond will focus on grassroots organization in the Grand Strand and Charboneau will do the same thing in the Midlands.

“Yonnick and Justin are great additions to our dedicated South Carolina team,” said Ryan Meerstein, Giuliani’s South Carolina Executive Director. “They will help us continue building strong support across the state, while promoting the Mayor’s message of conservative, result-driven leadership.”

Hammond joins the Giuliani Campaign from the office of South Carolina Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr. Hammond interned with Congressman Brown’s office before filling the role of Legislative Correspondent.  A native of Summerville, Hammond is a graduate of Charleston Southern University and previously served as a field representative for Senator Jim DeMint’s successful 2004 campaign.

Charboneau was formerly a field director for the Republican National Committee’s Victory 2006 effort in Missouri and was also a 72 Hour Campaign Coordinator in the 2006 cycle. He has extensive experience in local politics, having held leadership roles with the Webster University College Republicans as well as various Young Republican groups.

 

Bob Jones endorses Romney

Bob Jones III, the retired president of fundamentalist Bob Jones University, endorsed Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney Tuesday.

Jones told The Greenville News the former Massachusetts governor had the best chance of beating U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, who is leading among the Democratic presidential hopefuls.

“This is all about beating Hillary,” Jones said. “And I just believe that this man has the credentials both personally and ideologically in terms of his view about what American government should be to best represent the rank and file of conservative Americans.”

The endorsement is a big win for Romney, who because of his Mormon faith has had to win over Christian conservatives. They are a substantial and influential Republican voting bloc, and Jones’ endorsement should carry weight among them in the Upstate and beyond.

Romney has met with Jones and has had numerous phone conversations with him in hopes of landing his endorsement, said Terry Sullivan, Romney’s S.C. campaign director

“We’re excited to have the support of Doctor Bob Jones III and certainty can use his help to convey Governor Romney’s message to the voters,” Sullivan said. “He will be a real asset.”

Republican women will honor Hearn

Capital City Republican Women will honor Joyce Hearn at the Martha Edens Loyal Service Award Reception for her outstanding devotion to the Republican Party.

The reception is Oct. 25 at 5:30 p.m. on the 17th floor of the Meridian building in downtown Columbia.

Cost to attend the reception is $25.

 

For more information call Melissa Reese at (803) 348-1913.

Clinton launches second radio ad

   Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton promises to make college more affordable and improve early childhood education in radio ads that began airing Monday in South Carolina.
   Clinton, a U.S. senator from New York, says education is the "passport to opportunity" and the ad further says "South Carolina's children are struggling to get a decent education, a good job, a shot at the future."
   Clinton is leading in the polls. But there is still a high number of undecided voters.

Giuliani says he'd grow the economy

Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani Friday told a roomful of Columbia homebuilders and sellers facing a national housing slowdown that his policies would help keep the economy growing if elected.
The president, Giuliani told the crowd, can impact four things that affect the economy. He can cut taxes; reduce government spending; limit regulation; and prevent and punish unfounded law suits.
"That's the kind of society where more people are working," Giuliani said, "more people are making money, more people are coming out of poverty. They have hope."
Giuliani also said winning the war in Iraq and fighting the threat of international terrorism were critical to protecting U.S. prosperity.
This is the second day of a two-day swing through South Carolina for Giuliani.
After his Columbia appearance, he headed to Charleston for a 1:30 p.m. endorsement announcement. The Associated Press reported Friday that former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson, who dropped out of the presidential race earlier this year, would endorse Giuliani.

McCain in Columbia on Wednesday

U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., brings his campaign for president to the Midlands next week.
McCain will hold a town hall meeting at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Wildewood Downs Community, 731 Polo Road, in Columbia.
To attend, call (888) 440-5448 or rsvpsc@McCain08hq.com.

DeMint goes on S.C. radio for Romney

The campaign for Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney  launched its newest radio ad today starring U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint from South Carolina.

The add, called "Stop Spending," featuresDeMint (R-SC), a leading voice for fiscal discipline, according to the campaign, addressing the need for leadership that will change

Washington

and "end the earmark favor factory." 

"That leadership can only come from Governor Mitt Romney who has a record of fiscal leadership from outside of

Washington

," DeMint says.

To listen to the 60-second spot go to www.mittromney.com/Audio/DeMint.mp3

 

Edwards meets supporters in Kingstree

Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards pumped hands, kissed a baby and built a plate of barbecue in Kingstree on Wednesday.

The S.C. native met supporters at Browns BBQ after a campaign stop in Darlington before heading to Summerton.
In brief remarks, Edwards called for universal health care and better educational opportunities.

Sanford endorsement of Giuliani a rumor

Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani's campaign has been tight lipped about his stop in Charleston on Friday, as it announced the campaign has garnered a major endorsement.

Rumors swirled that Gov. Mark Sanford would be joining the former New York mayor's campaign. But Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer said the governor would not be making an endorsement this week. Neither would First Lady Jenny Sanford, Sawyer said.

Later the campaign verified the announcement will be of a  national endorsement, happening here only because Giuliani is scheduled to be in the state.

Graham touts tax, energy, Social Security reform in Irmo

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham spoke to the Irmo Chamber of Commerce Wednesday about looming federal tax increases and the need for energy independence and reforming Social Security.

Graham, a Seneca Republican, said the alternative minimum tax -- an escalator put in place to close loopholes for upper income Americans -- is now negatively affecting the middle class.

The senator said there are not enough votes in Congress to repeal the alternative minimum tax. Graham said a preferable alternative would be to repeal the U.S. tax code and start over.

On energy independence, Graham said S.C.'s economy would benefit more than any economy in the world if the nation committed itself to adopting alternative energy sources. Graham cited the work going on at Clemson University's International Center for Automotive Research and the University of South Carolina's budding research campus, which is focusing on hydrogen fuel research.

On Social Security, Graham said he would be working with U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, a Connecticut Democrat, on way to fix Social Security, which projections show will need large increases in funding to pay benefits for an aging American population.

Clinton to address Voter Education Project on Friday

Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton will speak Friday night at the fourth annual “Trailblazers Award Dinner” of the S.C. Voter Education Project.
Clinton, a U.S. senator from New York, will speak at the dinner, which begins at 7 p.m. at the Brookland Baptist Convention and Banquet Center in West Columbia.
U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., the House majority whip, also will speak.
The Voter Education Project is a non-profit civil and human rights organization founded in 1965, following the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Its goal is to help minorities register to vote and take part in the political process.
For more information or for tickets, call (803) 799-7000. Tickets are $50.

Sanford pans State House security plan

Gov. Mark Sanford has criticized $5.3 million in planned State House security improvements, even joking that he wished the complex were the target of a terrorist attack.
The money, Sanford said, could be better spent fighting violent crime elsewhere in the state.
“I have yet to read about any terrorist attack on a state capitol,” Sanford said at his monthly cabinet meeting. “I just don’t think it’s a high priority - though sometimes I would like it to be.”
Sanford quickly added “That’s a joke,” and the quip drew laughs from cabinet members.
State law enforcement officials are planning the security changes at buildings and the complex's 1,700-space underground parking garage.
Under the plan, the public will have to go through a security screening — already required to get into the State House — to enter State House complex office buildings.
Security checkpoints will be installed at all garage entrances, requiring a special transmitter to enter. Should someone try to run the checkpoint, a security "wedge" would pop up to block the entrance.
State Law Enforcement Division Chief Robert Stewart said the measures will deter all crime, not just the threat of terrorism.

-- John O’Connor

Edwards to campaign in "Corridor of Shame"

Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards will return to his native state on Thursday when he campaigns in five S.C. counties, including several in the so-called Corridor of Shame.

Edwards, a former U.S. senator from North Carolina, will speak to students and faculty at Darlington High School and take questions from students before heading to Brown’s BBQ in Kingstree to greet supporters.

Edwards will later visit to meet administrators and students in Clarendon County, the site of Briggs v. Elliot, the first Brown v. Board of Education test case. Edwards will also tour downtown Walterboro before headlining a Jasper County Democratic Party dinner.

Edwards will discuss his rural redevelopment and education plans.

Here is his itinerary:

• 11 a.m.: address students and faculty, Darlington High School, 525 Spring St., Darlington
• 1 p.m.: greet supporters, Brown’s BBQ, 809 N. Williamsburg County Highway, Kingstree
• 3 p.m., address students and community supporters, Scott’s Branch High School, 9253 Alex Harvin Highway, Summerton
• 7:30 p.m., headline Jasper County Democratic Party dinner, Ridgeland Middle School, 3776 Bees Creek Road, Ridgeland

Sanford pushes S.C. immigration reform

Gov. Mark Sanford today urged leaders in the General Assembly to make state-level immigration reforms a top priority in the upcoming legislative session.

Sanford, in a news release, said lawmakers need to pass state reform "before focusing on trying to convene a state-initiated nationwide Constitutional Convention -- something that has never occurred in the country's history -- to deal with the immigration issue that Congress has thus far been unable to achieve a simple majority on."

Senate Majority Leader Glenn McConnell told The Charleston Post and Courier last week he supports calling a Constitutional Convention to deal with illegal immigration.

"While I'd certainly commend Senator McConnell for, rightly, looking at ways to force Congress to act on this issue, we believe that the first step should be passing some version of the new state laws that are already being considered," Sanford said in the release.

Kershaw Democrats choose Clinton

U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., was the top vote-getter in a straw poll held by Kershaw County Democrats on Saturday.

Clinton, who is leading in the polls for the 2008 S.C. Democratic presidential primary, received 42 percent of the 228 votes cast.
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., was second with 25 percent, followed by S.C. native and former U.S. Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., with 19 percent.

U.S. Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., had 8 percent and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson had 4 percent. U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich had 1 percent. No other candidate registered at least 1 percent.

Giuliani in Greenville, Rock Hill

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani brings his Republican presidential campaign back to South Carolina this week for a two-day swing.

Giuliani, who is leading or near the lead in most South Carolina polls, will campaign in Greenville and Rock Hill on Thursday and Columbia and Charleston on Friday.

No other details of Giuliani's visit are available.

Thompson leads in S.C., says new poll

A new poll of S.C. Republican voters finds former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee leading the way with three candidates bunched together in second place.

The early October poll from Atlanta-based Insider Advantage gives Thompson 21 percent of the vote, compared to 16 percent each for former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

The poll of more than 1,200 likely Republican voters has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent.

Among voters 65 or older, the poll’s largest segment, Romney shoots to the lead with 25 percent. McCain is the only other candidate to see a bump, going from 16 percent among all voters to 17.3 percent among the older set. Thompson drops to 19.1 percent and Giuliani to 15.6 percent.

Obama back in S.C. for church

For the second Sunday in a row, Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama will attend church services in South Carolina.

Obama, a U.S. senator from Illinois, will attend 9 a.m. worship services Sunday at Redemption World Outreach Center in Greenville.

Unlike last week, however, when he attended services at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia and First Baptist Church in Columbia, he will address the congregation this week.
The church is at 635 Haywood Road in Greenville.

McCain goes to S.C. State to listen

U.S. Sen. John McCain visited S.C. State University Wednesday and spoke to a small  crowd of mostly Army ROTC students about military service, the war in Iraq and a range of other issues  -- such as college affordability -- that are important to young people.

The GOP presidential hopeful made his appearance in solidly Democratic Orangeburg, saying he wanted to hear from young African Americans, faculty members and administrators even though its unclear he might pick up any votes.

The visit comes less than a week after McCain and three other Republican frontrunners chose not to attend a presidential forum at historically black Morgan State University in  Maryland. That decision was heavily criticized by the other Republicans in the field.

Massey wins GOP run-off for Aiken senate seat

Republican Shane Massey will face Democrat Bill Clyburn on Nov. 6 in a special election to fill state Senate Seat 25.

Massey dispatched Bill Hixon in a Republican run-off Tuesday.
Clyburn, a sitting state House member, and Massey will compete to fill the seat left vacant when Sen. Tommy Moore, an Aiken Democrat, resigned this summer.

The winner will represent parts of Aiken, Edgefield, McCormick and Saluda counties.

Moore was the Democratic nominee for governor in 2006 who resigned to work for a payday lending association near Washington, D.C.

Obama to visit Rock Hill

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama will return to South Carolina on Saturday for a rally at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill.

Obama, a U.S. senator from Illinois, was originally supposed to visit the state Sept. 20, but had to cancel to be on the Senate floor.

Doors open for Saturday’s event at 7 p.m. The school is at 2503 W. Main St. in Rock Hill. It is free and open to the public, but the campaign suggests those interested in attending RSVP at www.barackobama.com.

Tickets from the postponed Sept. 20 event will be honored at the rally.

Clinton women's committee set

U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton's S.C. presidential campaign announced the statewide leadership committee for the Women for Hillary organization.

 

The 25-member leadership committee includes women from across the state, according to a campaign news release. The  committee will launch an organizational drive across the state during October, signing women up for the campaign, establishing local Women for Hillary teams and organizing house parties and other events.

 

Committee members from the Midlands include:

•  Richland County Councilwoman Joyce Dickerson of Columbia
• Attorney Zoe Nettles of Columbia
• Richland County Councilwoman Bernice Scott of Hopkins
• Community Faith Leader Willie Mae Jackson of Columbia
• President of Beta Beta Zeta Amicae group of Columbia S.C. Bessie Murray of Columbia
• Columbia College Young Democrats President Ophelia Doe of Hampton and Columbia

Clinton, Romney, Thompson lead in SC polls

Two new polls show Democrat Hillary Clinton continuing to lead the race for the S.C. Democratic presidential primary while one of the polls gives Republican hopeful Mitt Romney a major boost.

American Research Group’s poll of 600 likely South Carolina voters found Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, has vaulted into the lead for the 2008 S.C. Republican primary with 26 percent of the vote. In second is former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani with 23 percent and U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona third with 15 percent. Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee was fourth at 10 percent.

ARG’s August poll of the Republican primary showed Romney in fourth place at 9 percent. That’s a jump of 17 percent and event Romney’s state campaign director, Terry Sullivan, said it’s difficult to believe.

“The fact of the matter is that (as I’ve been saying all summer) polls this early are difficult to rely on,” Sullivan said in a memo to S.C. supporters. What’s more important, Sullivan said, is that polls reflect an upward trend.

A second S.C. poll, by Rasmussen, shows Thompson leading with 24 percent, followed by Giuliani at 20 percent, Romney third with 15 percent and McCain fourth at 11 percent.

On the Democratic side, Clinton, the U.S. senator from New York, continues to dominate. ARG has her at 41 percent to 30 percent for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois and 7 percent for former U.S. Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina. Rasmussen has Clinton leading 43 percent to 30 percent over Obama, with Edwards, an S.C. native, third at 10 percent. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson gets 5 percent from ARG and 2 percent from Rasmussen.

The ARG polls and the Rasmussen polls have margins of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.