Despite Haley Endorsement, Millions Spent on Attack Ads, Romney Finished Distant Second

It was exciting while it lasted, but now it is over. After a big win by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, the Republican primary candidates have moved on to Florida.

Democrats did not come out in large numbers and vote in the Republican primary in the low country as expected, giving Gov. Mitt Romney a disappointing loss.

The outcome was very disappointing for Gov. Nikki Haley who along with her husband had endorsed and campaigned hard for Romney. Our smiling, optimistic Governor was absent when Romney made his modified concession speech Saturday night. Haley detractors were rejoicing and hoping the weak support for Romney indicates a lack of support for Haley.

Gov. Rick Perry (R-Texas), presidential candidate, greets diners before speaking at Stax's near Cherrydale, Monday. Gov. Perry was introduced by David Wilkins, former South Carolina speaker of the House and U.S. ambassador to Canada under President George W. Bush. Gov. Perry was also accompanied by Katon Dawson, former chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party.

Santorum, Perry Courting Upstate Voters, Candidate Forum Friday Night

“My first big win in this campaign was right here in Greenville at your County Convention,” said Rick Santorum after thanking Gresham Barrett, his campaign chairman and Greenville County GOP Chairman Betty Poe for their “great, wonderful hospitality.’ Santorum won the straw poll at the county GOP convention last year as he was launching his campaign.

Barrett is heading up Santorum’s campaign in South Carolina. The former Third District Congressman introduced former Reagan policy adviser Gary Bauer, who described Santorum as “the Reagan conservative” in this campaign.

Decision Based on False Data. Unconstitutional Federal Law

It was predictable that President Obama’s Attorney General Eric Holder would block the South Carolina law requiring a driver’s license, or other picture ID prior to voting according to observers of election fraud in the 2008 presidential election.

The NAACP vowed earlier this year at a convention carried on C-SPAN to do everything in their power to block the requirement that voters show photo IDs in all states where it is required. In states where laws were already in effect they would go to court. In South Carolina, the challenge assured victory.

The Greenville County Council Male Quartet plus one entertained at the Greenville GOP Christmas Party. Left to right: Dr. Bob Taylor, Joe Dill, Dan Rawls, Joel Dill and Willis Meadows.

Allegedly Reneged on Promise to Pay Unfunded Primary Cost

Unless the Legislature and Governor act in January to increase the funds allowed for the presidential  primary set for January 21, 2012, county governments will be stuck with the bill.

Some county officials feel they were misled by Chad Connelly, Chairman of the SCGOP. In fact, Connelly informed the Greenville County Republican Party Executive Committee that he was raising funds to cover the cost not funded by the state and that county officials should not be concerned about being stuck with the bill.