With three weeks left to go before the primary, State Rep. Nikki Haley has passed longtime front Atty. Gen. Henry McMaster for the lead in South Carolina's republican gubernatorial primary. haley has moved from fourth place in March.Haley has been given a big boost with endorsements by Sarah Palin and still popular former first lady Jenny Sanford. Some pundits speculate the two endorsements have solidified the Tea party’s support for Haley--she is definitely not an establishment candidate--and a sense of sisterhood push to make her the first female governor of South Carolina.
I am quite pleased at this turn of events, but still not holding my breath. While Haley is in the lead with 30%, there are still 18% undecided. It is inconceivable they will all swing her way, so a ru off between the top vote getters is virtually inevitable.
Such a contest would likely be between Haley and McMaster. McMaster has been a player in SCGOP politics for decades. Supporters for the likely losing primary candidates US Rep. Gresham Barrett and Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer would probably back him when it is all said and done.
That is not a certainty, mind you. The Tea Party is very powerful here in Jim DeMint’s backyard. Every candidate has been jockeying for their support. Thanks to Palin, they are coming over to Haley in droves. Barrett and Bauer may notice the shifting tide and support Haley. Then again, South Carolina pols are not famous for being quick on the uptake.
Whatever happens, the primary will decide two things. One, who is dominate in the state, the GOP Establishment or theTea Party. Two, the next governor of South Carolina. The Democrat gubernatorial candidates are as anonymous as NHL players.
