Trump, Haley campaigns shift focus to Palmetto State ahead of GOP primary
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WMBF) – The presidential candidates vying to be the Republican nominee have set their sights on the Palmetto State.
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley will be crisscrossing the state over the next four days as she hopes to win the Feb. 24 primary in her home state.
She hosted a meet and greet on Thursday afternoon in Columbia at Doc’s BBQ, which can be viewed below.
Haley then headed to the Lowcountry for a meet and greet at Forest Fire BBQ in Hilton Head Island. On Friday, she will be in Lancaster, and on Sunday, she will head down to Charleston for a campaign event.
Former President Donald Trump’s team of South Carolina allies hosted press conferences on Thursday in Columbia and Conway.
Several speakers held a press conference earlier in the day at the Rembert C. Dennis Building to campaign for Trump. Those speakers included South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and South Carolina State Treasurer Curtis Loftis.
Later in the day, Congressman Russell Fry, Congresswoman Nancy Mace and South Carolina state Reps. Case Brittain and Val Guest held an event speaking outside the Horry County Courthouse in Conway.
Fry, who represents the 7th Congressional District which includes the Grand Strand and Pee Dee, has been very vocal about his support for Trump, and believes he will win the GOP primary in just a few weeks.
“There’s a reason why former President Trump has over 100 endorsements here in South Carolina, compared to 14 for the former governor,” Fry said. “People want somebody who means what they say, and says what they mean and does the work.”
But not all of the Grand Strand leaders are backing Trump.
Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune has come forward in support of Haley and said she’s the one who will win in the long run.
“I believe that Nikki Haley is the only Republican candidate who can beat Joe Biden. I think the numbers prove that, but I think she is the right choice, and I believe that, or I would not support her and stand beside her,” Bethune explained.
The once-crowded field of GOP candidates is now just down to Haley and Trump. Trump defeated Haley in Iowa and New Hampshire.
The South Carolina GOP primary has become an important primary to candidates because, in past elections, the winner usually goes on to win the nomination.
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