The Daily Troika: McMaster Wars Win DeMint In SC
SC AG Henry McMaster sent a letter to 10,000 Republican precinct officials in SC, disagreeing with Sen. Jim DeMint's letter of 10/1 urging GOPers not to endorse pres. candidates early and focus instead of the '06 elections. McMaster writes that the advice is "contrary to the history" of the state's primary.
McMaster, in the letter: "First of all, Republican Party leaders are smart, mature and sophisticated people. We are perfectly capable of focusing on the 2006 elections and, at the same time, working to organize a team to help our favorite candidates for president in 2008." He recalls that GOP leaders started working for Ronald Reagan "even prior to" 1976 and for Sen. Bob Dole "long before 1996, and that Pres. Bush "drew support" in SC "long before 2000." McMaster: " Press reports have speculated that some may be attempting to slow the momentum of a potential candidate not of their choosing. Regardless of the reason, it is faulty advice and only serves to weaken our preeminent role in national politics."
More McMaster: "All the potential candidates who have been visiting our State have actually enhanced our enthusiasm for 2006—and helped build our campaign war chests." He adds that Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is a "true American hero" with the "best chance of winning in November 2008." McMaster concludes: " My major point is this: I respect Jim DeMint. He's a friend. And if Jim hasn't decided whom he wants to see as our next presidential nominee, he's certainly entitled to be undecided. But that doesn't mean you and I have to be."
Luke Byars, DeMint's state director, said DeMint stands by his earlier letter. "We can't pick the best candidate if we are not willing to look at the whole field," he said. "If Henry McMaster has made up his mind, that's fine, but the Senator wants to encourage others to wait and focus their energies on this November."