Romney Wades Into SC Primary
Ex-MA Gov. Mitt Romney (R) has paid back a prominent backer of his WH'08 campaign with a timely endorsement, his PAC announced today.
Romney is backing state Rep. Nikki Haley (R) in the race to replace SC Gov. Mark Sanford (R), 2 years after Haley helped Romney in the crucial SC primary. Romney's Free and Strong America PAC gave Haley $3,500 for her race.
It's the latest example of a WH'08 contender returning the favor for an endorsement 2 years ago. Ex-Sen. Fred Thompson (R) is on Rep. Gresham Barrett's (R) side, and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has sent a fundraising letter on behalf of AG Henry McMaster.
Only ex-AR Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) has not endorsed his most prominent SC backer in '08 -- LG Andre Bauer (R).
McMaster and Barrett are seen as the front-running candidates, with Haley seen as a long-shot. Haley was close to Sanford before the incumbent's political implosion, when she distanced herself.
Still, Romney's SC team is closer to Barrett than to Haley. Romney's general consultant in '08, Warren Tompkins, is guiding Barrett's campaign, while his '08 state manager, Terry Sullivan, is backing Barrett. Barrett's manager, Luke Byars, is a former top aide to Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) who sources said was instrumental in arranging for DeMint's endorsement of Romney in '08.
While most believe Romney is set to run again in '12, few GOP operatives think he has a realistic shot at winning in SC, where he came in a distant 4th in '08, even with DeMint's backing.
More good judgment from Mitt Romney: Nikki Haley is the best candidate in South Carolina, and one of the best candidates anywhere this year!
And Haley could be a great running mate for Romney in two years!
In reports coming in from S.C. Andre Bauer IS backed by Huckabee and Atty. Gen. Henry McMaster is backed by John McCain.
Romney had put together a forceful political team last time around in S.C., and came in fourth in the GOP presidential race. Mitt played down and dirty in the southern state, and no doubt will do the same again.
Mitt Romney the Weather-Vane Candidate
http://mittromney2012potus.blogspot.com/