The Republican candidates vying to take Governor Mark Sanford’s seat as governor will have their first debate on January 28 in Charleston. South Carolina GOP Chairman Karen Floyd says she is pleased with the list of candidates.
“We’ve got a great slate of candidates answering questions from Joe Scarborough and Mika (Brzezinski of MSNBC). I have to tell you we have a tremendous debate team, a commission put together,” says Floyd.
Floyd says despite Governor Sanford’s negative publicity since his admittance to an extramarital affair, the Republican party is still ready to thrive.
“We are absolutely stronger than ever, and I give credit to our current president because I think individuals understand that we are in a really important time. And, important in that we believe in Ameritocracy and others believe in something different, they believe in Entitlement. We believe you work hard, do the right thing and ultimately believe in the core principles of the Republican party and we thrive as a nation, and if we don’t do that the nation will not be particularly healthy,” says Floyd.
Candidates include: Congressman Gresham Barrett, Lt. Governor Andre Bauer, Representative Nikki Haley, and Attorney General Henry McMaster. Berkeley Senator Larry Grooms has dropped out of the 2010 race. Floyd says the debate symbolizes a new beginning for the year.
“Companies are interested in low taxes, reduced government, they’re interested in personal responsibility, they’re interested in this idea that government cannot answer for us. In the final say the Republican party is stronger than it ever has been, and it will be a tremendous year ahead of us and the debate is just starting it out,” says Floyd.
The debate will be held at the Memminger Auditorium in Charleston.
