Nikki Haley is on course to be the next governor of South Carolina. That’s the view of Clemson University Political Science Professor David Woodard. According to the latest Rasmussen Reports poll of likely South Carolina voters,  Haley has a 52 percent to 36 percent lead over her Democratic opponent Vincent Sheheen, with 10 percent undecided. Woodard says Haley should be able to sustain that lead unless she commits a political gaffe. Woodard says from now to election day Haley could choose to run a passive or careful campaign, but Woodard says in his mind Haley should stay aggressive on the campaign trail.

Woodard says Haley has been successful in tapping into the energy and angst of the state’s Tea Party movement.

Early on in the campaign, Sheheen touted his experience in the legislature coupled with his ability to work with state lawmakers , while painting Haley as a continuation of Mark Sanford governorship featuring constant battling between the state’s chief executive and members of the General Assembly. Woodard says despite Haley’s perceived shortcomings as a skillful politician, she has the ear of the state’s voting population — one that is mostly conservative and largely Republican.

Woodard says with a sizeable lead, Haley should start preparing to govern which would include mending bridges and meeting with state lawmakers whose votes she will need to put her policies in place. Woodard says as the campaign moves through the stretch run to November it will be interesting to see if and how often Haley campaigns with fellow GOP candidates, especially those running for seats in the State Senate and House.

AUDIO: Clemson Political Science Prof and political consultant David Woodard says Haley will win governorship, needs to hone political skills to govern effectively 2:44