South Carolina: Democrats Unifying

With multiple Republican challengers announcing their candidacies against Gov. Henry McMaster (R), the state’s Lt. Governor who ascended to the chief executive’s position when then-Gov. Nikki Haley (R) was appointed as US Ambassador to the United Nations, the Democratic nomination could become more valuable.  Therefore, more speculation is swirling about who will enter the party battle next year.  One key state Representative with gubernatorial aspirations indicated yesterday that he would step aside for a colleague.  State Rep. Justin Bamberg (D-Bamberg County) said that if state Rep. James Smith (D-Richland County) enters the gubernatorial race, he would not run himself, and instead support the latter man. 
 
The Republicans will be favored to hold the seat in this strongly conservative state, but the GOP campaign involving Gov. McMaster and his opponents will certainly be a contest worth watching.  A unified Democratic Party is a must if their eventual nominee is to have any chance of scoring an upset victory.

--Jim Ellis