Dear Fellow Republican,

I hope this message finds you well. One of my top priorities as Chairman is to consistently communicate with you, so I wanted to send an update on events and developments since my last email. From defending the SCGOP’s “First in the South” Presidential Preference Primary to gearing up for special elections, our SCGOP team has been extremely busy. Please read below to learn more:

1. “First in the South” Presidential Preference Primary

In 2012, South Carolina will again be at the center of the political universe as we host the “First in the South” presidential primary, which is tentatively scheduled for late February. South Carolina’s diverse, informed voters are a bellwether for campaigns both large and small, given our state’s size and cost of campaigning.

It is no surprise that South Carolinians have picked the correct eventual Republican presidential nominee in every election beginning with Ronald Reagan’s 1980 victory. The world’s eyes will watch our state and, in addition to generating millions in economic impact, the primary will shine a positive light on South Carolina! Remember, “We Pick Presidents!” Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/58918.html

2. Governor Nikki Haley, entire Republican Congressional delegation sign “Cut, Cap, Balance” pledge

THANK YOU to Governor Nikki Haley, Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Jim DeMint, Rep. Joe Wilson, Rep. Jeff Duncan, Rep. Trey Gowdy, Rep. Mick Mulvaney, and Rep. Tim Scott for signing the “Cut, Cap, Balance” pledge (http://cutcapbalancepledge.com). In South Carolina we have a Governor and Congressional delegation whose number one priority is growing our private sector economy and not the size of government. Stopping the federal spending spree begins with a balanced budget amendment – and our South Carolina Republicans are leading by example.

3. SCGOP Silver Elephant Club

Fundraising to support our efforts is critically important and I am excited about the return of the SCGOP “Silver Elephant Club.” Can you help to find 2500 South Carolina Republicans to give $10 a month? These contributions will help meet the party’s continual operating needs – allowing the SCGOP to focus its fundraising efforts on the presidential primary and the critical 2012/2014 election cycles. The Democrats are way behind – and we need to keep it that way!

Give online at http://www.sc.gop/silverelephant

4. U.S. Senator Jim DeMint Announces 2012 Presidential Forum to be Held in Columbia on Labor Day

Senator Jim DeMint recently announced “The Palmetto Freedom Forum” that will feature the top Republican candidates for president. The Forum is being sponsored by the American Principles Project and will take place on the afternoon of Labor Day (Monday, September 5) at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The forum will follow a unique format, designed to allow invited candidates to engage in one on one, substantive discussion with three panelists including Senator DeMint. Read more: http://www.thestate.com/2011/07/12/1894616/election-2012.html

5. House District 10 (Anderson Co.) Special Election

Six Republicans took part in this past Tuesday’s special election to fill the seat of former Rep. Dan Cooper. Joshua Putnam and Hamp Johnson came out on top and will face each other in a July 26 runoff.  The runoff winner will be in great shape to win the August 30 general election, as Republicans have consistently won over 70% in the district. Read more: http://www.independentmail.com/news/2011/jul/12/hamp-johnson-joshua-putnam-be-runoff-house-seat/

6. House District 100 (Berkeley Co.) Special Election

Our prayers remain with the family of Rep. David Umphlett, who passed away on May 29th. Berkeley County Planning Commission Chairman Eddie Southard has filed for the September 27 special election and will face a lone Democrat. Our Berkeley County Republican Party is stronger than ever, as Democrats in House District 100 have only once reached 40% in recent years. The winning tradition should continue on September 27. Read more: http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2011/jun/29/filing-for-umphletts-seat-closes/

7. Grassroots Leadership Training Conference

Mark your calendar! The SCGOP will host a two day grassroots leadership training conference October 14th-15th in conjunction with the Executive Committee meeting scheduled for that same weekend. Training sessions on grassroots mobilization, fundraising, and communications will be conducted and they are sure to be informative and worthwhile. More information on the conference will be available later this summer.
In closing, thank you for your service to our South Carolina Republican Party. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I’m always happy to speak with you.

Proud to be a South Carolina Republican,
Chad Connelly
Chairman, South Carolina Republican Party
803-988-8440