Republican presidential politics is hitting South Carolina much earlier this cycle than it did last time around, with possible contenders already canvassing GOP strongholds, attending fundraisers and organizing networks of paid staff and volunteers.Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) and Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts have been the most aggressive, said GOP consultant Terry Sullivan, who engineered Republican Jim DeMint?s successful 2004 Senate campaign in the state.
Sen. George Allen (Va.) and Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas have also visited the state many times, although Allen must now concentrate on his 2006 reelection, GOP officials added. James Webb, secretary of the Navy under President Ronald Reagan, recently announced he would run as a Democrat against Allen, who is seeking a second term.
?The presidential welcome mat is out,? South Carolina GOP Chairman Katon Dawson said, noting that the fact that the race for the White House is wide open has generated a great deal of early buzz. . . .
with nine months to go before the midterms, Romney and Huckabee are already hitting GOP events in the Republican strongholds of Spartanburg and Greenville counties, and McCain and Allen are working behind the scenes to build support.
Too distracted to tend to his duties as Virginia's Senator, but not too busy to stump for support two states to the South.
[UPDATE: also working hard in Colorado (Hat tip to HL)]