McCain to fundraise for key 2008 supporter

By Reid Wilson
Posted: 02/26/09 04:59 PM [ET]

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is hitting the fundraising circuit to return the favor to a local Republican who proved a key supporter in the 2008 primaries.

McCain and many of his top advisers will throw a fundraising reception on behalf of Henry McMaster, the South Carolina attorney general who backed McCain during his run for president in 2008.The event's host committee includes McCain loyalists like one-time senior advisors Charlie Black, former campaign manager Rick Davis and former Republican National Committee deputy chairman Frank Donatelli. McCain will make an appearance, a spokeswoman confirmed.

McMaster was one of the few politicians who supported McCain in the Palmetto State last year. The attorney general was along for the ride when McCain edged out ex-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and ex-Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney to win the primary.

McMaster was the state party chairman in 2000 and did not endorse a candidate for president amidst that year's brutal primary battle that caused a years-long rift between President Bush, who won, and McCain, who placed second.

"Sen. McCain supports Attorney General McMaster. He was a huge supporter in South Carolina," said McCain spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan.

McMaster is exploring a run for governor as Gov. Mark Sanford (R) is term-limited in 2010. He may have to face Rep. Gresham Barrett and Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer in the GOP primary, though none of the three have made their bids official.

McMaster sent the invitation out on stationary that features the South Carolina seal, a common practice, according to Palmetto political watchers, though one that raises eyebrows nonetheless. The South Carolina Ethics Commission told The Hill there is nothing untoward about using the state seal.