Fowler: Dawson Needs to Seek Alternate Way to Rebuild GOP Brand

South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler released the following statement today in response to former state GOP Chair Katon Dawson's
plan to rebuild the Republican Party's image using $1.7 million from Governor Mark Sanford's election account.

"Again this week Katon Dawson is offering Mark Sanford the chance to buy forgiveness from his fellow Republicans by making a large donation to their party. The governor should gain redemption with all South Carolinians, not just his fellow partisans, by finally getting engaged in the job he was elected to do-bringing jobs to our state and strengthening our public schools. Surely even the Republican Party that scolded Sanford instead of asking him to resign doesn't place campaign cash over South Carolina values," said Fowler.

Republican Liberty Caucus Encourages Mark Sanford to Pursue Presidency

The National Board of the Republican Liberty Caucus has passed a resolution encouraging South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford to seek the Republican nomination for U.S. President in 2012.

“Governor Sanford had an outstanding record in Congress, often voting his conscience on tough issues rather than just following the party line,” said RLC National Chairman Dave Nalle. “In Washington, Sanford opposed pork barrel projects even when they benefited his own district and he honored his term limits pledge and stepped down in 2000. In his two terms as governor of South Carolina, Sanford has shown independence and creativity and acted as a vigilant guardian of taxpayer interests,” said Nalle.

Sanford was the first U.S. Governor to reject a portion of the federal stimulus money earmarked for his state last March. Sanford also worked out a compromise with state legislators to accept federal funds, provided that the politicians eliminated the state’s debts.

Mark Sanford has consistently been one of the strongest voices in the nation for fiscal and individual responsibility. At a Cato Institute event in 2008, Governor Sanford explained that “there's a battle line in our society: with government on one side and liberty – the hallmark of the American experiment – on the other.”

He also earned the endorsement of the Republican Liberty Caucus when running for Congress and Governor. Consistently ranked at the top of the RLC's “Liberty Index” – which began tracking votes in Congress on social and economic liberty in 1991 – Sanford's overall rating was 82%.

“The nation needs a champion of fiscal responsibility and individual liberty now more than ever,” added National RLC Secretary Aaron Biterman, and “Sanford has demonstrated his commitment to those ideals and an ability to communicate them to voters.”

Although it is still early in the process and Governor Sanford has not yet announced his intentions for 2012, the Republican Liberty Caucus urges its members and other concerned citizens to encourage Governor Mark Sanford to seek the Republican nomination for U.S. President in 2012.

Founded in 1991, the Republican Liberty Caucus exists to promote individual rights, limited government, and free enterprise within the Republican Party by promoting those ideals among Party officials and its various organizations, identifying and supporting candidates sympathetic with them, and promoting Caucus membership among Republican Party registrants, officials, and officeholders.

Newt Gingrich to visit SC GOP

From Palmetto Scoop

Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich will be in Columbia this week, sources with the South Carolina House Republican Caucus have confirmed.

The rumored presidential candidate will reportedly meet with House GOP leaders at a private luncheon event.

Officials with the caucus confirmed that Gingrich would, in fact, be adress the group, but could not specify a time or location.

Gingrich served as the Speaker of the House from 1995-1999. He was named TIME magazine’s person of the year in 1995.

McMaster to Address Myrtle Beach GOP Women’s Club

Attorney General Henry McMaster will address the Myrtle Beach Republican Women’s Club on Tuesday, March 10 at 11:30 a.m. The meeting will take place at: Dunes Golf and Ocean Club, 9000 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach.

McMaster to Address Myrtle Beach GOP Club

Attorney General Henry McMaster will address the Myrtle Beach Republican Club on Monday, February 16 at 12 noon. The meeting will take place at: Damon’s Oceanfront Restaurant, 2985 S. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach.

McMaster to Address Florence County GOP

Attorney General Henry McMaster will address the Florence County Republican Party on Monday, February 9 at 7:00 pm. The meeting will take place at: Horne’s Restaurant, 831 South Irby Street, Florence, SC 29501.

McMaster to Address Spartanburg GOP

Attorney General Henry McMaster will address the Spartanburg GOP First Monday Club meeting today, February 2 at 12 noon. The meeting will take place at: Yanni’s, 2600 East Main Street, Spartanburg.

McMaster to Address Spartanburg County GOP

Attorney General Henry McMaster will address the Spartanburg County GOP meeting at 7p.m. tonight at Country Hearth Inn, 200 International Drive, Spartanburg (at I-26 and Business I-85).

McMaster to Speak to Charleston County GOP

Attorney General Henry McMaster will address the Charleston County GOP meeting tonight, January 12, at 7 pm, North Charleston City Hall Council Chambers, 4900 Lacross Road, North Charleston, SC 29406.