CHARLESTON TO HOST DEBATE IN JANUARY

Charleston, SC – December 17, 2009 – The South Carolina Republican Party today announced that conservative cable host Joe Scarborough will moderate the state GOP’s gubernatorial debate, to be held on January 28th in Charleston.

Scarborough is a former Florida Congressman and host of the popular show “Morning Joe” on MSNBC. He recently authored “The Last Best Hope: Restoring Conservatism and America’s Promise.” The debate will take place at Memminger Auditorium in Charleston. Further details about the debate and the events surrounding it will be announced soon.

“The South Carolina Republican Party is incredibly fortunate to have five great candidates running for governor, and we are fortunate to have a nationally recognized figure like Joe Scarborough here to highlight them,” SC GOP Chairman Karen Floyd said. “Our Party has a winning message in South Carolina, one of cutting taxes, limiting government and expanding individual liberty, and we are looking forward to hearing each of our candidates weigh in on how they will advance those ideals.”

Charleston resident Mallory Factor is serving as Chairman of the debate and its organizing committee. Factor said that the event would showcase the candidates as well as Charleston.

“It is great that the first Republican debate of 2010 will be held here because Charleston is a microcosm of the whole state. The path to Republican victory in November is through Charleston.” Factor said. “It will be a wonderful opportunity to underscore the importance of the Holy City to our state.”

Fundraising chairman for the event is Nicolas Muzin, Corporate Counsel for The InterTech Group, Inc. Intertech is a holding company and operator of a diverse, global group of companies with a primary emphasis on technology driven manufacturing. It is the largest privately-held firm in South Carolina, according to Forbes Magazine.

“This will be a spotlight event for Charleston, and I know our efforts will find much support from the local community,” Muzin said. “I am pleased to team up with the state Republican Party for this event, and look forward to showcasing all of these candidates and our city.”

For the latest updates on this debate and the South Carolina Republican Party, go to http://www.imarepublicantoo.com

-###-