This February, we celebrate the achievements of so many during Black History Month. Although few realize, the South Carolina Republican Party has the honor of many firsts in Black History. Each week this month, the South Carolina Republican Party will take time out to honor those who have helped shape our party. African American Republicans have played key roles in South Carolina history, but Spartanburg County Clerk of Court Hope Blackley wants to encourage young African Americans to become a part of its future. Born and raised in Spartanburg, Blackley grew up around Democrats, her parents included. She always thought growing up
Today we honor the achievements of Congressman George Washington Murray. Nicknamed the “Black Eagle of Sumter,” we remember George W. Murray as a fearless crusader for our party during an era where South Carolina politics did not welcome Republicans, let alone African Americans. Born in 1853 to enslaved parents, Murray spent his youth in Sumter County in the midst of the Civil War. Though his slave status prevented him from receiving any formal primary education, he was able to enroll in the University of South Carolina in 1874 because of the actions taken by the Republican state government. Though Murray
Today we honor the achievements of Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, the seventh African American to serve in the United States Senate and the first from South Carolina. In spite of the poverty his North Charleston family faced, Scott’s mother taught him from an early age that strong work ethic and faith in God can defeat any obstacle. Though his single mother worked 16 hour days to provide for Tim and his brother, he did not see his true potential until an encounter and eventual friendship with Chick-fil-a owner John Moniz. At the time, Scott worked at a movie
Today, Governor Nikki Haley joined with Governors Bob McDonnell (VA) and Pat McCrory (NC) in sending a letter to Sally Jewell, President Obama’s designee for Interior Secretary, concerning the Obama Administration’s opposition to energy exploration and production in the Outer Continental Shelf of the Atlantic Ocean. Chairman Chad Connelly said, “Governor Haley’s commitment to creating jobs in South Carolina is second to none. As she works to also make energy more affordable, and protect our state’s natural resources, her liberal opponent-in-waiting has been silent.” Chairman Connelly continued, “If Vincent Sheheen was Governor, would he join our neighbors in North Carolina
Columbia, S.C. – Today, South Carolina Republican Chairman Chad Connelly issued the following statement on the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. “Some anniversaries are celebrated with happiness and celebration; some are filled with sadness and regret. Today, Republicans in South Carolina mourn the loss of over 54 million innocent children, who for 40 years have been deprived of their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness by the Roe vs. Wade decision. As we consider the lives that could have been, may we recommit ourselves to the idea that every life is sacred and has
16 Republican candidates have filed in the special election for South Carolina’s 1st U.S. Congressional District. The candidates will meet in the March 19, 2013 Republican Primary. A runoff (if necessary) would be held on April 2, 2013 and the general election is May 7, 2013. “We have a strong field of candidates to replace our Republican rockstar, Sen. Tim Scott. After all votes are cast, our party will stand united behind the primary winner. I have no doubt that a South Carolina Republican will continue to represent the 1st district in Congress,” said SCGOP Chairman Chad Connelly. Republican candidates
Columbia, S.C. – Chad Connelly, Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party, issued the following statement on Governor Nikki Haley’s State of the State Address: “Over the past two years, Governor Haley and Republicans in the state legislature have worked together to create tens-of-thousands of jobs, and make our state a better place to live, work and do business. Tonight, Governor Haley unveiled a bold plan to continue to move South Carolina forward. From restructuring government to continuing to create more jobs to pushing for meaningful healthcare and education reforms, our Governor is leading on issues that affect every citizen
Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Chad Connelly today praised Senator Tim Scott’s selection of SCGOP Executive Director Matt Moore as his State Director. “Senator Tim Scott has made an outstanding choice in Matt Moore as State Director. I could not be prouder,” said Chairman Connelly. “Our party is undoubtedly stronger due to Matt’s steady guidance. He has a true passion for improving our state and nation.” Moore will begin his work as State Director next week. “I am sincerely blessed by this new opportunity to serve Senator Scott and South Carolinians. I cannot wait to get started,”
Columbia, S.C. – Earlier this morning, Governor Nikki R. Haley signed an Executive Order scheduling a Special Election in the 1st Congressional District. The seat became vacant after Governor Haley appointed Tim Scott to the United States Senate. Republican candidates will file in Columbia at the S.C. Republican Party headquarters (1913 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201). Questions should be directed to 803-988-8440. Important Dates: January 18 at noon – Filing for Office opens (at SCGOP in Columbia) January 28 at noon – Filing for Office closes (at SCGOP in Columbia) March 19 – Party Primary April 2 – Party Primary
November 7, 2012 Good afternoon, I know you are probably as disappointed as I am today with the outcome of last night’s Presidential Election. When we work so hard and sacrifice so much for something we strongly believe in and come up short, it’s very tough. I am convinced that South Carolina Republicans did all we could to help our Republican team win not only here in South Carolina but across the United States. With your help, our South Carolina Republican Party added to its conservative majorities in the South Carolina House and Senate and we won most of our
