SCGOP Chairman Chad Connelly congratulates Mark Sanford and Curtis Bostic, says “Lowcountry voters have rejected Colbert-Busch’s left wing agenda.”

South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Chad Connelly issued the following statement congratulating Mark Sanford and Curtis Bostic for making the 1st Congressional District Republican runoff to be held on April 2, 2013. “Mark Sanford and Curtis Bostic both understand that to get our country back on track, we must get our fiscal house in order. South Carolina would be well served by having either man in Congress. I also want to thank and congratulate the fourteen other Republicans who sought to serve their state and nation by running for the seat. I look forward to working with all of them

LIBERAL COHORTS: VINCE SHEHEEN AND MARTIN O’MALLEY

“I was proud to ask Governor O’Malley to join the SCDP for the annual Issues Conference … [His is] the kind of leadership we are lacking in South Carolina’s statehouse” –Sen. Vince Sheheen MARTIN O’MALLEY IS A CLASSIC TAX-AND-SPEND LIBERAL WHOSE TENURE AS GOVERNOR OF MARYLAND HAS BEEN DEFINED BY TAX HIKES. MARTIN O’MALLEY HAS RAISED TAXES OR FEES 24 TIMES DURING HIS TIME AS GOVERNOR. “The political group Change Maryland notes that he has raised taxes or fees 24 times as governor.” (Stephen Moore, “Oh My, O’Malley,” The Wall Street Journal, 9/5/2012) THESE HIKES HIT HIS PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES TO THE TUNE

Chairman Chad Connelly issues statement on Democrat’s attempt to expand Obamacare’s Medicaid

Chad Connelly, Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party, released the following statement today regarding South Carolina Democrats attempts to expand Medicaid from ObamaCare. “Today, Democrats in the South Carolina House of Representatives are attempting to pass a ‘temporary’ expansion of Medicaid. However, we know that there is no such thing as ‘temporary’ in government. This is a permanent expansion of Medicaid that will bust our state’s budget.” “While Democrats continue to insist that this permanent expansion is about South Carolina’s ‘fair share’ of taxes, they have been silent about what happens after three years? What, if after these three

SCGOP Chairman Chad Connelly asks if Vincent Sheheen sides with creating jobs or with Barack Obama?

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

Chairman Chad Connelly issues statement on 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade

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 candidates file for the 1st Congressional District Special Election

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

Chairman Connelly praises Governor Haley’s “bold” State of the State Address

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

Matt Moore joins Sen. Tim Scott as State Director

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,”

1st Congressional Special Election details set

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

S.C. Republican Party Statement on Governor Haley’s appointment of Tim Scott

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOUTH CAROLINA REPUBLICAN PARTY Contact: Matt Moore, Executive Director South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Chad Connelly released the following statement today after Governor Nikki Haley appointed U.S. Representative Tim Scott (SC-1) as South Carolina’s 56th United States Senator. “South Carolina Republicans are thrilled with Governor Haley’s historic selection of Rep. Scott. “Rep. Scott embodies our American dream. He is a man of faith, a small businessman, and a consistent voice for common sense reforms. We look forward to Rep. Scott carrying Senator Jim DeMint’s torch of conservative leadership.” ###