A super PAC supporting North Charleston native and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott has hired two seasoned GOP political operatives to create a campaign that’s ready to go in all-important South Carolina if Scott decides to run for president, according to media reports.
The Opportunities Matters Fund Action group has hired former GOP state executive director Matt More and veteran campaigner Mark Knoop to set up the effort, The Post and Courier reported. But whether Scott would become the second Charleston County resident in the national race – former Gov. Nikki Haley is already in — is unclear, according to Politico. Two seasoned Senate veterans and former presidential candidates — Marco Rubio of Florida and Mitt Romney of Utah – are wondering if he has a chance, even as people cheer him on.
“Tim Scott is going to have a very appealing story and message,” Rubio told the Washington publication. “But again, sometimes the environment determines whether that’s what people are looking for. And who knows where we’re going to be a year from now.”
Politico also offers insights into a bitter rivalry between Haley and former Vice President Mike Pence, also thought to be running. Meanwhile over the weekend, the presidential field got more crowded as former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson threw his hat into the ring. He is saying former President Donald Trump, now under indictment, should drop out of the race.
CP OPINION, Brack: Time to double the cigarette tax
“Take a guess at the number of cigarettes smoked every year in South Carolina. If your answer is about 5 billion, then you’re in the right ballpark — no foolin’. Some 18% of South Carolina adults smoke, according to data from the state Department of Health and Environmental Control.”
In other headlines:
NCAA: Iowa, Clark topple powerful USC team in women’s Final Four. The USC Gamecocks, considered the big favorite to repeat a national championship, got outgunned Friday in a stunner as Iowa narrowly won in a 77-73 stunner led by Hawkeye standout Caitlin Clark. Meanwhile Sunday, LSU’s offense overwhelmed Iowa in the final.
MURDAUGH: Stephen Smith’s body exhumed over weekend. The body of Stephen Smith, who was found dead in the middle of a S.C. road in 2015, was exhumed over the weekend for an independent autopsy almost two years after renewed scrutiny brought on by the Murdaugh case. In other news, convicted murder Alex Murdaugh has been moved to protective custody in state prison.
TRUMP: New York, nation brace for consequential week over arrest. Former President Donald Trump and his campaign spent the weekend planning on how to deal with and capitalize on his arrest as New York prepared for the impact and consequences.
New book examines McGill’s nights of sleeping in slave cabins. Civil War reenactor Joseph McGill Jr. embarked on a one-year plan in 2010 to sleep in slave cabins in South Carolina. Twelve years later, McGill’s travels across the United States are chronicled in a book to be released in June.
Tens of thousands pound pavement in Cooper River Bridge Run. A look at the 46th annual race.
Charleston Co. proceeds to jail’s medical contract despite sheriff’s warning. The county is moving ahead with a new health care provider at the jail even though it faces opposition from the county sheriff. In other developments, the sheriff is calling for a federal probe about medical conditions at the jail.
Charleston named best place for outdoor weddings. The Holy City is No. 1 in the nation for outdoor weddings, a new report says.
Nexsen Pruet joins Maynard Cooper to form powerhouse firm. The marriage between the big S.C. firm and a bigger one from Alabama is now official. It has roots in a friendship built on rock ‘n roll.
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