November 06, 2007
Postcard From An Early Primary State
With two months to go before the first-in-the-nation nomination ballots, voters in states not named Iowa, New Hampshire or South Carolina may be forgiven for feeling neglected by the candidates vying for the presidency. But try to look at it another way: At least you can ignore this very early election season if you want.
Those of us from early primary states don't have that luxury. Last weekend, I found that a trip back home was no vacation from my job. In fact, driving around Greenville, S.C., provided ample evidence that while I may report from Washington on campaign activities, the crux of the action is quite far away.
Take, for instance, the time-honored tradition of yard signs. They're not as high-budget as TV or Web ads (although I did spy a Mitt Romney spot or two when I turned on the tube). During election season, the durable outdoor signs line roadways as well as lawns.
Based on a very unscientific count, the two most active candidates in the very conservative upstate seemed to be former Massachusetts Gov. Romney and Texas Rep. Ron Paul. The candidates were about even on road signs alone, although Paul -- known for his resourceful supporters -- also had signs along the freeway that declared a "Ron Paul Revolution." However, many of the Romney signs were seen near Bob Jones University, where the university's president recently created a furor when he announced his support for the Mormon candidate. Then there was the lone sign for Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo, that predictably read: "No Amnesty For Illegals. Tancredo For President."
And of course, local businesses capitalize on being a must-stop for candidates on the trail. Last month, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani made sure to visit Spill The Beans, a "mix your own" ice cream and coffee shop. His choice? Strawberry with cheesecake and macadamia nuts. A worker at Spill the Beans said that even with Hizzoner's stamp of approval, there hasn't been much demand for that flavor combination. (In fairness, the trio was recommended to the mayor, not vice-versa.)
While the Republican candidates duke it out over who's the most conservative, in this district that voted 57 percent with President Bush in 2004 and hasn't sent a Democrat to the House since 1990, a billboard along the main road in town may have signaled a more liberal wind blowing through the mountains. A pro-gay tolerance group called Faith In America picked Greenville to launch its campaign for gay rights in South Carolina. They also launched a campaign in Iowa in May, and say they are planning similar efforts in the other early voting states of New Hampshire, Nevada and Florida.
Posted at 4:24 PM
Posted to:
Campaigns, Gay Rights, Mitt Romney, Republicans, Ron Paul, Rudy Giuliani, Tom Tancredo, WH 2008
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