ROCK HILL, S.C. — As Rudy Giuliani wound up his stump speech at the Laurel Creek Swim and Racquet Club, he said, “If I can win in South Carolina, then we’re on our way to the nomination.”
How could Giuliani, a one-time New York City mayor who flaunts himself as a Yankee, find traction in a state so deeply Southern it was the first to secede before the Civil War? Yet just three months before the key early primary, Giuliani – a Catholic who backs abortion rights, gay civil unions and gun control – remains competitive in what is seen as one of the most conservative, Protestant states.
The key to that puzzle could be that South Carolina, long known as a Bible Belt state, has begun to change since the last contested GOP primary in 2000, some analysts say.
Long an inwardly entrenched state, South Carolina has had an influx of outsiders in the past decade – mostly Northerners heading south for milder winters, and Floridians fleeing north from hurricanes.
Many of them want lower taxes and frugal spending.
“That potentially adds to the Republican base, but it also adds to the moderate tone to the Republican base,” said University of South Carolina political scientist Blease Graham.
And in a state heavily invested in military facilities and tradition, the war in Iraq could become the “deciding issue,” trumping the key factors in previous elections, abortion and family values, he said.
On Thursday and Friday, Giuliani played to those sentiments in his 10th announced visit to the state.
“There are two things that hold us together as Republicans – a strong national defense and a strong national economy,” Giuliani told the club crowd.
Those “twin pillars,” as Giuliani calls them, leave out what the Christian right calls the “third leg” of the Republican stool – anti-abortion pledges and family values.
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GOP representative to retire WASHINGTON — Rep. David Hobson, a nine-term Republican from Ohio, announced plans Sunday to retire, the 12th member of his party to do so since the beginning of the year.
“I wanted to go out on top,” said Hobson, 71, who said his health is good. He would have faced token opposition at best in seeking a new term.
Hobson became the third member of the Ohio delegation to announce retirement. Rep. Ralph Regula said recently he will not run again, and Rep. Deborah Pryce had previously said her current term will be her last.
Eco-groups back Edwards, McCain CONCORD, N.H. — Democrat John Edwards and Republican John McCain picked up endorsements Sunday from two national environmental groups that highlighted their commitment to ending global warming.
Friends of the Earth Action said Edwards laid out proposals early in the campaign to reduce carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050, push for a global climate-change treaty and create 1 million new jobs by investing in clean, renewable energy.
Republicans for Environmental Protection said McCain was the only Republican candidate who understands the connection between conservative values and environmental stewardship.
Denver Post wire services
