August 03, 2006
2008 Presidential News And Notes
1. First In The Nation: The South Carolina Republican Party wants to host the first presidential forum of the '08 cycle. The party announced today that Republican presidential candidates will gather in Columbia on May 15, 2007 for a televised debate. State party ED Scott Malyerck has had what he called "informal discussions" with advisers to major potential presidential candidates and called their responses "great." A number of television networks, he said, are eager to host the debate. South Carolina hosted the first-in-the-nation debate in 2003, when ABC's George Stephanopoulos moderated a forum of Democrats. The GOP's debate will take place at the Koger Center, a 1500 seat theatre on the campus of the University of South Carolina. (Hotline)
2. Not A Coincidence: On the day the Republican National Committee summer meeting begins in Minnesota, Sen. John McCain announces three major gets for his Straight Talk America PAC. Phillip Handy, who co-chaired all of Jeb Bush's gubernatorial campaigns, will be an adviser. SCers Charlie Condon and Bob McAlister will co-chair McCain's PAC in that state; both have ties to the '00 Bush campaign. Condon, a strong conservative, was SC's AG from '95-'03 and lost GOP primaries for GOV in '02 and SEN in '04. McAlister is one of the best connected and most respected GOPers in South Carolina. Handy is one of Jeb Bush's closest friends and allies. He administers the family's private trust. Yesterday, McCain announced that Lance Tarrance, Jr. would join the PAC as senior strategist. Tarrance is a former partner at RT Strategies. (Hotline)
3. Footprint: Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) has asked his PAC to fund and train 50 staffers who'll serve on congressional campaigns and at state parties across the country. 20 will be in Iowa alone. (Hotline)
4. What Are We Missing?:Bob Novak says Sen. Sam Brownback is his choice for '08?
5. He's A Michigander: Note to Mr. Norquist: Mitt Romney grew up in Michigan, not Utah.
Posted at 03:34 PM
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