HORRY COUNTY - If you live on the Grand Strand, you've probably noticed several Republican candidates for the 2012 presidential election have made stops to the area in hopes of getting your vot
Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann, and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich may differ in their individual ideas of how to run the nation, but they all felt the Myrtle Beach area was an important stop to make. Increased growth is part of the reason.
"We definitely see more in this election year cycle than I can ever remember seeing," said Coastal Carolina University professor Dr. Jack Riley. "It's absolutely unavoidable. You hit Greenville/Spartanburg of course, you hit the Midlands the Columbia area, you hit Charleston, and the Grand Strand now is a regular stop for Republican candidates."
Since 1980, South Carolina has been the state to win for Republicans in the primaries, because the front runner in the Palmetto State has gone on to win the nomination.
The primaries aren't until next year, but we've seen candidates try to sway voters since the beginning of this year.
"The reality of the situation is that if you don't get out there, if you don't get out there early, you're not going to catch on with voters, even with fatigue and all, you're not going to raise money," said Riley.
Voter Brianne Murren has been keeping up with each new candidate who enters the race. "The past couple years have brought a lot of major issues as far as the economy and globally, so I don't think it's too early at all. I think everybody wants to know what kind of change we could do, and a lot of people feel like it's not going in the right direction."
Riley added campaigning for the presidency is a full time job and much of it comes down to money. Shaking hands and traveling the country is expensive. And that part of the process isn't likely to change, despite voter fatigue from some like Mike Zibro. "I don't know about most people, but you know it seems like after a while enough is enough."
Zibro may already be tired of political speeches, but Riley said presidential campaigns never end. "We'll finish an election cycle, and it will start over. The fact is actually a number of people have wondered why so many Republican candidates have waited so long to go ahead and announce officially."
If you haven't made up your mind yet on who you think should run the country, Dr. Riley suggested it's best to watch and read a variety of news from several sources for the best picture of what the candidates represent.
Under the current Republican primary schedule, South Carolina's primary is set for January 28.
