SCGOP says five candidates scheduled for Greenville debate
The South Carolina Republican Party has released more information about which candidates it expects for a presidential primary in Greenville next month.
On Friday, SCGOP Chair Karen Floyd announced a field of five candidates who are currently expected to participate in the Fox News “First in the South” debate on May 5 at the Peace Center for Performing Arts.
The candidates are former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Texas Congressman Ron Paul, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer, and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum.
The party said it expected more candidates to announce in the next month. To be eligible for the debate, a candidate must register a presidential exploratory committee, pay filing fees, and register on the ballot in South Carolina.
The University of South Carolina announced Friday that former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman would speak at its commencement address on May 7, fueling speculation that he might also participate in the debate.
Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour and Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann have also made multiple visits to South Carolina in recent months.
