South Carolina has long been the only state in which political parties pay for, and administer, their own presidential primaries. However, a bill is likely to pass to provide that the government should pay for them and administer them. Senate Bill 99 passed the Senate by voice vote on April 20. It was amended slightly in the House and passed the House on May 30, by 99-20. Now the Senate must decide whether to concur in the House amendments. Governor Mark Sanford says he is leaning toward vetoing the bill, but if he does, it is possible his veto will be overridden.

If the bill becomes law, all the qualified parties would be eligible for a government-funded presidential primary. That includes the Green, Libertarian and Constitution Parties. The bill provides that parties would still set the date of their own presidential primary, and sets up a state income tax-checkoff for voters who want to voluntarily help pay for the administration of presidential primaries.