It seems likely, but not certain, that the South Carolina state government will not pay to administer any presidential primaries next year. The Republican Party is the only party that was planning a presidential primary in 2012 in any event. This statement from the Republican Party’s state chair is couched in oblique terms, but it seems to say that the party hopes the state government will pay for its presidential primary. The letter also seems to indicate that even if the state doesn’t pay for it, the party will. The party charges a $35,000 filing fee to list a candidate on its presidential primary. Thanks to Bill Van Allen for the link.
I am predicting Haley’s cave in. We’ll see.
Hopefully SC will do what is best and forever refuse to use tax dollars to fund the nominating process of any political party (a private entity). If Republicans are truly against publicly funded campaigns then they must also be against publicly funded primaries.
In reading this release, the tone of the letter is that Republicans would rather spend the taxpayers money then spending their own funds. If access were a concern, then apply it to all parties.
THE GOVERNOR WILL VETO THE BILL.SHE DOES NOT WANT TAXPAYERS MONEY TO PAY FOR THE PRIMARY, ON THE FLIP SIDE CANDIDATE SPENDING WOULD BE WORTH THE VENTURE.