The South Carolina Republican Party held its annual state convention Saturday, May 19th in Columbia. Three presidential hopefuls – former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore, and Kansas Senator Sam Brownback – made appearances. The state party delegates also heard from South Carolina’s own US Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint, as well as Governor Mark Sanford.

Half a dozen eager volunteers distributed wristbands, copies of Bono’s “On the Move,” pins, and fact sheets to attendees, with dozens of the Republicans attending signing up to become members of ONE. Staff and volunteers also talked with all three presidential hopefuls, as well as sitting Governor Mark Sanford and former South Carolina Governor David Beasley. Each was given a wristband, a sticker, and a copy of “On the Move.” All were very responsive and expressed sincere interest in the ONE Campaign.

Because of the heavy overlap of attendees, ONE’s presence at the convention complimented earlier outreach programs at the Silver Elephant dinner and the “First in the South” Republican Primary Debate. We will continue our efforts, and increase the tempo, by hosting additional pre-primary events across the Palmetto State in the coming weeks.