June 20, 2004
DeMint at The Beacon
S.C. Congressman Jim DeMint is running hard against former governor David Beasley for the Republican nomination in the fall's Senate contest. As always in the upstate, all roads lead to The Beacon.
Standing amid a crowd of biscuit-munching supporters at The Beacon on Saturday morning, U.S. Rep. Jim DeMint launched his last big campaign tour before Tuesday's runoff election.The statewide campaign push for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, dubbed the "Sky's the Limit!" tour, is scheduled for 11 stops before a final appearance in Greenville on Monday night.
DeMint told supporters he feels optimistic about his chances. He said his poll numbers show him up 10 points over challenger and former Gov. David Beasley, with strong pockets of support in Charleston and Spartanburg.
The race has been marked by disagreement over issues of trade -- DeMint is a strong believer in international trade, while Beasley has said unfair trade practices are to blame for American job losses.
Though Roger Milliken campaigned for Beasley Thursday during a Beasley "meet and greet" in Spartanburg, DeMint said other manufacturers support his views.
"Most of the manufacturers in South Carolina rely on exports, and they know I'm right," he said.
Supporter Charles Snipes of Spartanburg said DeMint's personal characteristics impress him.
"I think he's an honest man, and I think he has integrity," Snipes said.
DeMint admitted he was working on just a few hours' sleep -- he had been up until 2 a.m. the night before -- but he hoped to recharge between stops, in the Coachmen motor home he had rented for the tour.
The motor home came equipped with a kitchenette, upholstered seating, a bathroom and a bedroom.
"I hope I can get some sleep," DeMint said.
We ate at The Beacon last month while back in S.C. on vacation. The food was still just as good as in college days and J.C. Strobel was still calling orders. The hot fudge sundae for dessert was about the best in the world.
A June 15 SurveyUSA poll of 527 "certain voters" shows a dead heat: Beasley 48%, DeMint 47% and 5% undecided.
Posted by Alan at June 20, 2004 10:43 AM