How Important is the South Carolina Primary?

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “To repeal Obamacare,” says former House Speaker, Newt Gingrich. “This campaign is bigger than just one person, meaning President Obama, this is about the soul of America,” says former Massachusetts Governor, Mitt Romney. The battle for South Carolina is on. “We’re the third step in the process and possibly the key step,” says Charles Bierbauer, Dean of the College of Mass Communications and Infromation Studies at the University of South Carolina. Ron Paul is hoping to keep up his momentum after finishing second in New hampshire. “I think we made a positive statement again last night in New Hampshire and I think South Carolina is next on the list,” says Ron Paul. Jon Huntsman is making stops around the state, including Charleston over the weekend. Those like Texas Governor, Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich who have trailed in Iowa and New Hampshire, are also hoping to win over South Carolina voters. “This is about jobs, jobs for America,” says Governor Rick Perry, Texas. “To repeal the Dodd Frank,” says Newt Gingrich. Trailing is something former Massachusetts Governor and front runner, Mitt Romney doesn’t seem to have a problem with. Romney talked one on one earlier this week about his race for the Republican nomination. “South Carolina has a big say in who our nominee is going to be and that’s one of the reasons why we are here campaigning around the clock,” says Romney. To date, Romney is the only Republican non-incumbent to take both Iowa and New Hampshire. “You’ve got 1 candidate, Mitt Romney who’s won the first two and could capitalize here and you’ve got a host of other candidates who would like to stop him here,” says Bierbauer. That includes Gingrich. A recent poll puts the two in a tight race for South Carolina after Santorum appears to be losing speed. Negative ads between Gingrich and Romney have recently surfaced and experts say they could fuel votes. “Negative ads get the voter thinking, ooh is this the guy I really want to vote for?,” says Bierbauer These ads are no stranger to the Palmetto State, either. “South Carolina has a bit of a reputation for playing nasty politics,” says Bierbauer. All of this building up to January 21st, the day voters in the state will head to the polls to decide who moves on and who will drop out of the race.