SC Tea Party groups hold statewide convention

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina Tea Party Coalition is holding its first statewide convention in Myrtle Beach prior to this week’s Republican presidential debate. The coalition is comprised of grass roots groups from across the state.

The convention opens Sunday with an address by South Carolina U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint while Gov. Nikki Haley addresses the group Monday.

During the two days of events conservative speakers and authors will discuss a variety of topics including deficit reduction, a proposed fair tax and increasing racial diversity in the conservative base.

The convention concludes Monday afternoon prior to that night’s nationally televised Republican presidential debate.