Orangeburg County Republicans were urged to prepare for next year’s elections, and to not compromise when they select a candidate, during their convention Saturday morning.

Dr. Buddy Witherspoon, the party’s national committeeman for South Carolina, told the Republicans that with states desiring to move up in the primary rotation, he is under increasing pressure to keep South Carolina’s place hosting the first Republican primary in the South.

He urged them to be diligent in preparing for next year’s elections, and said the state needs to vote for a candidate that will, “carry the banner and not waffle on issues, and not compromise principles.”

Around 25 people gathered at the convention to discuss upcoming events, elect officers and prepare for the South Carolina primary early next year.

Hogan Gidley, the executive director of the state party, told the group, “South Carolina is a state that elects presidents, and the next president will be elected by South Carolina.”

Representatives for presidential candidates U.S. Sen. John McCain and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney spoke briefly.

Orangeburg City Councilman Trelvis Miller spoke in favor of McCain’s stance on the Iraq War, saying “We need to keep the war over there, and not bring it home.”

Ross Hutto of Neeses, who works with the Columbia Police Department, told the audience he is considering running for Orangeburg County sheriff as a Republican next year.

Romney won a presidential straw poll with six votes, with McCain finishing second with five. Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback and former Sen. Fred Thompson, who is currently mulling a White House bid, tied for third place with three votes each.

The Orangeburg County Republicans announced that the Jimmy Strickland Award will be given annually to an individual who has performed outstanding service for the party.

The following party officers were elected: Roy Lindsey, executive committeeman; Jim Ulmer, county chairman; Chester Palmer, county first vice chairman; Mark Cash, county second vice chairman; Chuck A. Henson, county secretary; and Larry Shuler, county treasurer.

The group also selected delegates to the S.C. Republican Convention. Those delegates will travel to Columbia and attend the Silver Elephant Banquet May 14, where conservative television personality Sean Hannity will be the keynote speaker. They will also attend the state convention May 19, where Gov. Mark Sanford will speak.

T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by email at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com or by office phone at 533-5516. Discuss this and other stories online at TheT&D.com.

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