Governor Nikki Haley Keynote Speaker at Gala and Awards Dinner
The South Carolina Federation of Republican Women held their 50th anniversary Biennial Convention at the Westin Poinsett Hotel in Greenville, October 27th through 30th. The Greenville County Republican Women’s Club hosted the convention.
Betty Poe, past president of the Greenville County Republican Women’s Club and current chairman of the Greenville County Republican Party, has served as President of the SCFRW for the past two years. She was recently elected Third Vice President of the National Federation of Republican Women. It has been several decades since a woman from South Carolina has held an office at that level in the NFRW.
Governor Nikki Haley was keynote Speaker at the Gala and Awards Dinner, Saturday night. She was accompanied by her husband. Both received a roaring reception and many hugs by the leading Republican women in the Palmetto State. Dozens of well-wishers left their tables and rushed to greet the governor and the “First Gentleman” in person. Haley’s message was positive, as she repeated her new slogan: “It’s a great day in South Carolina.” She talked about the new companies she has been able to bring to South Carolina and the jobs they will produce. The Governor joked that if anyone wants to know how we are doing in “South Carolina, tell them to “judge me on my lawsuits.”
Her most famous legal targets are the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the President of the United States regarding “Obamacare.”
Three Republican presidential candidates addressed the ladies during their convention. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich made a personal drop in during a Friday afternoon campaign rally for Republican Women seeking election to the state Senate and House of Representatives. State House members Wendy Nanney and Phyllis Henderson from the Greenville County Legislative Delegation also spoke during the rally.
Mrs. Callista Gingrich, the candidate’s wife, addressed the women on Saturday morning and signed books for an hour thereafter.
The Honorable Michele Bachmann spoke during the Saturday luncheon by way of Skype. She was introduced by her husband Dr. Marcus Bachmann, who appeared at the luncheon in person.
Candidate Herman Cain spoke to the ladies by way of Skype during a dessert party at the home of Steve and Geri Warren.
The convention delegates were able to meet and hear a presentation by both Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint, and visit the offices of both Senators and Fourth District Congressman Trey Gowdy in Greenville.
Chad Connelly greeted delegates with inside experiences defending South Carolina’s “First in the South Primary” during the Saturday morning breakfast.
John Warren, Son of Steve and Geri Warren, discussed his experiences as a US Marine Corps Platoon Leader in Iraq, and presented his candid views on the current state of affairs with regard to Iraq.
Third “District Congressman Jeff Duncan and Fourth District Congressman Trey Gowdy addressed the delegates. The Honorable Trey Gowdy was presented the “Strom Thurmond Award” by SCFRW President Betty Poe.
Mary Ann Taylor of Charleston was named Club President of the Year and Susan Dickson of Beaufort was named Republican Woman of the Year by the SCFRW.
Charm Altman of Charleston was elected President of SCFRW for the next two years.
