April 15, 2007 - The attendees of the April 14th Horry County Republican Convention read like a "who's who" of local and state government. The event, hosted at Horry Georgetown Technical College, boasted keynote speaker Mitt Romney. Local delegation members in attendance were Senator Ray Cleary, Representatives Tracy Edge, Liston Barfield, Nelson Hardwick, Thad Viers and Alan Clemmons. State Attorney General Henry McMaster attended, as well as SC Governor Sanford's Chief of Staff Todd Davis. County Council members on hand were Carl Schwartzkopf, Paul Prince, Bob Grabowski and Liz Gilland along with Solicitor Greg Hembree and Coroner Robert Edge. Representing local governments were Mayor Marilyn Hatley and Councilwoman Doris Williams of North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach council members Randal Wallace and Philip Render and North Myrtle Beach Planning Commission members Jim Hulen and Katherine Jenerette. The crowd of more than 200 was in attendance to weigh the campaign promises of presidential candidates and to vote for the officers of the Horry County Republican Party. One hundred and forty delegates were present for the morning's convention and cast their vote for the officers. Chairman Robert Rabon was again chosen as Chairman, running unopposed for the seat. Candidates for Vice-Chair were Paul Grimm and Laura Best, with Grimm getting the nod from voters present. Executive Chair was a three way race, with Ralph Panzarino, Joey Thomas and Cleo Steele bidding for the spot. Delegates chose Steele for the position for the upcoming term. The morning kicked off, however, with a keynote speech by presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Rep. Alan Clemmons introduced Romney, categorizing his platform as that of a "re-energized conservative". The candidate, son of the late Governor of Michigan George Romney, comes to the race after decades in the business sector, including a stint as CEO and President of the Salt Lake City Olympic Organizing Committee. He also served as Governor of the State of Massachusetts before setting his sights on the presidency. Romney received several standing ovations during his speech, emphasizing his platform of a renewed American family, stronger education and health insurance for all citizens. He stated that America "needs a change in Washington. Right now, all they (the present administration) do is talk and bicker but nothing gets done. I want a stronger, greater American for my kids and grandkids. We have some work to do". Romney also touched on his other main platform issues, which include the economy, government spending, immigration and the erosion of the American way of life. Other Republican contenders for the presidential nomination were also heard from during the morning session. Each speaker was allowed five minutes to speak on behalf of their candidate before the assembly. Edie Cox called candidate Rudy Guiliani as "shining star at the horrible time of 9/11". She cited his successful work as Mayor of New York City, and stated that he is "as popular as Ronald Reagan, Elvis and Stonewall Jackson all rolled into one". According to Cox, Guiliani supports states rights above gun control and will appoint judges who will rule from the bench in regards to abortion issues. Captain Duncan Duane Hunter spoke on behalf of his father, Duncan Hunter, who is also a candidate for president. He categorizes his father as a "great conservative in this military bastion of South Carolina". Hunter has served twenty six years in Congress and was an Airborne Ranger during the Viet Nam war. His major issues include being pro-life, supporting the life at conception bill, the border fences along the US-Mexico line and the strength of national security. State Attorney General Henry McMaster took the podium to speak on behalf of candidate John McCain. He thanked attendees for their support and for the Republican delegates sent to Washington. He stated that McCain believes in "pro-life, the 2nd Amendment (right to bear arms), family issues and wants to cut taxes". He further stated that "it is a different world now having to deal with terrorists and the American people need someone who has experience in world affairs". A short impromptu speech was made by a local delegate for Mike Huckabee, who was not present. He was cited as being a former preacher from Arkansas who maintains conservative values. A straw poll for presidential candidates was taken in conjunction with the election of officers. Romney captured over 38.5 percent of the vote, with McCain coming in second with 22.1 percent. Guiliani won 7.8 percent and Hunter trailed closely behind with 6.4 percent. Huckabee trailed with 3.5 percent of the straw poll. South Carolina Republican party Chairman Katon Dawson took the podium next, urging state Republicans to step up their effort for the next election. Dawson stated that "the team in Horry County is responsible for electing Republicans". He then presented Rep. Liston Barfield with the State party's Person of the Year award for 2007. Governor Sanford's Chief Of Staff Todd Davis was also on hand to speak to the assemblage. He reported a laundry list of accomplishments by the Governor's office, including a reduction in the state's deficit and a budget that was passed by the State's house last week. Of particular interest to Horry County voters is the governor's promise to "address the wind pool insurance prices along our coast". According to Davis, the governor has "heard you loud and clear on this problem". New carriers are being recruited to write policies in South Carolina. The SC Republicans candidates' debate is slated for May 15th. The SC Republican Party's convention is May 19th in Columbia. Details about these two events can be found at the Horry County party's website.