June 6th, 2010

By Craig Peters
craig.peters@shj.com

Gubernatorial candidate Henry McMaster told a roomful of diners at The Beacon Drive-In on Saturday that the state “seems to have lost (its) way in the economic world,” but he would use his experience as attorney general to rectify that if elected governor.

McMaster made three official stops in the Upstate Saturday, starting in Greenville, then arriving in Spartanburg at lunch time and going to Gaffney that night. McMaster is one of four Republicans making the final push for the party’s nomination in Tuesday’s primary election.

Former Governor David Beasley (1995-99) endorsed McMaster Friday and said at the Beacon on Saturday that McMaster is the “type of candidate with the leadership to truly move South Carolina forward.” Beasley said McMaster’s commitment to South Carolina and plan for it will lead to better headlines for businesses and citizens.

Beasley told the Herald-Journal he had looked forward to this year’s campaign since last June, when Gov. Mark Sanford ditched his security detail and left the state for a liaison with his Argentine mistress. Beasley said he had not planned to make an endorsement but decided to do so as the Republican primary campaign developed a rancorous tone the past few weeks. …

McMaster said he’s proud to have veered away from “distractions” that damage the state’s “enormous possibilities.” He said the prospects for South Carolina are strong if voters “elect the right leaders with a strategic vision.”

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