The Nikki Bomb
Sometimes all you need to know about a candidate is the reaction that they get from their enemies …
Take S.C. Rep. Nikki Haley, whose surprise announcement yesterday that she would seek the Republican gubernatorial nomination turned the Palmetto political world upside down.
News of Haley’s entry into the race resonated from local Republican blogs to the state’s MSM all the way up to CNN.
She even got a kiss on the lips from S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford, who called her “a true conservative and one of our state’s leading voices for fiscal responsibility and government reform.”
Sanford added that Haley would make “a terrific and inspiring choice as governor.”
Wow. Is there really any suspense as to which candidate he’ll be endorsing?
Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long for the state’s GOP establishment firms to start reacting to the “Nikki bomb.”
In fact, within minutes of Haley’s announcement, her website was yanked off of the web at the request of a consultant affiliated with one of her rivals.
Almost as quickly, anonymous emails and comments raising the issue of her skin color (Haley is Indian-American) and religion (Haley was raised Sikh, and is now a Methodist) began pouring into web sites.
Taking a more (and deliberately) condescending approach, another website affiliated with one of Haley’s opponents termed her announcement a “strange but minor twist” in the race.
Needles to say, it was anything but.
So, can Haley win?
Particularly when there are three well-known, “conventional” candidates in the race – each of whom has a huge head start on her financially?
Stay tuned for more on that question over the weekend …
Comments
By Freddie Guy on May 15th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Her ONLY claim to fame as a Legislator is the fact that she INVENTED transparent voting. We all know that before Nikki, that idea was NEVER discussed in SC? Wow, what a trailblazer she is… such a riveting individual.
Most everyday South Carolinians agree that we NEED someone who has the same ideals and motivations that our current Governor, Mark Sanford, possesses.
Good luck to Nikki!
FITS: PLEASE keep us posted on her every move! This is so exciting.
Fred
By Jonathon on May 15th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Rep Haley finally gives our state something to look forward to!!! I can understand the publicity, albeit shocking still.
By Kelly on May 15th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Niiki Haley is a CHANGE AGENT. She has the intelligence,common sense ideas, and leadership skills to make a great leader for South Carolina. She has my support 100%!
By SumterStreetBoyz on May 15th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Our next guvnah
By Lexington Voter on May 15th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
I’m 4 Gresham!
By Richard on May 15th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
The right message, great communicator, doesn’t back down, intelligent, and listens to the people. Oh and a Clemson Grad to boot!! It was a real pleasure to hear of her bid for SC Governor. GO NIKKI HALEY!
By Mab on May 15th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
I hate to admit this — but the best summary I have seen so far of this whole scenario is over on Brad Warthen’s blog (he has blocked me, like the Mafia tends to do):
“Tim” said of Nikki — ~Mark Sanford in a dress~
She has my vote.
By James the Foot Soldier on May 15th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
What is it with the inbreds??
Who gives a rat what her religion is – and what religion Mitt Romney’s is – what is the result of all the freakin’ Baptists running the State?
By Just the Facts Ma'am on May 16th, 2009 at 7:28 am
Anyone running as the Sanford clone will not get my vote. I want a leader with ideas on how to accomplish things — not just say no to everything and everyone.
By Brandon on May 16th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Foot Soldier James,
At the risk of being labeled an “inbred”…The answer to your question is already in your post, once again, the closer you get to the piedmont, the more it matters. Who would be so dasdardly as to raise the issue of a candidates personal religious beliefs? Anyone who does not want her elected. She needs to make clear her religious affiliation(s) NOW in order to make it a non-issue. I suggest a photo-op while taking communion.
By Crooner on May 16th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Agree with James that race and religion should matter not.
But NIKKI is a trailer trash name.
By proudofsc on May 16th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Well, here is someone who will NOT vote for N. Haley under any circumstances.
By Philip Branton on May 16th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
MY ….scrwny BACKSIDE !!!!!! (Fist POUNDz …POUNDz …POUNDz!!!)
UNtil she understands what a MEGA-WATT is …..and that “Its the E_N_E_R_G_Y…….STUPID !!) I reserve my VOTE…!!!!
As far as educated voterz are concerned across our state……until she gets her BACKSIDE up on top of MEAD WEST-VACO with a SIGN at the BASE of the FLAG pole on a breezy day that reads …….
“NO MORE DIESEL RAILED COAL BEFORE WE HARNESS SC NUCLEAR and WIND ENERGY …FIRST !!! Nikki Haley knows where OUR SC Energy is AT..!! ”
We know she is just dancin’ with the COAL dust stars…..!!!!!!
WE……ARE….FED…UP !!!!!!!!
We hope she knows how to ASK McConnell and Harrell about ………LEAD PAINT “PORK” for Charleston !?!
We hope she knows ….WHAT Ross Perot’s company knows about …WHAT !?!
We hope she knows how to EDUCATE …O-Burg ….Voterz about the TRUTH…!?!?!
Nikki………GET LOUD !!!!!
By Jeff on May 16th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
All the idiots who would not vote for her simply based on her background will have five generic white guys to choose from. So all their votes will be split and it won’t matter that much in the end. The fact that she is a woman with a diverse background will be more of a plus than a minus in the GOP primary.
By Brad on May 16th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Nikki Haley absolutely has my families vote. Her speech today at the convention decisively spelled out what a true Republican is and what one stands for. Others just talk the game, or at least try. Very impressive!
By Connie on May 16th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Back home from the convention and really enjoyed it. Nikki did a wonderful job and has a real message for our state. So glad she is running.
By Liberty fo me on May 17th, 2009 at 7:03 am
FITS Please help reveal the RINOS.The everyday person can not always see who these people are till ususally too late.I know nothing about any of the govenor prospects.But from what I have heard she might be the best so far…We really need some kind of Liberty stamp.Someone to rank candidates for all seats from a freedom/Libeterian standpoint.
By For real on May 17th, 2009 at 11:54 am
ain’t gonna happen…
By Philip Branton on May 17th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Nikki………..
You need to find yourself a good church secretary to RUN your campaign….!!!!! Do NOT stoop for a wink from the spit wadder…..Rod the BOD Sneezy !!!!! Its time to load up McConnell’s Cannons…..!!!!!
Nikki……are you going to STAND for the deaf ears from our state’s newspapers ….?????
Nikki……….are you going to let MIKE ROSE get press for being the INVENTER of transparency…??? WHAT ??? You need to promote the TEAMWORK this effort took…!?!?! How long has WHO been screaming for this…!?!?! Did “Wild Bill” Collins help Mr. ROSE in ANY way…!?!?! If NOT…..why NOT…!?!?! You are for TRANSPARENCY….right, Nikki ??
Nikki…..just WHO is going to run your ….”CAMPAIGN”..???? You need to get Mr. Witherspoon’s wife to run the PHONE bank…!?! She’ got …MANNERS !!! We hope you know how to fight a WAR …!!!!! Nikki, its time to STOP whistling “Dixie” and find a freakin’…BUGLE !!!!!?
Nikki we hope you do NOT fall into the Ann Petersen Hutto …PIT !!! Can you tell US just what press this lady has GOT since she snookered SCAR-tush….!?!?! Do not let the voterz ask…..”Where’s the BEEF”!!!!!!??
WE….ARE….FED…..UP !!!!!!
Its time to SADDLE up !!!! Nikki !!!! Time for being NICE ….?? Iz ..over !!
Do you know how to put bad little BOYZ in the corner for TIME OUT..!?!?!
Watch a few episodes of SUPER Nanny to learn !!!!!!! Bobby and glenn and ROBERT and GILDA need a buzz cut and a circle on the WALL to put their NOSES…!?!?!
These hoots represent ALL South Carolinians…..PERIOD..!!!!
By Alex Hampton on May 17th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
I am sorry but her speech was just flat yesterday at the convention. I did not enjoy any of the speeches by any of the establishment candidates because all they said was campaign fluff and they had no substance. I thought it was funny that Barrett has stolen several of Brent Nelsen’s ideas including the 3 E’s and the 46 county economic tour around the state. As far as I am concerned we need some intelligence in the governor’s mansion and as much as I like Haley and the accountability bill she is pushing right now, Brent Nelsen is the best candidate.
By Toyota Kawaski on May 18th, 2009 at 8:46 am
wow just what i wont Gov.Moonbeam’s blessing check his record from the last round of house races.Like i said she wont make it out the primary
By Gen. Longstreet on May 18th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
That Philip Branton character is scarier than Pickett was!
By scooter on May 25th, 2009 at 10:13 am
I do not care what religion she is, nor what background. I was pulling for her when she first ran and got bad press because of her name, skin color, religion; but since in the House, and her record is known, I will NOT vote for her. Another Sanford is NOT what I can live with. Sanford’s kiss and approval is her kiss of death as far as I am concerned. Watch out Nikki, you may throw away your political career.
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