GOP sets up debate weekend

COLUMBIA -- The S.C. Republican Party on Thursday released details of a weekend full of events surrounding the January GOP presidential debate in Myrtle Beach.

The "SCGOP Experience," scheduled for Jan. 14-16, will feature a charity golf tournament, a debate among candidates for the 7th Congressional District, vendor exhibits and a concert, many of which will be free to attend. The weekend culminates with the "First in the South" presidential debate, to be broadcast from 9 p.m.-11 p.m. Jan. 16 on Fox News Channel.

Chad Connelly, state GOP chairman, said the weekend marks the three most important days of the 2012 election. S.C. Republican voters will select their presidential nominee on Jan. 21.

The state voters have correctly picked the GOP nominee in every contest since 1980.

The party estimates that more than 4,000 people will attend the debate. Two tickets to the debate, admission to all of the events and a hotel room for two nights costs $500.

South Carolinians are expected to continue seeing a stream of candidates leading up to the primary. At 9 a.m. Saturday, White House hopeful and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and his wife, Mary Kaye, will stop by the American Legion Post 166, 116 Howe Hall Road, Goose Creek.