Republicans rally for conservative cause

Behind all the huffing and puffing that make up politics and politicians, there's always a vision that propels a political movement.

For Democrats, it's the vision of justice for everyone, including the weak, even if it means raising taxes for more government programs.

For Republicans, it's keeping government out of the way so individuals can solve their own problems.

It's the latter vision that was heralded Saturday at a breakfast to raise money to help keep Republicans in office in Dorchester County, where Republicans already dominate.

"I don't think there's a more important time in world history to be involved in the conservative cause," Gov. Mark Sanford told about 350 people gathered under a tent at Wescott Plantation in North Charleston. "For every challenge that comes our way, there are always two answers. One answer is to say, 'Just give me a little bit more power and authority and control, and I can take care of this problem for you.' There's another set of answers that says no, the real answer lies in the individual and empowering the individual and maximizing the freedom of that individual so that they can solve that problem."

Elected officials, candidates and party loyalists came to support the vision, pay tribute to the men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, and shake hands with Sanford.

Read more in tomorrow's editions of The Post and Courier.