TV's Scarborough to bring show to town

Joe Scarborough is not only moderating next week's Republican gubernatorial debate in Charleston, he's bringing his entire TV show to town.

The South Carolina Republican Party on Monday announced that Mika Brzezinski, co-host of MSNBC's "Morning Joe," will join Scarborough to moderate the debate on Jan. 28.

Scarborough and Brzezinski will broadcast "Morning Joe" live from Charleston that day.

Brzezinski also will speak at a luncheon honoring the state's current and former first ladies on the same day.

"Having Joe and Mika's participation in these events is a great way to spotlight our party, our candidates, our state and Charleston," said Karen Floyd, chairwoman of the S.C. Republican Party. "This day will be an incredible kick-off to the campaign season for the South Carolina Republican Party. We are proud of our candidates and their consistent emphasis on lowering taxes, slowing government growth and promoting individual freedom. This debate will help highlight the principles we are all about as a party."

All four announced Republican gubernatorial candidates are expected to participate in the event.

They are Attorney General Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, state Rep. Nikki Haley and 4th District U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett. Sen. Larry Grooms, who participated in the last debate, has withdrawn from the race.

The debate will begin at 8 p.m. and be broadcast locally on WCBD. The first ladies lunch will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Both events will be held at Memminger Auditorium in downtown Charleston.

That day, the party also will hold a reception for GOP 1st District congressional candidates looking to succeed Henry Brown. That event will be held at Tristan Restaurant.

All three GOP gatherings are ticketed events. Tickets for the lunch and debate are $250 per person per event.

For more information or to order tickets, call the South Carolina Republican Party at 803-988-8440.