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Nine months to go!

The next gubernatorial election seems so far away, but GOP challenger Rep. Nikki Haley was quick to remind that the primary is just nine months away. And it seems Columbia is in full election mode.

Haley, a Lexington Republican, invited voters to "join a movement for South Carolina's future, a campaign unlike any you've seen before, a campaign that will be fun and different and at the end of the day will make you proud."

Haley, in an e-mail to supporters, highlighted new online video clips that show why individuals have decided to join her team, explained why she didn't sign the GOP caucus letter to request Sanford to resign and sent a reminder about her online fundraiser.

"Please contribute, volunteer, put a bumper sticker on your car - with your help we will give South Carolina something to feel good about again," Haley wrote in the e-mail.

For more on her campaign, check out her Web site: http://www.nikkihaley.com/

By now, you've heard that state Superintendent of Education Jim Rex has decided to seek the Democratic nomination for governor (www.jimrex.com).

He announced his bid Tuesday during a statewide tour that included stops in Florence, Charleston, Columbia, Orangeburg and Greenville.

"South Carolina needs a new direction," Rex said in a statement. "Our current leadership has failed, and the petty bickering, extreme partisanship and seemingly endless distractions have crippled our state government, which right now delivers way too little for what it spends.

"I am running to be a turnaround governor, and my mission will be to create jobs and a growing economy, a government committed to accountability and living within its means, a state committed to improving schools, and leadership that accurately reflects our values. For too long, our government has been distracted and defined by narrow special interests, and it's time to put our people first."

Meanwhile, Democratic candidate for governor and state Sen. Vincent Sheheen of Camden announced Tuesday support from education leaders across South Carolina, including Charleston County School Board chairwoman Toya Green.

The list of supporters includes teachers, principals, district superintendents and school board members.

Sheheen's father, Fred, was a small businessman who served as South Carolina's Commissioner of Higher Education and his mother, Rose, was an elementary school teacher and principal in the Kershaw County public schools.

Sheheen served in the House from 2001 to 2004 when he was first elected to the Senate.

"As governor, I will work for smaller class sizes, higher teacher pay, equity funding, earlier childhood initiatives, and ending the pressure to teach the test rather than the child," Sheheen said in a statement. "Strong public schools are vital to the economic prosperity of our state."

Sheheen's endorsements also include: Herbert M. Berg, superintendent, Lexington-Richland School District 5; Connell Delaine, chair of Darlington County School Board; Charlene McGriff, chair of Lancaster County School Board; and John Williams, superintendent of Chesterfield County School District.

Previously announced endorsements include: Melinda Anderson, chair of Richland School District 2 School Board and Darryl F. Owings, superintendent of Spartanburg County School District 6.

Check out his site: http://www.vincentsheheen.com/

Also on the GOP side, state Sen. Larry Grooms, a Bonneau Republican, create an official Facebook profile. You can check out his campaign Web site here: http://groomsforgovernor.com/

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