TPM Editor’s Blog

Sex and Politics, Pt. 2
(or Get on That Horse and Ride)

Sex and Politics, Pt. 2(or Get on That Horse and Ride)

As we keep up to date on the bizarre story of the alleged affair between South Carolina gubernatorial frontrunner Nikki Haley and South Carolina insider political blogger Will Folks, there’s another interesting part of the story. Remember that South Carolina is quickly becoming the pivotal early GOP primary state. And if all goes according to plan and these affair allegations don’t do her in, Haley could be the Republican Governor of the state in 2011/2012. And that would make her a critical kingmaker for the Republican presidential hopefuls. So if you want to succeed Barack Obama in 2013, you want to be her friend.

Sarah Palin already pledged her support for Haley against the adultery allegations. And today, apparently not to be outdone, Mitt Romney came out on Haley’s side, stating, “I stand four square by Nikki Haley.”

Another interesting thread of the story is that Haley was seen as a long shot in the campaign until just a couple weeks ago when Sarah Palin came to the state, endorsed Haley and rocketed her into the Tea Party stratosphere and a big lead in the polls.

Josh Marshall

Josh Marshall is editor and publisher of TalkingPointsMemo.com.

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