South Carolina GOP Executive Director Joel Sawyer has resigned in order head up Jon Huntsman’s presidential campaign effort in the state.
In a letter to the committee members, Sawyer wrote that Huntsman is the candidate with the best chance to defeat President Obama.
“[T]here is one potential candidate who, for me, stands above the rest and who truly represents the best chance for Republicans next November – and that is Jon Huntsman,” wrote Sawyer.
“Jon is someone you may not know much about right now, but I suspect as you learn more about him you will also come to believe he is the right person for the nomination, and the right person to challenge Barack Obama in 2012,” continued Sawyer in his letter.
Read entire letter below:
Dear Executive Committee Members
Effective today, I am stepping down as Executive Director of the SCGOP, and moving on to an exciting new chapter. I will tell you more on that later, but am writing today – more than anything – to thank you for the privilege of serving you and working with you over these past couple of years.
The passion, drive, and dedication I’ve seen from this Committee have been truly inspirational. You’ve taken countless hours away from your jobs and your families for no other reason than the fact that you believe in the ideals we stand for as a Party.
Our work together has certainly borne fruits! We swept Constitutional Offices for the first time ever, replaced John Spratt with conservative champion Mick Mulvaney, and achieved a record majority in the state House of Representatives. It’s truly a great time to be a Republican in South Carolina.
But even as we celebrate these victories, we all know the true test is to come – taking on Barack Obama and taking back the White House in 2012.
Like many of you, I have had the good fortune to meet many of the potential Republican candidates as they have traveled through South Carolina. And contrary to what the liberal pundits in the media say, I couldn’t be prouder of the field we are offering up to take on the Obama political machine. Each brings a unique perspective, background, and skill set to the field, and I look forward to the national debate on who will serve as our Republican nominee.
But that being said, there is one potential candidate who, for me, stands above the rest and who truly represents the best chance for Republicans next November — and that is Jon Huntsman.
Beginning today, I have signed on to lead Jon Huntsman’s efforts in South Carolina, should he decide to run for President – and I will be in touch with you in the coming months in hopes that you will do the same and join me in that effort!
Jon is someone you may not know much about right now, but I suspect as you learn more about him you will also come to believe he is the right person for the nomination, and the right person to challenge Barack Obama in 2012.
As governor of Utah, he cut taxes repeatedly, and Utah’s economy reaped the dividends. While the rest of the country was losing jobs, Huntsman’s fiscally-conservative approach led to an employment increase of 3.8 percent in Utah during his tenure.
During this time, Utah was named both a top state to do business, and best managed state in the country.
He has a consistent record on protecting the unborn, having signed three key pro-life bills into law as governor.
As a former Ambassador to both Singapore and China, he understands firsthand the challenge of competing in the global economy and protecting America’s status as the world economic leader.
And, he’s a life-long conservative, having worked in the Reagan White House where he was inspired by the same principles that still guide him today.
If you have a moment, take some time to check out the below articles about Jon:
Huntsman’s record makes him competitive
“You can call me Jon”
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2011/05/you-can-call-me-jon-huntsman-meets-the-granite-state.html
New Hampshire, meet Jon Huntsman
Huntsman draws contrast with ex-boss
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/20/diplomatic-huntsman-draws-contrasts-with-ex-boss/
No candidate has ever won the Republican nomination without winning South Carolina, and as such we have a duty as South Carolina Republicans to lead the nation in selecting the conservative standard-bearer for our Party. I hope you will join a growing number of South Carolinians who believe Jon Huntsman is the right person for the job.
Take care, and hope to talk soon.
Joel