Read more: Local, State, Politics, Mark Sanford
A new poll released this week shows many South Carolinians have yet to decide which candidate they support to occupy the Statehouse as the next governor.
/ File Photo
A new poll published this week by Real Clear Politics shows many South Carolinians have yet to decide who they will vote for next year to replace Gov. Mark Sanford.
The poll was taken December 16 by Insider Advantage/Majority Opinion. It included 371 Republicans and 306 Democrats.
Attorney General Henry McMaster and Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer tied for the early lead on the Republican side with 22 percent of the vote apiece. State Representative Nikki Haley finished in third place with 9 percent . Congressman Gresham Barrett and State Senator Larry Grooms both polled in single digits.
Republican Candidates
- Henry McMaster – 22%
- Andre Bauer – 22%
- Nikki Haley – 13%
- Gresham Barrett – 9%
- Larry Grooms – 6%
- No opinion – 28%
State Superintenent of Education Jim Rex is the early leader among Democrats with 21 percent of the vote. Columbia lobbyist Dwight Drake finished second at 15 percent. State Senators Vincent Sheheen and Robert Ford, along with Charleston attorney Mullins McLeod, each polled in single digits.
Democratic Candidates
- Jim Rex – 21%
- Dwight Drake – 15%
- Vincent Sheheen – 8%
- Robert Ford – 6%
- Mullins McLeod – 6%
- No opinion – 44%
With nearly a year to go before the election, many South Carolinians have yet to make a firm choice of who they support. More than 40 percent of Democrats and nearly a third of Republicans said they had yet to decide on a candidate.
