NEWBERRY, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina's Republican gubernatorial candidates are looking to prove their conservative credentials during a debate that included even a few kind words for embattled Gov. Mark Sanford.
Candidates said Tuesday night they want to lower taxes, increase school choice, bring jobs to the state and keep the Confederate flag flying on Statehouse grounds. Paramount was getting South Carolina's sputtering economy back on track.
Several candidates said for all his faults, Sanford's stand against federal stimulus money and in favor of limited spending were laudable traits.
Still, they made it clear they want to distance themselves from the scandal-plagued governor who has been questioned since his five-day trip to visit his mistress in Argentina in June.
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