EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Tom Davis Endorses Mark Sanford in SC1

Sen. Tom Davis (R-Beaufort), one of the most influential conservatives in South Carolina, will endorse Mark Sanford in the First District Congressional Race, Patch has learned.

The endorsement is not unexpected. Davis co-managed Sanford's successful races for governor in 2002 and 2006. He also served in Sanford's administration as senior policy advisor, co-chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, and chief of staff.

Davis has ties to another candidate in the Congressional race, State Rep. Andy Patrick, who he endorsed in 2010. Patrick also hails from Beaufort County.

Here's Davis' statement:

“The Republican Party is at a fork in the road. Will it truly be the party of cutting the size and scope of government and expanding individual liberty and economic freedom, or the party of compromise, one that is willing to increase taxes ‘for the good of the country’? I went to college with Mark Sanford and have known him for over 34 years. I’ve worked on his previous congressional campaigns and co-managed his two gubernatorial campaigns, and I served as his gubernatorial chief of staff. So I know from firsthand experience that his commitment to and record of restricting government and empowering people is second to none. Mark’s sort of unwavering resolve is in very short supply within the GOP ranks in Washington, DC, and it is why I want him to represent my congressional district in Congress.” 

The endorsement from Davis could be a sign to fiscal conservatives to back Sanford, as Davis is widely regarded as among the most conservative Republicans in the state. He also has strong backing from Ron Paul supporters and endorsed Paul in the 2012 South Carolina Presidential Primary.

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