Political Roundup - Haley, Graham, DeMint and Gowdy

In concert with our ongoing coverage of the Republican Presidential Primaries, each Monday Mauldin Patch will take a look back at the last week of news for South Carolina's governor (Nikki Haley) its senators (Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint) and its congressman, Trey Gowdy who represents South Carolina's 4th district, of which Mauldin is part.

Haley

Governor Nikki Haley signed the “Cut, Cap and Balance” pledge along with the governors of Texas, Alaska and Utah.

Haley also sent a letter to Congress requesting that funds dedicated to maintaining Charleston Harbor not to be diverted for other projects. More on this issue from the Post and Courier here.

Haley was also the subject of two high-profile features. In Politico, a number of state Republicans express dissatisfaction with Haley’s governing style. And the New York Times looks at Haley’s first six months as governor as well as her national prospects.

Graham

Senator Lindsey Graham was in Afghanistan on July 4^th to visit troops stationed there. A short video with Graham is viewable here.

The Senator appeared on CNN to discuss the Obama Administration’s handling of a potential enemy combatant and the budget crisis.

Graham released a statement opposing the raising of the federal debt limit.

Graham also gave a statement following the release of what turned out to be disappointing job numbers. It is viewable here.

DeMint

Coinciding with the release of his book, Jim DeMint made numerous appearances on media outlets to promote it. The book chronicles the rise of the Tea Party and DeMint’s expanding role as one of its leaders.

DeMint criticized Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann for not signing the budget pledge, but added that it was not a deal-breaker when considering whom to endorse for president.

DeMint blasted Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner for being alarmist over the dent-ceiling talks, calling him “irresponsible” and comparing him to Chicken Little.

Gowdy

Trey Gowdy was the subject of a feature in the left-leaning magazine The New Republic.  The focus of the article is Gowdy’s relationship with the District of Columbia’s political contingent. He is labeled DC’s “most unlikely friend.” Read it here.

Gowdy also continued his tough criticism of the National Labor Relations Board for its involvement in the Boeing case in Charleston.