Your Voice: Voters Weigh in On the Primary

The South Carolina Republican Primary is less than two months away—on January 21 and the first votes of the primary season are due to be cast in Iowa in less than a month—on January 3.

So, from now until primary day here in South Carolina we’ll be checking in regularly with a group of voters to get their views on the latest happenings on the campaign trail. And each Friday we’ll talk in-depth with one voter about his or her thoughts on the race as a whole. If you’d like to be included in that group send an e-mail to shawn@patch.com.

The big news in the last week has been Herman Cain’s suspension of his campaign and the continued strong showing of .

We’ll start off with James Akers, a realtor with the Marchant Company in Greenville. You can follow James on Twitter @jamesakersjr.

On Cain’s withdrawal from the race:

“I think Cain did the smart thing and dropped out while he still had some supporters. His numbers were dropping everywhere and it was inevitable. Now maybe he can sell some books.”

On Gingrich’s continued strong showing in the polls:

“The fact that voting starts in only a matter of weeks may play into Newts hand.  I would also still watch Huntsman as his numbers are starting to improve and the upcoming Newt/Huntsman debate should only help that. Newt is playing it very smart, divide the moderate vote between (Jon) Huntsman and (Mitt) Romney and you have the conservative vote all to yourself.”

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Next up we talked to George McLeer, executive director of the . You can follow George on Twitter @gpmcleer. Stay tuned for more from George on Friday.

Cain:

“I think all the candidates will benefit from getting more press time, but Gingrich and Bachmann would seem to be the most likely beneficiaries.”

On Gingrich:

“It’s pretty ironic that Cain lost support for personal problems which is what people think is Gingrich’s biggest issue. But Gingrich has been honest about that from the start and I think that’s starting to come through.”

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Jane Kizer, who closely follows all things political at the local and national level, also weighed in. You can follow Jane on Twitter @JaneKizer.

On Cain:

“It saddens me that Cain dropped out for the reason he did. I am growing weary of the personal attacks in political races. Granted, sexual harassment and affairs indicate character, but the line between fact and fiction is hazy at best. I would like to make my mind up based mostly on policy.”

On Gingrich:

“Newt's staying power is more likely than other candidates for a couple reasons. Those who have been around politics a while know a lot about his past, so if they chose to support him at this point, they have probably come to grips with it. Secondly, he has ideas that make sense and the intelligence to speak about these ideas without anyone being able to counter him. Sure, he has taken a stand on immigration. It isn't popular, but he took a stand. I think the people are looking for someone who will do just that."

"The polls in Iowa were quite interesting in the last week. I think surges like Ron Paul show how undecided people are. I also think we might be greatly surprised when Jan 3rd rolls around. There have been a couple candidates who haven't received the media time, but are quietly working in Iowa where polling isn't done. Only time will tell.”

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And finally, we spoke with Bill Pomeroy. We talked at length last week with Bill. Click . This week, Bill gave us his thoughts on Gingrich and Paul:

“Well, just get ready for the Newt dirt. We know that the mainstream media will upgrade their attack on the new frontrunner. But haven't we already heard all about Newt and his reported baggage? I have a feeling that Ron Paul will continue to have a strong showing, but my money says he will run on a third party ticket when all is said and done.

The GOP will eventually have to decide between Romney and Newt!”