Speak Out: Do Endorsements Matter?

Candidates are already racking up the endorsements for South Carolina's First Congressional District.

To name a few from the 20 candidates running for the seat:

Former Gov. and former Congressman Mark Sanford scored endorsements from state Sen. Tom Davis and pundit Erick Erickson.

Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch received an endorsement from former rivals Bobbie Rose and Martin Skelly. On Thursday, she was endorsed by Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and the AFL-CIO.

Berkeley County GOP Chair Tim Callanan stepped down from his position to endorse Sen. Larry Grooms.

Andy Patrick was endorsed by mayors in Beaufort County.

Peter McCoy got similar support from mayors in Charleston County.

And more than 60 small business owners have put their names behind Curtis Bostic.

One endorsement that might carry some weight is from the state's governor or the former holder of the SC1 seat, Tim Scott. But both have said they will likely not endorse prior to the GOP primary.

Endorsements don't just come from people — candidates also seek organizational endorsements from the political action committees and other advocacy organizations. 

The question is: do endorsements matter?