Virginia Governor Makes S.C. Town Hall Stop

A little more than 24 hours before the GOP presidential hopefuls will take the stage in Myrtle Beach, making their pitch to S.C. Primary voters, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell will be answering questions from the same electorate about his work in the commonwealth and his vision for the conservative movement.

Rep. Tim Scott, R-S.C., has made a name for himself on the campaign trail this primary season for a series of town hall events, each spotlighting a different candidate as questions are pulled from the audience or submitted online. 

McDonnell is Scott's next town hall guest amid a circus of South Carolina Republican Party events in Myrtle Beach, including the next GOP Primary debate. Wittingly or not, McDonnell is introducing himself to an active part of the 2016 or 2020 S.C. Primary audience, while likley also making an argument for the eventual 2012 VP shortlist.

Scott said Thursday that there are several good reasons for McDonnell's visit, including the chance to share his experience and make the argument for a GOP victory in November.

In a statement released with the event announcement, McDonnell praised Scott's role as a new leader in Washington.  

"I look forward to joining him in South Carolina to speak directly with his constituents about the serious challenges facing our nation, and the tremendous opportunities we have to make government smaller and smarter, and get more Americans working again," McDonnell said.

The town hall series won't end with McDonnell — there are other national players planned for later this year, including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer. 

Scott said it would be good for any rising star in the Republican Party to "get to know the most important primary voters in the country."

Jeri Cabot, an adjunct political science professor at the College of Charleston, was impressed with the line-up of Republican up-and-comers.

"That makes Tim look pretty good," she said. "It makes it look like he has a role to play."

The event will be at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Celebrity Square at Broadway on the Beach.