(Columbia) Feb. 3, 2004 - The city might have a difficult time figuring out how many dollars this primary has generated for Columbia. In terms of good PR, the benefits for the city and the rest of the state might be, as they say in that credit card commercial, priceless.
  
Jillian's was getting wired. The bar and restaurant in the Vista was overrun with TV crews and other media from around the southeast, even from around the world. Jillian's GM expected at least 700 people on Tuesday night. The media, supporters of Democrat John Edwards and the senator himself were all there.

Jack Lewis says it's the second time the senator and his campaign have taken over Jillian's in the past week, "They had other options and they opted to come back to us. So yeah, I think from here on out, I think it's very good for the club."

This is just one Columbia business benefiting from campaign activity. Other restaurants are seeing a spike in customer traffic and most downtown hotels are full for the night.

At Jimmy John's across the street, Will Hazelip has seen a surge in sub sandwich sales, "We've got campaign offices down the street this way, up the street that way. We're pretty much in the thick of it. It's been wonderful." A spokesman at the Adam's Mark says this and most other downtown hotels are sold out Tuesday night.

One expert who studies the hospitality industry says it's hard to determine how much all of this activity will help Columbia businesses and their bottom lines, because whatever has been generated by the candidates and the media that follow them will be gone as soon as these trucks hit the road.

Mayor Bob Coble says the primary has been a boost for the image of the city and the entire state, "I think we were able to get a better, more accurate picture of South Carolina and certainly Columbia to the nation. And I think that is very positive as we know that and I'm very proud of that. And I think the more the nation knows about us, the more, the better we'll do economically with our economic development efforts. So I think it will pay dividends down the road."

The mayor says he's spoken to people from around the world, "Last night I was talking to someone from the British Broadcasting Corporation and somebody from Sweden. Today I was trying to give Bob Novak of CNN directions and I think people realize we're trying to be friendly, we're trying to give a good impression and we have a good story to tell.

Mayor Coble says the majority of the news coverage over the last few weeks has been positive.

By Jack Kuenzie
Updated 9:51pm by BrettWitt