That's what happened in the Republican race four years ago. Sen. John McCain of Arizona had won the New Hampshire primary and had gained momentum coming into South Carolina. But George Bush's runaway victory here deflated McCain's campaign, and Bush had easy sailing from then on.

The South Carolina primary will take place Feb. 3, and Winthrop's political science honors society has invited all nine Democratic presidential candidates to a debate on Jan. 31. Members of the Pi Sigma Alpha society and their faculty adviser, political science professor Scott Huffmon, say the event would be a success even if only some of the candidates showed up.

President Bush also has an open invitation to visit the campus between now and the November 2004 election, but not to join the Democrats' debate. Of course, if he chose to join the debate, he probably would be welcome to do so.

In a state the size of South Carolina, a debate just four days before a crucial primary could serve as a last chance for the candidates to make their case to voters. The event probably would attract national television, print and radio coverage as well, putting both Winthrop and Rock Hill in the spotlight.

We salute Huffmon and the members of Pi Sigma Alpha for taking the initiative to schedule a debate and, we hope, get a commitment from the candidates early before other conflicts arise. If the candidates think ahead, they are likely to see this as a good opportunity to get out their message right before polling day.

And, of course, a debate of this magnitude would be exciting for local residents. For a day, at least, Winthrop would be the center of the political universe.

Congratulations to Huffmon and his enterprising students for laying the groundwork for this debate. Now, let's hope the candidates accept the invitation.

Debate close to election day would be great chance for candidates to appeal to voters.