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Gov. Mark Sanford:
"Literally hundreds of thousands of words will be offered up in tribute to this statesman hero. None of them will even approach the heights of eloquence achieved by his words. He taught millions of Americans, including myself, a new definition of inspiration, and his passion for the ideals of limited government and his commitment to the advancement of freedom around the world have shaped and will continue to shape generations of present and future leaders."
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House Speaker David Wilkins:
"I was blessed to meet President Reagan early in my political career. His unyielding optimism, conviction, faith in God and belief in democracy inspired our nation and helped break the chains of Communism. Wherever Americans work now to help free opposed people, Ronald Reagan's legacy endures."
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U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham:
"President Reagan had the ability to see the world as it should be and accomplished much to bring that vision about. He was the most gifted spokesman, in my lifetime, in describing what America was meant to be.
"He achieved great power and unbelievable political success without losing the human decency that we all remember and admire. His was a life well-lived."
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U.S. Rep. Henry Brown:
"His enthusiasm for life and his love for his country were legendary. He was responsible for re-energizing both his nation and his party following a trying period in our history. My own calling to public service was in no small part a result of President Reagan's example."
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U.S. Rep. Jim DeMint, who is a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate:
"Ronald Reagan forever changed the world. From tearing down the walls of communism to building up the vision of American opportunity, there will be no other like him. He truly made America that shining city on a hill."
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U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson:
"I will always remember President Reagan as someone who lifted the spirit of our country though his optimistic attitude and as someone who promoted conservative economic policies to strengthen our nation. It was his leadership and policy of peace through strength that led us to victory in the Cold War."
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Attorney General Henry McMaster, who was appointed a U.S. Attorney by Reagan in 1981:
"His very presence was an inspiration. His optimism, courage and determination made America strong and proud again in a time of great danger and doubt. He made us all better Americans."
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Former Gov. David Beasley, who is a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate:
"President Ronald Reagan lifted our country at a time of its deepest trouble and made us proud again. His clear sense of purpose and dedication to the conservative cause made him a model of leadership for us all. His legacy is a nation safer and more hopeful and the greatest advance of freedom abroad that the world has ever known."
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Thomas Ravenel, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate:
"What Ronald Reagan did for this country is truly beyond words or measure. His words and deeds put wind into the sails of freedom and prosperity. His faith in God and freedom gave him the strength and wisdom that led to the liberation of millions of people who lived behind the iron curtain."
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Inez Tenenbaum, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate:
"President Reagan's deep conviction was surpassed only by his boundless optimism. He redefined the presidency as a bully pulpit, and even if you disagreed with him, you had to respect his deeply-held beliefs.
"There is no denying that President Reagan left a lasting imprint, and I join South Carolina and the nation in mourning his loss."
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State Republican Party Chairman Katon Dawson:
"God bless Ronald Reagan. He was one of the greatest presidents our nation has ever seen. I will always remember him for bringing new life to our party and a renewed sense of patriotism to our country."
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U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, R-S.C.:
"Today, America mourns the loss of a true patriot, a principled man of great character and incredible conviction. President Reagan renewed the spirit of America with his optimism and charmed the world with his words. His devotion to our nation and the ideals it represents is as inspiring today as it was 20 years ago. He left an indelible mark on our nation and the world. He understood that America had a responsibility to defend freedom and it was his policy of peace through strength that brought the Cold War to an end."
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State Rep. Rick Quinn, R-Columbia:
"He was easily the most inspirational leader I've seen in my lifetime. I probably would not have ever offered for public office if it had not been for his influence and inspiration. He was a hero to thousands from my generation."
