Governor's race sees supporters cross party lines

By Aaron Gould Sheinin

McClatchy Newspapers

COLUMBIA - Some high-profile, high-powered Republicans are creating several groups with one goal: electing Democrat Tommy Moore governor.

Separate efforts in the Upstate, Lexington County, Horry County and statewide are being hailed by the Moore campaign as a sign incumbent Republican Gov. Mark Sanford has mavericked his way out of favor with GOP regulars.

Among those involved is W.W. Hootie Johnson, retired executive committee chairman of Bank of America, and former chairman of the Masters golf tournament. The Republicans-for-Moore effort is important because it addresses two critical challenges the Democrat faces: A need to raise money to compete with the better-financed Sanford and a need to win crossover GOP votes.

But other signs, including a Democrats for Sanford effort, indicate Moore had better pay close attention to his own political base.

The GOP push against Sanford includes:

In the Upstate, Tim Brett of Greenville, a former Republican member of the S.C. House and an aide to Republican icon Carroll Campbell, told The (Columbia) State he is leading a group of area business and civic leaders to defeat Sanford in November.

In Horry County, Auditor Lois Eargle, chairwoman emeritus of the county GOP, led local Republicans in raising more than $100,000 in one night last week for Moore's campaign.

Moore said the efforts are indicative of people who believe in what's best for South Carolina.

However, there are Democrats who have thrown their support behind Sanford. The Sanford campaign last week unveiled a coalition of South Carolinians who are leading Democrats for Sanford. Among them are Rutledge Young Jr., a Charleston attorney and former president of the S.C. Bar Association.