2016 Contenders to Attend Nikki Haley Fundraiser in Greenville

Three of the governors mentioned as possible contenders for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination will attend a fundraiser in Greenville for Nikki Haley later this month.

CNN's Peter Hamby reported on Thursday that Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Rick Perry of Texas and Scott Walker of Wisconsin will attend a $1,000 per couple dinner on Aug. 26.

Perry ran for president in 2012 and was performing well in polls until a series of lackluster performances in the debates doomed his candidacy. 

Jindal and Walker will be making their first appearances in the Palmetto State as potential presidential candidates and they'll be speaking before some of the state's deepest pockets. 

Also on Aug. 26, as was first reported on Patch, Rand Paul will appear at Rep. Jeff Dunacan's Faith and Freedom BBQ.

Haley has not officially announced that she will run for re-election but her campaign director Tim Pearson heralded the visits from three fellow governors. "Having governors Jindal, Perry, and Walker – all who have overseen incredible economic growth and done so much good for their respective states – come in to support Governor Haley is a huge boon for us," Pearson told CNN.

Upon hearing of the fundraiser, SCDP Communications Director Kristen Sosanie, slammed Haley's economic record, "With one of the highest unemployment rates in the country increasing, the median income decreasing, having SC be named one of the hardest place in America to make a living, and with her poll numbers stuck in the low-40s, it's no wonder Nikki Haley has to bring other states' more-popular governors into South Carolina (and to the Upstate in particular) to try and raise money on their coat tails."

SCGOP Chair Matt Moore touted the success of the GOP's state leaders, "America's Republican governors, including our own Governor Haley, have outstanding records of job growth and principled leadership. I'm not sure what 2016 holds, but South Carolina has long played an important role in picking presidents. We are happy to welcome Governors Perry, Jindal, and Walker."

Keep up with all of Patch's coverage of South Carolina politics by following us on Facebook HERE and Twitter HERE.