Republican Purity Pledge Rejected By South Carolina GOP

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The 28-point pledge also requires candidates to:

• Oppose abortion, in any circumstances

• Endorse the ideas of balanced state and federal budgets

• Hold a high regard for U.S. sovereignty and be committed to peace through “strength in foreign policy”

• Not favor any government action to allow civil unions by same-sex couples

“The purpose of the resolution was to try to ensure that candidates who wish to file to run on the ticket simply support the party’s platform,” said Bobby Smith, chairman of the Laurens County Republican Party, adding the county party also hopes to interview potential candidates. “Our party has had much success over the past few years, and we want to make sure they uphold the party’s principles if running on the party’s ticket.”

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“It’s absolutely absurd,” said Phil Bailey, director of the state Senate Democratic Caucus. “While the rest of the country is living in the 21st century, South Carolina Republicans are stuck in a social time machine.”