Undeterred by critics of his
populist appeal — and
blunt speeches, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has organized a South Carolina steering committee boasting over 100 members in one of the most closely watched primary states.
In a statement, Trump's campaign said the steering committee "represents a cross-section of well-known fiscal and social conservatives," including co-chairmen Ed McMullen and John Russell, and the state director, state Rep. Jim Merrill.
"Since Donald Trump announced that he is running for president we have been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic support," McMullen said in the statement. "The campaign is off to a fast start and we couldn’t be more excited."
Merrill noted the real estate billionaire's message is hitting a nerve in the media and with voters.
"In response to the constant attacks and mischaracterizations by the liberal media and political insiders, grassroots support for Donald Trump has been increasing by the hour," Merrill asserted. "When you threaten the Washington, D.C., elite’s way of life, they're going to attack."
"Americans want the truth and Donald Trump is the only candidate with the guts to say it," he added.
Trump
next visits the state July 21 at the Sun City gated retirement community in Bluffton, S.C.
Merrill vowed the steering committee was "just the first stage of building our statewide network and grassroots organization."
South Carolina, New Hampshire, Iowa and Nevada are the early voting states, with South Carolina's primary set for Feb. 20, 2016. Iowa will hold its caucus Feb. 1 followed by the New Hampshire primary Feb. 9, and Nevada's caucus Feb. 23.
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