Congressman to Represent Thompson at GOP Straw Poll

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2007
Contact: Tom Swatzel (843) 357-1673

GEORGETOWN, SC--Georgetown County Republican Party Chairman Tom Swatzel announced today that former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson will be represented by U.S. Representative Gresham Barrett at the party's upcoming July 28th straw poll event.

"We are pleased that Senator Thompson will be represented by Congressman Barrett, a well respected social and fiscal conservative from the upstate, who is gaining mention as a potential candidate for governor in 2010. Senator Thompson's committee is to be commended for acknowledging the importance of Georgetown County Republican voters by participating in our straw poll. I wish the Senator well," Swatzel said.

All of the 12 presidential candidates recognized on the state Republican party web site- plus Thompson, who is expected to formally announce his candidacy at any time- have been invited to the event, which will be held in the Waccamaw High School auditorium in Pawleys Island.

The event will start at 11 a.m. with a barbeque lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m. Candidates or their representatives will begin speaking at 12:30 p.m. and will be allowed up to 10 minutes each. It is anticipated voting will be conducted at about 3 p.m.

Tickets to participate in the straw poll event are $10 and include the barbeque lunch. Straw poll voters must be at least 18 years old by November 2008 and have a South Carolina driver's license. Tickets for children 12 and under are $5.