Santorum Sweeps Greenville County GOP Convention Straw Poll; New Party Officers Elected

Former Senator Rick Santorum

South Carolina's largest and most conservative Republican organization set off national shock waves today by expressing their overwhelming support for former Senator Rick Santorum, among more than a dozen candidates seeking the Republican nomination for the presidency in 2012.  Greenville County GOP convention delegates were addressed by Santorum, former Speaker Newt Gingrich, and Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour.  

Santorum received 31% of votes cast.  Gingrich followed with 14%, and real estate mogul Donald Trump and Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann were tied for third with 7% each.

The 447 delegates also elected long-time party activist Betty Poe as their County Chairman.  Poe, President of the South Carolina Federation of Republican Women, faced minor opposition. RINO Hunt leader and conservative activist Harry Kibler was elected Vice Chairman without opposition. 

But the big news of the day, nationally, will be Santorum's stunning victory.  South Carolina's "first in the South" primary will be key in 2012, as it has been in the past.  Santorum received a big boost today on the road to the White House.