The state’s political insiders are siding with Barrett for a different reason — they expect a Haley victory would result in another toxic legislative-executive relationship, with more statehouse gridlock…
The state’s business community — led by the state Chamber — is raising some of the same concerns, and the confrontational tone of Haley’s latest ad has only raised the level of alarm.
“Those discussions have been had in regards to whether or not she can get along with the General Assembly,” Chamber President Otis Rawl said…
“I think there’s certainly going to be financial support from Republican donors for Sheheen,” said Chip Felkel, a longtime GOP operative based in Greenville. “Many in the [S.C.] House and the [S.C.] Senate leadership simply don’t think they can work with Nikki Haley. They have very strong feelings about Rep. Haley and how she has dealt with them, and I don’t think there’s any enthusiasm whatsoever for her to be sitting in the governor’s office.”
In an interview with POLITICO, Andre Bauer wouldn’t commit to endorsing Haley if she were to beat Barrett and become the nominee. “I’ll have to cross that bridge when I get to it,” he said.
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