Graham and Quinn developed a relationship working on John McCain's presidential bid, while Condon supported Bush. Quinn advised Condon that a Lowcountry Republican was his party's best shot at the governor's race, and Condon hired Quinn to manage the task. Lt. Gov. Bob Peeler is also running for governor. His major claim to fame is the giant cow that he uses to promote his family's dairy business. Political pundits agree that Peeler is stunningly dull but cannot possibly be as dim as he appears.
Peeler is well positioned as the corporate candidate with the most financial support.
Former U.S. congressman Mark Sanford is the wild card in the Republican deck. By some accounts, his wife, Jenny, wears the ambition in the family and has decided she wants to be first lady. Sanford can pull in the swing votes, along with a bunch of Democratic defectors, and would be the Republican's best bet in the general election. But first he must win the primary, unlikely because that will be decided by the party's right wing, which Condon is courting hard. Gov. Charlie Condon.