It was South Carolina that provided the firewall for the senior George Bush against Bob Dole in 1988 and Dole's firewall against Pat Buchanan, who had beat him in the 1996 New Hampshire primary. South Carolina does not have as many independents as New Hampshire. A loss for McCain there wouldn't eliminate him, but would make his battle much tougher. The Republican Party establishment is in a major bind, at least until the results of South Carolina are in. Even though McCain chairs the powerful Senate Commerce Committee and has taken his share of contributions from Washington's K Street lobbyists over the years, his entire campaign is premised on greatly reducing their power and influence.
Money is the great lubricant for both major parties.
McCain wants to clamp tight limits on contributions, especially the million-dollar soft money donations that have allowed both parties to flout campaign laws. That could prove to be the most interesting political question this year. That's because Gore had held larger leads during the preceding few days. But it also belies the fact that Bradley led Gore in New Hampshire for months before he cratered in Iowa. Bradley's more aggressive attacks on Gore probably helped his showing.