Demand is down. People are spending more on things like electronics than on clothing. That's the key, not low-cost imports. South Carolina's textile employment has declined from a high of about 160,000 in 1973 to fewer than 90,000 today. But overall employment and investment are at record levels, thanks largely to the state's successful wooing of foreign businesses like BMW and Fuji film.
Sober people realize that.
Indeed, this is a state where Buchanan's protectionism may bump against local history. South Carolina has long favored free trade. And a huge stake in the outcome. What the Dole camp fears most is losing the evangelical Christians, who could account for half the vote. Not to worry, says David Beasley, the current Governor, who owes his office to the Christian Coalition.