South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley Calls Timing of Rick Perry Presidential Announcement, “Brilliant” – 8/13/11

Republican South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is calling Rick Perry’s decision to announce his candidacy for President today in South Carolina, “brilliant.” Haley made the comments to reporters after speaking at the RedState Gathering in Charleston, where Perry made his announcement speech for President just a few minutes ago (we’ll have video of his speech shortly). “I think his timing was brilliant,” she said.

FIRST READ: Republicans in Iowa might be miffed that Gov. Rick Perry’s official presidential announcement in South Carolina this afternoon is siphoning attention from the Ames Straw Poll, but the governor of the Palmetto State is smiling.

“I think his timing was brilliant,” Gov. Nikki Haley told reporters after her remarks at the RedState Gathering in South Carolina, where Perry will speak later this afternoon. “I think to turn around and do this the same day that you’ve got an Ames Iowa poll just really lets us know that it’s ‘game on’ time for all the candidates. And I love that.”

While many of Perry’s GOP rivals are munching fried food and busing supporters to Ames, the Texas governor will be formally announcing his presidential intentions at the convention of conservative bloggers in a 350-seat hotel ballroom in Charleston, SC. Haley said that she’s advised Perry – whom she described in her formal remarks as a “superstar” — to reach out to activists all over South Carolina, adding that she believes he will find that state “very welcoming.” . . . . Read More