11/21: McCain makes two SC stops

U.S. Sen. John McCain attended a Sunday book-signing in Columbia, followed by a fund-raiser in Mount Pleasant for state Attorney General Henry McMaster, according to the Associated Press.

McCain told The Associated Press he has no plans to decide about a possible presidential campaign until after next year's elections.

He said he would make a decision based on "what the mood and the priorities of the country are. I think that's very important. I think I am qualified in certain areas and if those are the same as the priorities of the American people and I would feel most qualified to address them, then that would matter."

The trip was the senator's first to the important presidential primary state since the 2003 inauguration of the GOP's Mark Sanford as governor. Other stories: WIS TV, WCIV TV

11/16: McCain to visit SC Sunday

U.S. Sen. John McCain will visit South Carolina Sunday as the headliner for a fundraiser for the Palmetto Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, The State newspaper reports.

McCain, a U.S. senator from Arizona, is a two-time presidential candidate who may be thinking of a third campaign.

• More from The State newspaper.

SC's Fowler helping Warner

In a story in today's issue of the Washington Post, we learn that former DNC Chairman Don Fowler of South Carolina is making rounds to introduce Virginia Gov. Mark Warner to people around the region as he prepares an apparent run for president.

"He did allude to the fact that he's considering doing something else. That's a kind of code word," Fowler said from South Carolina. "I don't think anyone doubted what he was talking about."

Warner is expected to be in SC later in the month for a fund-raiser for the Democratic Party as it honors past Democratic governors.

11/9: McCain to visit SC

The (Charleston) Post and Courier today included a story that U.S. Sen. John McCain will make a Nov. 20 foray into South Carolina for what may be a third presidential campaign:

On Nov. 20, McCain is scheduled to attend two events in Columbia, a book-signing and a military ceremony, before traveling to Charleston for an evening fundraiser for Attorney General Henry McMaster. Gov. Mark Sanford and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, who supported McCain in 2000, are expected to attend.

Like other potential 2008 contenders, McCain comes under seemingly non-political auspices, but the meaning is unmistakable.