Romney family visit delayed

The family of presidential candidate Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will be in Gaffney at the Michael Gaffney house downtown on Tuesday, not today, as originally scheduled, according to Brenda Earls, chairperson of the Republican Women's Club of Cherokee County.

The Romney family is expected to be in town from 2-3 p.m. before once again hitting the campaign trail to other parts of the state.

"This is the first of the candidates or their families to come through," Earls said. "He is one of the top tier candidates and we are more than happy to host his family."

Since taking office in 2002, Romney has helped make a dramatic swing in his home state's fortunes by helping to balance its budget, strengthen its education system and lay the foundation for private, market-based health insurance.

Republican Women's Club President Joyce Dunn said this is a good way to not only showcase Romney but also the other candidates.

"(Romney) is a great candidate. However, there is a uniqueness about all of them that is very appealing," Dunn said. "This is a great way for us to be able showcase what his strengths are but also give the others a chance, too."

Earls said a few of the other Republican candidates will make their way through Cherokee County as the South Carolina Republican primary approaches. Candidates Mike Huckabee and Fred Thompson are expected to be here in December with former New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani expected later.

"This is going to be great," Earls said. "I'm real excited to have them come and share their ideals and what it takes to keep this country safe."