Pitchmen lobby for votes at GOP stump meeting
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

Ledger photo / SCOTT POWELL Former Tennessee congressman Van Hilleary greets local residents while campaigning for Fred Thompson at Tuesday's stump meeting for Republican Party presidential candidates.

Van Hilleary shares many things in common with Fred Thompson as he travels the state this week telling voters why the former Tennessee U.S. Senator should be the next president.

Hilleary and Thompson served in Congress together from 1994-2002.

Hilleary served in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing an area that included Thompson's hometown of Lawrenceburg. Their paths have crossed again this primary season with Hilleary now helping with Thompson's presidential campaign.

"I think Fred Thompson is the Republican Party's best chance to maintain the presidency. He is 6' 5" tall and has a way of electrifying the crowd with his deep authoritative voice," Hilleary said. "Fred believes in limited government and lower taxes. He believes when you feed the monster by allowing more government then it results in less freedom. Freedom is what this race is about."

Hilleary was among nine speakers at the Gaffney Elks Lodge on Tuesday evening. Each sought to convince the packed room of 150 potential voters why their presidential candidate is the best choice in Saturday's Republican Party presidential primary in South Carolina.

Seventh Circuit Solicitor Trey Gowdy said he has given up on finding a presidential candidate that agrees with him on every issue.

Gowdy now wants candidates who will tell the truth. The solicitor said he believes John McCain has shown the integrity and leadership needed to make tough decisions in a world where school shootings and the aftermath of the 9-11 terrorist attacks have made life more dangerous for today's children.

"My 15-year-old son and daughter are growing up in a much different world than the world in which I grew up," Gowdy said.

Cap Fending was the only Republican Party presidential candidate at the meeting.

The Georgia resident has owned and operated boat marinas, charter boat services and a yacht brokerage firm. His presidential campaign focuses on issues such as a national sales tax, an end to foreign oil imports in the next 15 years and enforcement of immigration laws.

"I believe the future of American is at stake," Fending said. "I sold 30 years worth of successful business and real estate holdings so I could run for president."

The other presidential candidates sent representatives to present their message in Gaffney.

The national campaign for Rudy Giuliani sent former South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Barry Wynn. Spartanburg resident June Bond spoke for former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Outdoorsman Icon Ray Scott, known as the "Bass Boss," spoke for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. Scott was a late replacement for former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley, who had a scheduling conflict.

Dean Allen represented the presidential campaign of Dr. Hugh Cort.

The loudest applause at the stump meeting came from supporters of Texas Congressman Ron Paul. He was represented by Rev. Chuck Baldwin.

Inman resident Artie Brito has covered his truck entirely with Ron Paul bumper stickers.

"I spent three hours with a buddy of mine putting the stickers all over the truck," Brito said. "I thought it was a good way to show my support for Ron Paul. I think he's a great man."