Former state House District 30 candidates (from left) Bailey Humprhies, Scott Ramsey, Bobby Beattie and Libby Swad threw their support behind GOP nominee Steve Moss (center). The line directly above the former candidates' signatures on the press release distributed prior to the political rally said it all, "Sincerely United."

That was the theme Thursday when the four defeated Republican candidates - Bobby Beattie, Libby Swad, Scott Ramsey and Bailey Humphries - threw their support behind the GOP's nominee for the state House District 30 seat, Steve Moss.

Each of the former candidates signed a letter endorsing Moss' candidacy.

The single-page letter read, "Each of us were proud to join Steve Moss on the campaign trail during the Republican primary. As candidates for the Republican nomination for State House District 30, we came to respect Steve Moss because he embodied the values of a true public servant. He demonstrated to voters that his common-sense approach to leadership is exactly what is needed in Columbia. Today, we are proud to stand with him and enthusiastically endorse him."

In a further sign of unity, the four other candidates joined Moss for a group picture that will be posted on the "Steve Moss for S.C. House" page on Facebook.com.

Cherokee County Republican Party Chairman Brenda Earls livened up the crowd by saying local Republicans are "fired up because we're going to elect the first Republican to this seat."

Democrat Olin Phillips had held the seat for 30 years before his unexpected death on Dec. 27, 2008.

Moss, a local banker and Blacksburg resident, told the crowd the purpose of the rally was to "show the party is unified."

He then said he traveled to Columbia last Wednesday to meet with state GOP leaders.

He said one of the Republicans' top priorities this legislative session is to grow the economy by reducing the regulatory burdens on small businesses.

"Ninety-five percent of the workers work for small businesses," he said.

He added the Republican lawmakers also are pushing for spending caps, exploring a change to education funding and passing the Secure Election Act, which would establish an early voting period and require voters to show valid identification before casting a vote.

Republicans in Columbia also want to shorten the legislative session. It costs taxpayers' $50,000 for every week lawmakers are in session, according to Moss.

A late-arriving State Sen. Harvey Peeler (R-Gaffney) also said he was proud to support Moss' candidacy.

"I'm glad we're all united and we can move forward to get Moss elected to the State House," Peeler said.

Moss now faces Democrat and Cherokee County Councilman Tim Spencer, Phillips' son-in-law, in the general election April 28.

Moss will be in campaign mode until then. He said his supporters will be canvassing the county April 11. The GOP also plans two big rallies in support of Moss on April 25 at the Grassy Pond Volunteer Fire Department and at the Iron City Place in Blacksburg.