An Independent's View: South Carolina Republican Primary 2008

COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- On a cold, wet and rainy day, one of the most important contests are being held in the nation. It's Republican Primary Day in the Palmetto State. For many of the candidates in the race for the Republican nomination, and eventually the White House, today is more important than Super Tuesday.

For Rudy Giuliani, it's the day to see if he can contend in the south at all. He is holding out for Florida, but if he can't hold his own in South Carolina, his hopes are slim of capturing any of the southern states.

For Fred Thompson, it is do or die. Though he has promised to stay to the end, it may not be fiscally feasible if he can't make a decent showing here. Mike Huckabee has said "we're going to win South Carolina." If he doesn't win, even if he places second or third, he will be dealt a great blow, with some supporters believing he fell back on his word. For McCain, this is his strongest contest to date.

If he can keep it going here, he will get a huge boost to his campaign. Romney has to win, for the same reasons as McCain and Giuliani. He needs to prove he is a strong contender, able to stand up to McCain and one who can capture the southern vote. Duncan Hunter, who was always a non-issue, has bowed out of the race since his poor showing in Nevada.

For many Republicans and independents in South Carolina, this is not just another vote. They've been subject to massive campaigns for many months, and recently to the negative smear spins that had been so far absent. It is their way of showing to the nation that they can choose wisely despite the political wranglings of the pols and the polls; a showing of relevance in the national arena. And they need to do it on a day that most voters might rather stay home. Cold, rain and the threat of snow (an unusual occurrence in this deep south climate).

"There is a sense of patriotism that permeates the area," says Richard M., a polling manager in the Columbia area. "Ninety-five year old ladies say 'lets get to it (voting)."