Headlines, 11/1 to 11/3

PRESIDENT: SC McCain supporters optimistic
SC Republicans are confident that Sen. John McCain will take South Carolina's 8 electoral votes, but some are less hopeful for his chances to win the White House.
Source: The State

• Georgetown discusses ties to Obama
Source: Myrtle Beach Sun News

• Reps. Wilson and Clyburn agree: Polls not necessarily accurate
Source: The Times and Democrat

• Graham called McCain's best friend
Source: The New York Times

• McCain outraises Obama in SC
Source: The Post and Courier

• Volunteers still working hard despite long odds
Source: The Post and Courier

• Graham floated as possible McCain cabinet member
Source: The New York Times

GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Legislature likely to remain in GOP's hands
Political scientists at USC and Furman agree that despite high voter registration that heavily favors Democrats, it is unlikely that Democrats will overthrow Republicans in statehouse elections. Source: The Post and Courier

• Statehouse candidates borrow $1M
Even though some individuals are having trouble borrowing money to buy a house or go to college, SC House and Senate candidates have borrowed more than $1M, which is a sizable portion of the $6M total raised by SC Statehouse candidates.
Source: The State/AP

• Midlands races to watch
Source: The State

• Will "Obama Effect" trickle down to SC races?
A look at whether increased voting in SC will trickle down to swing some Statehouse races. Source: SC Statehouse Report

SC lawmakers took money from Fannie and Freddie
5 of the 8 members of SC's Congressional delegation took campaign contributions from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: Jim Clyburn, John Spratt, Gresham Barrett, Lindsey Graham, and Jim DeMint.
Source: WIS

ELECTION: Absentee votes point to record turnout
As huge crowds line up to vote early all over the state, election officials say that a high number of absentee votes points to possible record turnout in SC. Source: The State

• Horry County GOP holds GOTV rally
Source: Myrtle Beach Sun News

• Breaking down SC's ballot amendments
Source: The State

• Record turnout expected on election day
Source: Greenville News

• Offices open on Saturday for absentee voting
Source: The Post and Courier

• Some voters express problems with touch screen system
Source: The New York Time

OPINION

Brack: Don't be deceived about right to vote
"No matter what you hear around the gossip mills or read on the Internet, Tuesday is Election Day for everyone. All registered voters can vote Tuesday. Source: SC Statehouse Report

High turnout provides challenge for election officials
"Across the nation, concern is being expressed about the voting process on Tuesday. Record registration and absentee voting are expected to be followed by massive turnout on Nov. 4. Whether the resulting problems prove to be technological or human error amid the crush, there are bound to be issues." Source: The Times and Democrat

Norell for SC Senate
"In the race for the state Senate in District 16, we endorse Democrat Mandy Powers Norrell." Source: Rock Hill Herald

Dems not standing up for workers' rights
"Democrats expecting to gain control of both houses of Congress and the White House this year have moved a bill to the top of their agenda that would take away the rights of workers. They should drop the proposal altogether." Source: Spartanburg Herald Journal

Beaufort voters on the verge of historic election
"The election of 2008 will long be remembered in Beaufort." Source: Beaufort Gazette

Campaign decisions a reflection of the future
"A lot of things are done in the name of politics and in the heat of political moments. Most of the time they can be explained away with some worn-out caveat or routine rationalizations. At others times, though, nothing can be said to explain or justify some things. A couple of those occurred recently during the presidential campaign. Both should get the attention of every South Carolinian concerned about influences that can drastically affect the future of trust. Trust, of course, is the underpinning of civility and freedom for all Americans." Source: Greenwood Index Journal

Be prepared for election day
"If you’re a voter, we encourage you to exercise your right as a U.S. citizen. It’s part of the American process and participation should be taken seriously. The vote will greatly impact our future." Source: Lancaster News

We need McCain
"John McCain has the right stuff to become president of the United States. We’re heard all the tired arguments: he’s too old, too temperamental, too out of touch, too wedded to George Bush’s policies. The list goes on and on ..." Source: Sumter Item

Vote for Pennies for Progress tax
"Tuesday’s referendum on the Penny for Progress tax is all about the future for Sumter." Source: Sumter Item

Reisz: Citizens should act responsibly whether candidate wins or not
"There are times to choose up sides and battle it out and times to come together. After voting for our presidential candidate, we get an historic chance to be the citizens whom our nation needs in this time of economic struggle and political change. Whether our candidate wins or not, we can rise to the call to be a renewed nation determined to enhance our lives." Source: The State

Warthen: McCain earned my support on judicial selection
"At the outset, John McCain had a great head start with me — on experience, national security, foreign affairs, bipartisanship, and his oft-demonstrated willingness to do the right thing regardless of political consequences. Source: The State

Page: School children deserve choice
"People like choices. This simple aphorism is the basis of South Carolina’s most popular and far-reaching educational reform in the last four decades: state scholarships for higher education." Source: The State

Andino: SC residents excited about voting
"Isn't it wonderful that so many people are excited about voting in this year's election? More than 2.5 million South Carolinians are registered to vote Tuesday -- an increase of 310,000 registered voters in our state since January." Source: Greenville News

Tam: Citizens should vote responsibly
"With a presidential election right around the corner, it is a good time to remind ourselves that our U.S. government is supposed to be "of the people, by the people, and for the people." The essence of democracy depends upon citizens being informed and playing an active role. However, while we may all have opinions about various issues, when was the last time you attended a public hearing or a local meeting to discuss issues that we as Americans face?" Source: Greenville News

Kapeluck: Election may prompt historic turnout
"The 2008 presidential election promises to be an historic contest. The country is in the midst of substantial economic upheaval and, perhaps more importantly, the nomination of a black Democratic presidential candidate is a first. This election will likely have high levels of turnout, and much hinges on whether Democrats or Republicans turn out at higher rates." Source: CharlestonCurrents.com

Berkeley voters should choose council government
"Berkeley is only one of four counties in the state with the supervisor form of government. County voters will have the opportunity Tuesday to decide whether to continue that system. Voters should endorse a council-administrator form of government." Source: The Post and Courier

Vote yes on removing age of consent from constitution
"Citizens should vote "yes" to delete a provision of the S.C. Constitution (Section 33, Article III) that sets the age of consent for unmarried girls at 14 years old." Source: The Post and Courier

Vote yes on investment questions
"Voters should answer "yes" to a referendum question that will allow broader investment options for the state's health insurance fund for retirees. It would provide the same range of investments, and oversight, as now available for the state pension fund. Passage of Amendment 2 would change the state constitution accordingly." Source: The Post and Courier

• Vote yes on amendments 2 & 3
"Amendments 2 and 3 on Tuesday's ballot are closely related. They would permit state and local governments to invest in stocks to pay for future retirees' health care and other benefits." Source: Rock Hill Herald

McCain endorsed
"John McCain has served our nation with extraordinary distinction for more than 40 years. But his best service should be yet to come. He understands where America has been, where it is today, and where it must go to fulfill its potential. His proven courage, experience, knowledge, judgment and capacity for working across party lines make him the best choice for the presidency on Tuesday." Source: The Post and Courier

Five for Charleston school board
"The Charleston County School District faces continued challenges in academic achievement, budget constraints and school choice. Although trustees have residential requirements to run for district seats, they are elected at large and each should be expected to have a district-wide view of public education." Source: The Post and Courier

Next president deserves patience
"Some folks dread the words President Barack Obama. Some folks dread the words President John McCain. Some folks dread both prospects and brand Tuesday's general-election main event a lose-lose deal. Picky, picky, picky." Source: The Post and Courier