Nikki Haley holds campaign event at ILHS

“We have to acknowledge that Republicans have lost seven of the last eight popular votes for election. That’s nothing to be proud of. We should want to win the majority of America and the only way we’re going to win the majority of Americans is that we have a new generational conservative leader,” Haley said.

In her speech, Haley addressed a number of topics, including the Republican frontrunner and former president, Donald Trump. While Haley said she was grateful to have served in his administration, she said the country couldn’t survive four more years if Trump is elected again.

“Chaos follows him. We can’t have a country in disarray and a world on fire and go through four more years of chaos. We won’t survive,” Haley said.

She also addressed plans to fix issues across the country, pointing to her own experience solving problems as governor.

Haley cited her achievements of bringing jobs from Boeing and BMW into the state and said her administration would follow a similar approach of economic prosperity. Haley also said that she would stop federal spending, eliminate both the federal gas and diesel tax, and make small business tax cuts permanent.

Education was another major issue Haley brought up, telling her supporters that only 31% of eighth-graders are proficient in reading and 27% proficient in math. She feels that without major resources in public schools, the future of success of our children could be diminished.

“If we don’t do something quick, we’re going to be in a world of hurt 10 years from now,” she said.

Haley also addressed major topics such as illegal immigration, saying she would defund sanctuary cities and send 25,000 patrol agents to the Mexican border. She also brought up South Carolina’s immigration law that she signed as governor, another solution she would bring to the table to resolve the issues.

Neese backs Haley

“Once the New Hampshire primary was over, I was begging Haley’s campaign to come to Indian Land,” said Neese, who was interrupted by loud applause.

Haley gave Neese, who sponsored the event with Norman, a shout-out on stage for the hard work he’s done helping her with her South Carolina campaign.

Neese said after the rally that there’s been a little push back from his Trump-supporting constituents over his backing Haley, something Norman has experienced, too.

“At the end of the day, I’m a firm believer that we need change in D.C. We need to find better candidates that aren’t 80 years old — Republican or Democrat,” Neese said.

Supporters impressed

Many supporters in the auditorium were impressed with Haley’s enthusiasm in building hope for the country’s future.

“I’m just excited about Nikki. I just feel like this isn’t over (the race). She hands down will win the general (election), we just got to get her past the primary,” said Nell Parker, a supporter from Charlotte.

Parker considers herself an independent, but was attracted to Haley’s political qualifications. With major issues such as the economy and foreign policy on her mind, Parker feels that Haley is the best candidate to resolve these issues in Washington, D.C.

“I feel that we can use an accountant in D.C. On the international stage, she’s worked at the United Nations. I feel that she’s incredibly bright, qualified and decent,” Parker said.

Connie Campbell, a supporter from Rock Hill, has followed Haley’s political career over the years and believes that she always put people first during her public service duties.

“I remember when Nikki ran for the South Carolina House of Representatives and I’ve watched her career since then. I’ve been very impressed with the decisions she had to make as governor, and she always has the people first in the forefront of her mind,” Campbell said.

She believes that based on the major candidates running for the presidency, Haley stands out as the one who can bring America back to its glory.

“I feel that she’s the one that can be there for eight years and that gives me great hope that there’s somebody that can serve two terms and is young enough to hang in there with us,” Campbell said.

With many supporters applauding her plans and visions for the country, Haley concluded her speech challenging supporters that they have the opportunity to change the narrative of politics across America.

“We have the ability to do something that gets our country out of the chaos and back on track. What it comes down to is that we have a decision to make. We can go forward with the same old thing, or move forward,” Haley said.