'First in the South' Presidential Debate Announced

MYRTLE BEACH — S.C. Republican Party Chairman Chad Connelly announced on Thursday details of the "SCGOP Experience" weekend and "First in the South" presidential debate to be held Jan. 14-16 in Myrtle Beach.

"(The weekend) will mark three of the most important days in the 2012 presidential nominating calendar," Connelly said in a press release. "In scenic Myrtle Beach, our Republican presidential candidates will begin the final countdown to South Carolina Republicans once again picking the Republican nominee for president."

South Carolina has already hosted a handful of other debates, . 

The SCGOP Experience is expected to create an impact on the Myrtle Beach region, if the 2008 debates will be any indicator. The 2008 economic impact was $10.3 million, according to the SCGOP press release. More than 4,000 are expected to attend the 2012 debate.

The "First in the South" Presidential Debate will be broadcast from 9 to 11 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16, on Fox News Channel

"The eyes of the world will watch as the SCGOP partners with Fox News to host this important debate just five days before our presidential primary," Connelly said. "We encourage all South Carolinians to join us in this historic weekend, as there will be opportunities for everyone."

The presidential primary is Jan. 21.

SCGOP Experience weekend includes:

• A charity golf tournament on Saturday afternoon (beneficiary announced soon)
• A charity concert featuring celebrity guests on Saturday evening (FREE admission - beneficiary announced soon)
• South Carolina Faith and Freedom Coalition Prayer Breakfast on Sunday morning (FREE)
• 7th Congressional District candidate debate on Sunday evening (FREE)
• The SCGOP Experience, a Republican exhibition with vendors, food, and entertainment all day Sunday and Monday at Broadway at the Beach (FREE)
• Republican Women's "Tea" with the SCGOP, featuring prominent Republican women and spouses of the Presidential candidates on Sunday afternoon
• An Energy and Innovation Breakfast Forum, moderated by special guests on Monday morning
• An SCGOP Chairman's Luncheon honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. mid-day on Monday
• Pre-Presidential Debate and Post-Presidential Debate Receptions

To request tickets and to purchase sponsorships, visit www.MyrtleBeachDebate.com.