… the state that has picked the eventual GOP nominee 100 percent of the time in contests over the last three decades.

I interviewed a state GOP higher-up today and the party, which typically stays neutral in these things, is holding its only candidate specific sponsored event the weekend of the debate for … Santorum.

The buzz here is all for Gingrich, Paul and Santorum. And the Charlotte Observer noted that Santorum has:

… spent more time in the state than any of his Republican presidential rivals.

… raised more money in South Carolina through September than all Republican candidates but Perry.

Romney meanwhile headed directly for … Conway, SC, where he will appear tomorrow, virtually skipping over New Hampshire to get on the ground in SC. He’ll also appear with Gov. Nikki Haley, who has endorsed him, in Charleston.

I’m just saying …