2016 in SC: Donald Trump headlining Horry County GOP convention

Donald Trump, the New York real estate mogul and reality TV star who is weighing a 2016 bid for the GOP presidential nomination, will headline the Horry County Republican Party Convention on April 11, according to an email sent to party supporters.

"We believe his presence will draw a crowd and we look forward to having him," the email said.

Trump visited Myrtle Beach in January for the S.C. Tea Party Convention, where he criticized the Obama administration and potential presidential candidates in a 40-minute speech.

"I've been watching been happening, and it's no good," he told the convention. "I've been looking at whose running, and they're no good. I don't mean as people. It's not going to work. It's certainly not going to take this country to the next level."

The "Celebrity Apprentice" star has built up staff in South Carolina for a possible White House run.

His hires include former state Sen. John Russell of Spartanburg, whose father was governor of South Carolina in the 1960s, and state Rep. Jim Merrill, a Berkeley Republican and former House majority leader.

Trump also launched presidential exploratory committee this week.

This story was originally published March 19, 2015 at 8:01 AM with the headline "2016 in SC: Donald Trump headlining Horry County GOP convention."