Masked, social distanced party planned in Columbia to celebrate Trump’s nomination
Without the typical fanfare of a traditional party convention, hindered by the COVID-19 outbreak, the South Carolina Republican Party is throwing a party — scaled down and with safety measures in place — to celebrate President Donald Trump’s nomination to run for a second term.
The state’s Republican Party says it’ll welcome a speaker — virtual or in person — from the Republican National Committee on Friday at Seawell’s in Columbia to speak to the Republican crowd of less than 250 people, a state GOP spokesperson said.
Gov. Henry McMaster in July ordered that organized events could open to no more than 250 people or 50% of the posted occupancy, whichever is lower, to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Masks will be required and made available to people who don’t have one, said S.C. GOP spokeswoman Claire Robinson.
And tables will be spread out to keep with social distancing guidelines.
McMaster is expected to attend Friday’s party, along with Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and U.S. Reps. Joe Wilson, R-Springdale, and Ralph Norman, R-Rock Hill.
The Republican Party on Monday formally nominated Trump to run for a second term in office.
McMaster led South Carolina’s six-person delegation in Charlotte, where he offered the state’s nominating roll call.
“This is the most important election in the history of our country,” Trump said. “Our country can go in a horrible direction or in an even greater direction.”
State delegations weren’t greeted in Charlotte Monday by the usual fare of attending a convention.
Chairs were spread out on the ballroom floor and convention organizers stressed wearing masks, though not everyone followed the mask rule.
“We are obviously disappointed we could not hold this event in the same way we had originally planned,” said Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republican National Committee.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This story was originally published August 25, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
