In a state where "you're not from around here" can be both an inquiry and an accusation, Republican Nikki Haley connected with S.C. voters through biography and policies to overcome history and become the state's first woman and first minority governor.
Haley took Horry County by a large margin, winning about 64 percent of the vote over state Sen. Vincent Sheheen's 34 percent. The margin was tighter in Georgetown County, where Haley held 53 percent to Sheheen's 45 percent with all votes being counted except provisional and other special ballots. Statewide, Haley won by about 52 percent to Sheheen's 46 percent in a contest that flipped between the candidates by the minute Tuesday night.
Haley is a three-term House member who campaigned as a political outsider and earned the backing of Sarah Palin.
The 38-year-old married mother becomes the nation's second Indian American governor.
Haley, whose national profile rose quickly after the primary victory, becomes a significant figure on the national political scene. South Carolina is the first southern state in the presidential primary circuit and potential Republican candidates for the 2012 White House already are beating paths across the landscape as they donated to her campaign.
Voters found a lot to like in Haley, which proved insurmountable for Democratic opponent Vincent Sheheen when coupled with a national political climate favoring Republicans. Haley's pledges to rein in state spending, reject federal assistance and fight to the U.S. Supreme Court a recently enacted health-care law appealed to many.
Several Grand Strand voters framed their vote for Haley as a vote against the Obama administration, despite it being a state election.
"Her political views are good. She's republican, and we need to get rid of the administration. We need to do anything to defeat them," said Vicky Hing, after casting her vote at the Cavalry Bible School near Socastee.
Haley's gender also appeals to Hing, who said that running the state is like running a household.
"I don't think the egos get in the way as much as with men," she said.
Tina Blue, who also cast her vote at Cavalry Bible School, said she liked Sheheen's views and experience, but that life would go on if Sheheen lost.
"It's an election and the majority will speak and if I'm not part of that majority then so be it," said Blue who also cast her vote at Cavalry Bible School.
Haley was a disciplined, natural candidate who could connect in person and in advertising.
Pam Shumway, 68 of McCormick, said she first saw Haley at April's Tea Party rally, footage of which ended up in her campaign commercials. More than six months later, Shumway, welling with pride, was clasping Haley's hands, astonished the Lexington state representative was about to win the governorship.
"She was well-spoken," Shumway said. "She had a message that made me say out loud, 'Yes!'"
Haley's push to require more roll-call legislative votes was a symbol of the way that she would lead government, said Shumway.
"It was so courageous, this little woman up there."
Jennifer Edwards, 28, was clutching one of the pink Haley campaign T-shirts with the Margaret Thatcher quote on the back at an Aiken rally last week. Edwards studied candidate websites during the primary, eventually choosing Haley. She said she found inspiration in her vote and rejected an unproven accusation by two Columbia men that they had an extramarital affair with Haley.
"She's a strong woman," Edwards said . "Those are just attacks. ... I don't think it's credible."
Staff writer Jake Spring, McClatchy Newspapers and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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