Nikki Haley Suspends Campaign

Nikki Haley suspended her presidential campaign today.  That means former President Donald Trump is now the last major candidate seeking the Republican nomination for president.

Haley made the announcement at 10:00 am today from Charleston, the day after she was soundly defeated by Trump in Super Tuesday contests.  She only beat Trump in the District of Columbia on Sunday and in Vermont on Tuesday. A total of 15 states voted on Super Tuesday including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia.

Haley, who served as U.N. ambassador while Trump was in office, was his first GOP challenger in the presidential nomination race and the only female in the contest.  Out of the 12 who started the race, Haley and Trump were the last two standing.

When Haley announced the suspension of her campaign today, she did not endorse Trump.  In fact, she simply encouraged him to earn the support of the independent voters and moderate Republicans who had supported her.

"It is now up to Donald Trump to earn the votes of those in our party and beyond it who did not support him.  And I hope he does that.  At its best, politics is about bringing people into your cause, not turning them away.  And our conservative cause badly needs more people," said Haley.

Haley has also made it clear she is not interested in serving as Trump's running mate, or running on a third-party ticket.  Although her campaign was slow to attract donors, that wasn't the case in the end.  She raised more than $12 million in February alone.

Now that Haley is out, Trump will be focusing solely on what will likely be a rematch with President Joe Biden in November.  Trump is on track to reach the necessary 1,215 delegates to clinch the Republican nomination later this month.

Each year, Main Street America hosts the Great American Main Street Award and selects the best main street in America.  This honor recognizes exceptional Main Street communities.  Applications are taken from all accredited Main Street America programs.  And this year, one South Carolina town made the list!

To be selected for the Great American Main Street Award, Main Street professionals and leaders look for:

The winners of this year's award were announced at the 2023 Main Street Now Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. There were 8 semifinalists that were narrowed down to just 3. According to Fox News, this is apparently a "unique" scenario, as they typically just award one., and see which South Carolina town made the list below!

First up, you've got Danville, Virginia.  They are known for their rich manufacturing heritage. Revitalization efforts have been underway since 1999.  The downtown area is doing well, and the River District Association has helped create over 150 businesses and 1,200 residential spaces.

It's close to 2 and a half hours from the Augusta area, and about an hour and a half from Myrtle Beach. And at just 8 blocks long,  Florence, South Carolina won the Great American Main Street award this year. The population is around 38,000. The area has dealt with years of negative public perception with lack of storefronts and racial divides.

Back in 2002, the Downtown Florence Main Street organization was formed and they began revitalization efforts.  And it seems to have paid off! Over 90 new businesses have come into the main street area, and over 40 farmers market vendors support the town as well.  The town is flourishing with local dining options, public art, and buildings rich with history.

This suburban neighborhood is well known for its efforts to support small businesses.  Back in 2016, there were concerns with many vacancies, low business retention, and poor appearance.  Then the Metuchen Downtown Alliance was formed and established their "Shop Local" motto for the community.

In the last few years, there has been major revitalization in the area, making the area a "vibrant, active 'place to be' in Central Jersey."