“Close the Primaries: Who’s Really Picking Republican Candidates?”

🗳️ A historic vote is finally here. After more than a decade of quiet obstruction, South Carolina lawmakers are poised to vote on closing Republican primaries — and the fight over how to do it exposes deep divisions inside the GOP. Tara is joined by Steve Nale, Dean of the College of Business at Anderson University, to break down the two competing bills and why only one truly protects conservative voters. This is about power, purity, and who gets to decide the future of the Republican Party. 🔍 Key Topics & Highlights 🏛️ The Two Bills Explained 📜 H.3643 – Backed by GOP leadership Blocks Democrats ❌ Allows independents to vote in Republican primaries ⚠️ 📜 H.3310 – The conservative bill Creates a true Republican-only primary ✅ Excludes Democrats and independents 📊 Why Independents Matter 📉 SC voter breakdown: 🔵 41% Democrat 🔴 49% Republican ⚪ ~10% Independent Independents consistently vote more moderate Their inclusion dilutes conservative outcomes 🗳️ A Real-World Example 📍 Timmons vs. Morgan primary 🧮 Margin: 3.2% ❓ Who decided the race? ➜ Independent voters, not Republicans 🧠 The GOP Power Play 🏗️ Establishment Republicans rely on crossover voters 🧩 Keeps moderates in power 🔒 Locks conservatives out after elections 📣 Allows leadership to claim primaries are “closed” — without truly closing them 📢 Call to Action 📞 The vote is happening TOMORROW Conservatives are urged to: Call House members Email the committee Demand support for H.3310 📲 Grassroots pressure already stopped leadership from killing the bill — again. 🎯 Episode Takeaway ⚠️ This is not a technical debate — it’s a power struggle. Who chooses Republican candidates: Republicans… or everyone else? If independents want a party — they can join one. 🗳️ This could change everything. For the first time in 14 YEARS, lawmakers may finally vote to close GOP primaries — but only ONE bill actually protects conservatives. ⚠️ Don’t be fooled. 📜 H.3310 is the real deal. 🎙️ Full breakdown now. Closed Primaries, South Carolina Politics, GOP Leadership, Conservative Policy, Election Reform, Crossover Voting, Grassroots Activism