The polls are now open in the Republican and Democratic Primary runoffs for the new District 7 Congressional seat.

On Monday, Applewoods House of Pancakes was campaign central in Georgetown County today as the two Republican candidates for the  made campaign stops.

Andre Bauer addressed the Waccamaw Republican Women’s Group during a lunchtime stop.

He spoke briefly about his opponent receiving Haley’s support.

Bauer said he received a text from Chad Walldorf, chairman of the Board of Economic Advisors Thursday who said if  he helped a senator pass some legislation, Haley would not endorse Rice.

They said “if you will get this senator to pass a bill, we will make sure the governor does not endorse your opponent,” Bauer said. “I said that is not the way to get me to do something. Threatening me is not the way to do it.”

He said he did not support the legislation and the next day Haley announced her endorsement.

Bauer, who said he received the endorsement of Pat Boone, said when it comes to oil, America needs to become less dependent on other countries.

“We have become more and more dependent on foreign countries since the Department of Energy was created,” he said. “These are issues we must address.”

Bauer also said Congress needs to tighten the laws when it comes to executive orders that can be issued by a president.

“No one person should be the king of this country. We are seeing an abuse of power which is why our founding fathers wanted three separate branches of government,” Bauer said.

He also said “I would love it” and he would support legislation that would keep lawmakers from being paid if a budget is not passed.

Bauer said if he does not win Tuesday, he will support Rice.

“A moderate Republican is still better than a Democrat,” he said.

Haley endorses Rice

Later in the day a crowd showed up to greet Tom Rice who was accompanied by an entourage, including Gov. Nikki Haley.

“We need someone in Washington who realizes you do not raise the debt ceiling,” Haley said, adding Rice “is that person.”

At a forum sponsored by the Georgetown Times and Coastal Observer last month, Rice said he would support adding to the federal deficit if it meant money for dredging the Port of Georgetown.

Haley said Rice will be someone who fights for what is best for the district.

Former South Carolina Gov. Jim Edwards was also on hand to endorse Rice.

“I have never been so concerned about the future of my children and grandchildren,” said Edwards — who served as governor from 1975-79. “We cannot tolerate another four years like we have had.”

He also took a swipe at Bauer by saying “we need someone in Washington who is mature.”

Rice said he will fight to preserve the foundation on which the country was founded.

“If we lose ‘In God We Trust’ we are lost,” he said.

On a different topic he said “capitalism is the best incubator for innovation” and it is what “made us the world leader for the past one hundred years.”

Polls will be open until 7 p.m.

On the Democratic side Gloria Tinubu faces Preston Brittain.

Anyone can vote today but if you voted two weeks ago you must vote in  the same party primary.