SOUTH CAROLINA , "FIRST IN THE SOUTH," DEBATE COVERAGE BEGINS

We have arrived at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and the activity is already hectic. As we arrived and the above pictures show we stopped at the Myrtle Beach Chamber Of Commerce sponsored sand sculpture of each of the candidates across from the Convention Center.

Upon our arrival Fred Thompson's two campaign buses pulled up in front of the Convention Center and we watched the candidate and his staff enter for their days activities. As we were across the street taking in the sculpture we did not have opportunity to talk with Fred, but will later in the day as opportunity affords.

The Huckabee campaign is already in town and headquartered at a local restaurant. Rudy Giuliani is traveling from Florida and is due to arrive later this afternoon. Ron Paul has chartered a blimp which is circling over the Myrtle Beach area throughout the day and the Pauliacs are already out in force yelling at passers by about their candidate.

We have still not received any information as to the arrival of McCain and Romney but news will be available as soon as the information is acquired. The streets around the Convention Center are already bumper to bumper as onlookers, media, debate staff and security are out in large numbers, which gives the impression that the crowds will be large all day.

Security is tight both in the Convention Center and the surrounding streets as Myrtle Beach Police and SC State Troopers have closed or re-routed many of the streets around the Center.

My son Chris and another team member Travis Whitaker who assisted at the Columbia debate are among the crowd getting reactions and following the protesters. After lunch we will return to the media filing room for the next update. Stop by throughout the day for regular updates and breaking news as it happens, live from the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and the South Carolina GOP Debate.

Ken Taylor