The year's first Southern primary has the potential to restore order to the chaotic GOP presidential race. A solid win by Bob Dole could start him on a steady march toward the nomination. Patrick J. Buchanan hopes to at least make the contest close. Lamar Alexander needs a boost in the state; without one, his campaign will be in dire straits.
POLITICAL PORTRAIT
Number of delegates: 37
How apportioned: Winner takes all
Who can vote: Any registered voter
Time polls close: 4 p.m. PST
Registered voters: 1,478,958 (no party registration)
1992 General Election
Bush: 48%
Clinton: 40%
Perot: 12%
Elected Officials
Gov. David Beasley (R)
Sen. Strom Thrumond (R)
Sen. Ernest F. Hollings (D)
House delegation: 4 Republicans, 2 Democrats
DELEGATE SCORECARD
Alexander: 10
Buchanan: 37
Dole: 35
Forbes: 60
Needed to Nominate: 996
At Stake Today: 37
The People
Population Total: 3,691,462
White: 67%
Black: 30%
Latino: 1%
Other: 1%
*
Unemployment
S.C.: 5.7%
U.S.: 5.6%
*
Median family income
S.C.: $31,640
U.S.: $34,761
*
Violent crimes
Crimes Per 100,000 Population
S.C.: 1,031
U.S.: 716
Sources: U.S. Census, Claritas Inc., various media sources
Researched by ROB CIOE and MALOY MOORE / Los Angeles Times
