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FREE INTERGENERATIONAL e FORUM COVERAGE h See pages 14-15 T Your weekly paper - Promoting the power of community ▪ Independently owned and operated since 2003 March 3 - 9, 2016 INSIDE this issue DI residents help lead Business updates 12 Sports 17-19 SCDaniel Island residentPRE Jim Merrill posessid with PresidentialENT Candidate DonaldI TrumpAL (R) in South CAM Carolina, where Trump wonP theA RepublicanIGN Presidential SPrimary on February 20. Merrill, a member of the South Carolina General Assembly, is currently serving as Trump’s South Carolina Campaign Director. PROVIDED ELIZABETH BUSH ing John McCain, George W. Bush, and Dan Quayle. force, entering into one of the busiest political seasons [email protected] He crossed paths in early 2015 with Corey Lewan- of his life. Merrill schedules all of Trump’s visits to You’re hired! dowski, Trump’s national campaign director, which South Carolina, handles media inquiries, security Viewers of The Celebrity Apprentice were certainly prompted conversations about joining the Trump team. details, volunteers and more. With Trump pulling in not used to hearing this phrase from Donald J. Trump “We talked through everything and finally Mr. thousands at each campaign stop, it is no easy task. A while watching his former reality TV show. But it’s Trump took us up to New York to meet with him,” recent stump session in Lexington County drew 8,000, exactly what Trump told Daniel Island resident Jim recalled Merrill. “And when we sat down I realized another 7,000 to 9,000 filled a crowd in Rock Hill, and Merrill about a year ago, when he asked him to come he was indeed very serious about making this run and 5,000 popped in for Trump’s visit to Patriots Point in Honeycomb Artist onboard as the director of his South Carolina Presi- very committed to it. I was sold.” Mt. Pleasant last December. dential Campaign. Despite Trump’s celebrity status and bold and brash “It’s night and day between the other candidates,” 22-23 Merrill, who has served as a representative in the reputation, Merrill said he had no reservations about added Merrill, when asked to compare what running And much more! S.C. General Assembly since 2001, runs his own pub- joining the candidate’s team. a Trump campaign is like versus the other candidates lic relations and marketing firm when not conducting “It was intriguing,” he said. “It was an honor to be he has represented. “You normally don’t see a situa- state business. As part of that work, he has assisted in asked.” tion like Trump’s until the party nominee is named… numerous political campaigns for candidates, includ- And with that Merrill hit the campaign trail in full and much more! See CAMPAIGNS on PAGE 02 THIS WEEK’S FEATURED PROPERTIES BY IRON GATE REALTY NEW UNDER HISTORIC GREAT FRONT DEEP WATER PRICE! DISTRICT & MARSH VIEWS & BACK GOLF VIEWS CONTRACT 843.471.2064 843.478.7875 (cell) 112 W Carolina St.......................$507,000 250-202 Island Park Drive...............$867,000 409 Ralston Creek St....................$2,217,000 606 Daggett..............................$889,000 786 Goodlet Circle Renee Reinert Pote [email protected] Summerville Daniel Island Park Daniel Island Park Daniel Island Park James Island 02 ISLAND NEWS thedanielislandnews.com The Daniel Island News ■ March 3 - 9, 2016 Mr. Trump spoke to at least 100,000 people Gilmore’s campaign, but seeing Americans at those events….I was very happy when “fight” for their country was perhaps the most Trump hires Merrill Saturday evening finally arrived. Mr. Trump moving. From CAMPAIGNS on PAGE 01 and his family were ecstatic and very thankful “We saw young, old, parents, children, to the people of South Carolina. He won all 50 grandparents, and no matter what they be- Very close to the election you’ll see this kind delegates. It was amazing.” lieved in, they all wanted the same thing - a of support, but even then the crowds and the safe and thriving country. I was also very fervor that he is creating is more so now in DI’S KRISTIN POWER COORDI- impressed with the younger generation of comparison to that. It’s really something I NATES SC CAMPAIGN FOR FORMER voters. Gilmore spoke at the University of have not experienced.” PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE JIM South Carolina a few times and the questions Trump continues to lead in most national GILMORE and insight these students had about politics polls, despite criticisms that he can be rude Daniel Island has had another key player and the current state of our country was mind and insulting towards those who cross him. stumping for a Presidential candidate this PROVIDED blowing.” But Merrill chalks up the candidate’s popu- election season. Kristin Power served as South Former Presidential Candidate Jim Gilmore Gov. Gilmore bowed out of the race on larity to a unique campaign message that he Carolina Campaign Coordinator for former February 15, ending his campaign. (R) is shown on the campaign trail with Dan- believes is resonating with voters. GOP candidate Jim Gilmore from August 2015 “It was such an amazing experience for “Mr. Trump has a level of celebrity and to February 2016. iel Island resident Kristin Power, his South me,” added Power. “It opened my eyes in name identification that is really kind of un- Gilmore, who served as governor of Vir- Carolina Campaign Coordinator. Gilmore, so many ways, grew me professionally and matched,” he said. “Amazingly, he is changing ginia from 1998-2002, reached out to a friend who served as Governor of Virginia from personally, and afforded me the opportunity to the template for how you run for office and of Power’s in search of a recommendation for 1998-2002, ended his bid for the presidency feel like I was a part of the conversation and it’s refreshing to see somebody who is not someone who could help lead his South Caro- on February 15. not just sitting helpless on the sidelines.” beholden to special interests or big donors lina campaign. Soon, Power got a phone call. The position also offered Power a unique and is willing just not to bother with political “I was recommended,” she said. “I’ll never for the challenge and eager to hit the campaign perspective on politics and a newfound respect correctness. That’s 100 percent the hallmark of forget the day my phone rang and I heard on trail. for those who seek the nation’s highest office. his campaign, and it’s genuine and sincere.” the other end of the line, ‘Ms. Power? This is “I knew it would be hard work, strategic “Being a Presidential candidate, no matter Trump’s recent win in the South Carolina former Governor Jim Gilmore from Virginia. I and intense at times,” said Power, founder and how strong and confident you are, is not easy Republican Presidential Primary was cer- am running for President of the United States current board member of the Daniel Island work. It’s long hours and constant scrutiny, tainly welcome news to Merrill and all who and I’d like for you to join my campaign Exchange Club. “Those expectations were and whether you agree with a candidate or not, are working on the billionaire businessman’s team.’ Never in my life did a little girl from accurate. Though the whole process I gained there is a certain level of respect that should campaign. Trump was in the Palmetto State for Maine, who used to sing and dance in the a huge appreciation for campaign employees. be given to someone that exposes themselves 11 days leading up to the February 20 Primary, rain, think she would one day be working on a The long days and nights, the constant flow to all of those things on our behalf. I will defi- appearing at rallies in “no less than 12 towns,” Presidential campaign. It was a cool moment.” of information, and need to problem shoot or nitely walk away from this experience focus- said Merrill, who coordinated Trump’s sched- Aside from writing speeches and assist- accurately and quickly respond to a particular ing on what positive qualities, proven plans, ule and was on the road almost the whole time. ing on local or civic group campaigns, Power statement, situation, et cetera, is intense.” and expertise candidates bring to the table that “We began early and ran late into the night admits politics was not really her area of ex- Power added that she had many memorable will better our country for our citizens. Happy virtually every day,” he added. “…I imagine pertise before taking the job. Still, she was up moments from her experience with Governor voting!” March 21 Daniel Island Club Join musicians, sports legends and actors for a day of golf followed by an incredible after-party concert. The fourth annual NEEDTOBREATHE Classic benefits Palmetto Medical Initiative, which builds self-sustaining medical clinics in areas dramatically in need of affordable, quality health care. Joining NEEDTOBREATHE are: Musician Mat Kearney Adam Humphries Musician Drew Holcomb Alternative rock band Switchfoot Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Rock band American Authors PGA player Russell Henley Tajih Boyd Former MLB player Matt Diaz Actor Kevin Sorbo Hootie & the Blowfish band members Former MLB player Rick Carone Basketball legend Rick Barry Mark Bryan and Jim Sonefeld Actress Debbe Dunning Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Musician John Mark McMillan and more! Standard team registration and celebrity foursome registration available (includes gift bag and after-party tickets). Spaces are going fast! Info and registration: commonwealthcares.org Hosted by Commonwealth Cares Foundation March 3 - 9, 2016 ■ The Daniel Island News thedanielislandnews.com 03 Full Time.