State GOP Chairman Jim Greer (who under RNC rules will lose his status as a delegate because of Florida violating the primary schedule) plans to be in South Carolina next week for the Republican presidential debate. We don't expect a warm reception from GOP Chairman Katon Dawson, who insists South Carolina won't let Florida steal its first-in-the-South primary status: "We have a historical place in presidential politics and we are going to retain that at all costs. "

State Rep. David Rivera is not especially impressed with South Carolina's claim. "We respect New Hampshire and Iowa's longstanding traditions in the presidential selection process. but South Carolina does not meet the historical standard of Iowa and New Hamsphire,'' Rivera said, noting that the GOP presidential primary is often dominated by the Confederate flag debate. "In Florida the issues are much more diverse than just the Confederate flag. … Florida's a microcosm of the entire nation."

Meanwhile, the Democratic presidential candidates are struggling with the repercussions. Read more in comments.