[Zhang Fei]

Terry Branstad was replacing a Republican? News to me. His two predecessors were Chet Culver and Tom Vilsack, both Democrats. South Carolina has only had five Republican governors in the modern era (including Gov. Haley).

I'll give you Branstad, but Haley was replacing Sanford.

[2ndDivisionVet]

Who was in the midst of a serious scandal. You make my points for me.

[jjotto]

Palin’s endorsement had no significant effect on Branstad’s primary win, and certainly none on the general election win.

Branstad is a popular previous four-term governor (this is his fifth term). Longest-serving governor of any state since the early days of the Republic.