Experts Say Smith Won First Debate

(Florence, SC) -- James Smith is declared the winner of the first debate in the race for governor.

That's what four political analysts said last night after watching the debate between the Democratic state rep and Republican Governor Henry McMaster.

College of Charleston's Gibbs Knotts credits Smith for using Ronald Reagan's famous line, 'there you go again' when McMaster said Smith would raise taxes.

USC's Robert Oldendick tells The State that Smith won by showing he was prepared and competent, but Oldendick also says winning one debate doesn't change the fact that Smith has a steep hill to climb to win in November.


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