Palmetto State News

Former CIA Director and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, keynote speaker during tonight's prestigious GOP fundraiser in Columbia, can't seem to quiet speculation that he's running for president.

Pompeo said earlier this month that he's looking forward to the Silver Elephant Dinner on July 30.

"I always enjoy being with fellow conservatives, and I’m looking forward to speaking at this year’s Silver Elephant Dinner,” Pompeo said in a Twitter post.

Drew McKissick | Facebook.com/screpublicanparty

That Pompeo is looking forward to the annual dinner that has attracted the likes of then California Governor and later President Ronald Reagan, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry is no surprise, South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick told the Associated Press.

"He's looking forward to coming down to South Carolina and being able to speak his mind — without having to worry about being a diplomat," McKissick said in a news story. "He delivers substance."

The Silver Elephant Dinner, an annual fundraiser that began in 1967, is more than just a good meal. South Carolina holds the first presidential primary in the Southeast and potential White House hopefuls of both major parties like to make the rounds here when they can.

Pompeo has not said he is running for any office, but he also hasn't said he won't.

"Only the Lord knows where I will be in 2023," Pompeo told the AP last month during an interview about a political action committee he formed.

As with almost everyone else in the administration during former President Donald Trump's time in office, Pompeo had his share of controversy with scandals that included politicking while on official business, including visits to well-heeled conservative donors. 

That prompted a Kansas City Star op-ed to quip "Mike Pompeo, either quit and run for U.S. Senate in Kansas or focus on your day job."

About a year ago, Pompeo suggested that then-Attorney General Bill Barr could delay November's general election. Pompeo's unfailing support of Trump, backpedaling on a variety of topics and campaigning while on the job reeked of "hypocrisy," Wired reported.

Since Trump's lost re-election run and his subsequent attempts to stay in power, Pompeo has been touring states that have early presidential primaries and caucuses, including Iowa, New Hampshire and now South Carolina, which only adds to speculations about his political future.

Pompeo told the AP that he is working to get "great conservatives" such as South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, another potential 2024 presidential candidate, and Gov. Henry McMaster reelected next year.

"Now more than ever, it’s important to defend American values and stand up to the radical left," Pompeo said.