Washington Post

Republican

South Carolina state Rep. Nikki Haley’s easy victory in the state’s gubernatorial runoff Tuesday is sure to establish her as the newest rising star in the GOP ranks and a coveted 2012 endorser.

Not only does Haley look different than the stereotypical Republican — she is an Indian-American woman — but she is also the favorite to be the next governor of a state that will play a very large role in selecting the 2012 presidential nominee.

And, Haley, for her part, gave credit to former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin who not only endorsed her candidacy but came to the Haley’s defense when allegations of martial infidelity emerged. “She gave us that boost we needed when we needed it,” Haley said of Palin at her victory speech last night. ( Palin tweeted her congratulations to Haley.)

As for her own future on the national stage — vice presidential pick, perhaps? — Haley consultant Jon Lerner downplayed such talk. “Nikki Haley is a remarkable candidate and a remarkable person,” he said. “She knows how to stay focused, and her focus will be on winning her general election and improving the lives of South Carolinians.”

Still, it’s easy to see Haley — whether she likes it or not — winding up on some vice presidential long lists and maybe even a few short lists.

For more information about Nikki Haley, visit her website.

Democrat

North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall’s crushing defeat of former state Sen. Cal Cunningham in the Democratic primary race for Senate showed — yet again — that this is not a cycle to run as the establishment candidate.

Cunningham was recruited into the race by national Democrats who did not believe that Marshall represented the party’s best chance against freshman Sen. Richard Burr (R) in the fall. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee funneled nearly $200,000 in coordinated funds to Cunningham but it proved to be for naught as Marshall’s superior name identification and support from black leaders — including third-place primary finisher Ken Lewis — gave her a wide winning margin.

For more information about Elaine Marshall, visit her website.