SC governor: Newt must prove his relevance

Gingrich is not taking part in Thursday’s debate in South Carolina — the first of the 2012 season. Haley said Wednesday that she’s not disappointed by the low turnout for the debate, but “the candidates that are at this debate will certainly have a head start in that they will have the attention of South Carolina.”

Five likely GOP candidates are participating Thursday: Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Sen. Rick Santorum (Pa.), Rep. Ron Paul (Texas), former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson and conservative talk host Herman Cain.

Thus far, Haley hasn’t appeared thrilled with the 2012 options on the GOP side. In an interview last month, Haley said, “no one in the field excites me right now.”

On Wednesday, the governor described her ideal candidate as “somebody that’s strong in business” and “someone that has had experience making tough decisions.”

During Haley’s 2010 race for governor, she was endorsed by several rumored presidential hopefuls, including former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Gingrich and Pawlenty.

In the 2008 presidential race, Haley backed Romney.