CNN

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (CNN) - Here's a quick look at what's making news in South Carolina politics this morning:

On January 17th, CNN will team up with the Congressional Black Caucus to hold the final Democratic debate before the South Carolina Primary.

Of course, the actual date of that primary remains in question.

Watch CNN's John King explain why Fred Thompson's candidacy may hinge on South Carolina. (Click on "Thompson's southern strategy.")

Illegal immigration: still firing up the grassroots in the Upstate.

Sen. Hillary Clinton will have three surrogates campaigning in South Carolina this weekend: Arkansas Congressman Marion Barry, New York Congresswoman Yvette Clark, and former Clinton adviser Lissa Muscatine.

Barry will attend the South Carolina Rally for Darfur on Saturday.

Saturday will also feature the Kershaw County Democratic Party Bar-B-Q Party and straw poll.

Sen. Barack Obama will also visit South Carolina this weekend, holding a town hall in Aiken and a rally in Rock Hill, both on Saturday. He will also attend church in Greenville on Sunday at Redemption World Outreach Center, where he will speak to the congregation. It's Obama's ninth visit to South Carolina.

– CNN South Carolina Producer Peter Hamby