Columbia, South Carolina (CNN) - Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's wife will have dinner Thursday with South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and then spend the night at the governor's mansion, according to Romney and Haley spokespeople.
The dinner will conclude a day of campaigning for Ann Romney in the pivotal early primary state with visits to Spartanburg and Simpsonville. On Friday, Mrs. Romney will submit the election filing form and fee to the South Carolina GOP to officially get her husband's name on the presidential primary ballot.
Mrs. Romney will be the first spouse of a White House hopeful to overnight at the governor's home, an offer Haley has extended to all the presidential candidates when they campaign in her state.
The former Massachusetts governor and first lady campaigned for Haley when she ran for governor in 2010. Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey said Mrs. Romney and Haley "are longtime friends, and the governor admires Mrs. Romney tremendously."
An endorsement from Haley, a young rising star in the conservative tea party movement, would be a coup for any Republican presidential candidate. She has met privately with most of the candidates and has said she will endorse someone before South Carolina's primary.
Only a couple of candidates have taken the governor up on her offer to crash at her place. Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann has already stayed there twice this year, and former House speaker Newt Gingrich plans to stay there next month.
From CNN Politics
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I'm noticing Nikki Haley really enjoys her "sleep overs"?!??!?!?!? Kinda odd...
Nimrata (e.g., Nikki) sure is courting the elites, isn't she? Where's her long-form birth certificate?
yes, the Romney's are pandering to the Tea Party...we get it!
I wonder IF she's proud of her country since her son's NEVER fought for their freedoms that they enjoy so much.
I'm also sure her picture makes "some" people feel more comfortable. You know who you are.
Nikki Haley sure knows how to throw a party! A Party get it? Sorry.
There's a Party I'd like to throw...out. And Newt and Nikki are in it.
With all the candidates, wifes, etc. staying at the Governor's mansion, what's Nikki Haley doing operating a bed and breakfast.
Poor thing. I can't imagine having to spend more than 5 minutes around Governor Haley. She, like SC, is not very bright.