Sen. DeMint to speak to Aiken Republican Club

After hosting a rush of Republican candidates vying for the 2012 presidency, the Aiken Republican Club will bring U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., to Aiken later this month to address economic and domestic policy issues.

DeMint will be the featured speaker at the club's Feb. 21 luncheon at Newberry Hall, 117 Newberry St.

"(DeMint) is going to discuss a wide range of federal issues that are crippling our economy, including the national debt, the federal government's overspending, overregulation ... and other domestic policy issues," club president Tony Coffaro said.

The luncheon will begin with registration and social time at 11 a.m., and lunch will be served at noon.

The cost for members is $15, and the cost for nonmembers is $20. Coffaro said the club typically sees a good mix of members and nonmembers.

Reservations must be made by noon on Feb. 17, and cancellations must be received by 4 p.m. on Feb. 16.

To RSVP, contact Sue Collinsworth at suecollinsworth@bellsouth.net or 648-9542.

The club kicked off 2012 with former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum as a featured speaker. Coffaro said he believes Santorum will revisit Aiken before the general election if he receives the nomination.

Coffaro added that he is working on scheduling other Republican leaders and speakers in the coming months.

"The presidential stream is going to dry up, and now our focus will be on other areas ... looking into the U.S. Congress and Senate and some other private speakers," he said.

While DeMint has not endorsed any of the presidential candidates, he will also likely address the election at the luncheon, Coffaro said.

Anna Dolianitis is a reporter for the Aiken Standard. She covers the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site, as well as court and legal matters affecting Aiken County. She has been with the Aiken Standard since August 2010.