Columbia, S.C. — The polls just closed here at 7 p.m. in South Carolina, and now the waiting begins.
Results will start trickling in soon and you can follow them at the State Election Commission's website.
We told you earlier, we expect New York billionaire Donald Trump to win and for The Associated Press and the major networks to call today’s Republican presidential primary fairly quickly.
How quickly that happens could determine how quickly we start seeing speeches from candidates. Here’s a look at where each candidate will be tonight:
Donald Trump: Spartanburg Marriott. While some may find it odd for the front-runner to decamp to this Upstate city, it actually shows Trump's forward thinking. The major Upstate television stations — WYFF in nearby Greenville and WSPA in Spartanburg — are carried by cable companies in both North Carolina and Tennessee, giving Trump free air time in both states.
Ted Cruz: South Carolina State Fairgrounds, Columbia. Cruz's campaign has secured the Moore Building at the fairgrounds, which is famous for hosting blacksmiths and and other trade crafts (plus a cookie kitchen!) during the annual State Fair each fall.
Marco Rubio: Carolina Haven, Columbia. This is one of those fancy tailgating facilities that have popped up around Williams-Brice Stadium, home of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Rubio must hope he does better than last year's Gamecock football team.
Jeb Bush: Hilton Columbia Center Hotel. Four years ago, this is where Newt Gingrich had his primary night event. Of course, Gingrich won that night. The Bush event will probably be a little less raucous.
Ben Carson: Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center. This is the same hotel your Insider has stayed in several times this election cycle. It's a fine hotel, although the atrium is being renovated and the construction noise can be loud when you're trying to sleep in.
John Kasich: Massachusetts. Enough said.
About the Author
