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South Carolina Governor Nikki Randhawa Haley, considered a ‘rising star’ in the Republican Party, delivered an emotional speech at her 2nd inauguration Jan. 14. Haley’s inauguration was attended by among others, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a potential presidential candidate who was an early Haley supporter, leading to speculation she could be his vice-presidential teammate come 2016.
Hearkening to her immigrant ancestry, her childhood and upbringing in the state she leads today, and her achievements in the first four years of her administration, Haley exulted in her success attracting businesses to her state and creating jobs.
Thanking her husband Michael and her children Rena and Nalin, Haley said, “They understand that we are a family of service. Service always brings with it some level of sacrifice, but it is my family and their love of South Carolina that motives me.” She went on to thank her parents. “Their support and strength continues to be the balance we need. We are thankful to each and every one of you for loving us unconditionally.”
She admitted that when first elected she was “young,” “unknown,” and “different.” But she credited her parents with teaching her differences were not as important as bringing unity. Haley has been a controversial politician and opposed even within her party. She did not shy away however, from using her bully pulpit to push for ethics reform in the state legislature criticizing state lawmakers for what she saw as a rise in misuse and mismanagement of state resources.
Nevertheless, after four years at the helm, she said South Carolina was one of the fastest growing states in the country, industry was flourishing and new business were coming in every week. “We’re building cars and planes and tires like never before, and there’s more of that on the way.”
Haley returned recently from a lengthy trip to India, her first since childhood, and according to her administration has some 19 business deals in the pipeline. “We have changed the image of South Carolina, not just across the country but around the world,” Haley claimed. Her dreams for her state knew no bounds she said adding, “They are the dreams of a little girl from Bamberg who would one day grow up to be governor.They are the dreams of her parents who left everyone and everything they knew in search of a better life.They are the dreams of a mother who wakes every morning hoping her children’s future will be even brighter than her own.”
Nevertheless, the reality was that South Carolina is competing not just with other states, but also with India and China, she said.
