COLUMBIA, S.C. (WBTV/AP) - The forum in South Carolina Monday evening featuring the leading Republican presidential candidates will be without major player Texas Gov. Rick Perry, the governor's press office in Texas confirmed.
A press office staff member said Perry will leave the state after a town hall with South Carolina Rep. Tim Scott, to return to Austin because of wildfires plaguing the region.
"He has been monitoring what's going on from the road as well," the staffer said by phone Monday morning.
Other GOP contenders planning to attend the evening event dubbed the Palmetto Freedom Forum include former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Texas congressman Ron Paul. Minnesota congresswoman Michele Bachmann, businessman Herman Cain and former U.S. House Newt Gingrich are also attending. The event has been dubbed the Palmetto Freedom Forum.
Invitations were extended based on how candidates are doing in the polls. Former Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, for example, was not invited but is campaigning in the Midlands and in upstate South Carolina this Labor Day.
South Carolina has the South's first GOP presidential primary early next year.
Copyright 2011 WBTV. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved.
