Former South Carolina Lt. Gov. André Bauer picked up the endorsement of 2008 GOP White House hopeful and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) today.

Huckabee’s endorsement — which included the governor lending his voice to a TV ad — could give Bauer a boost in the crowded GOP primary in the 7th district, which was newly created after redistricting.

“Our God-given liberty is under attack by unelected judges, Washington politicians and even the president of the United States,” Huckabee says over black and white b-roll footage. “And that’s why we need faith-filled leaders like André Bauer to take ’em on.

“André Bauer protects the right to life of the unborn, honors our Christian heritage and defends our God-given liberty,” Huckabee says.

The ad is backed by an approximately $40,000 buy on broadcast and cable television in the Myrtle Beach-based district.

Among other candidates, Bauer faces Horry County Council Chairman Tom Rice, Florence attorney Jay Jordan and Chad Prosser, the former director of South Carolina’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

Likely Democratic nominee Preston Brittain faces an uphill battle in the Republican district, no matter whom he faces. Roll Call rates the race as Likely Republican.

The primary is June 12. A runoff would be held June 26.

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