Every disbanded presidential campaign has a straw that broke its proverbial back. For some, that straw might end up being a $40,000 check.
That’s the fee to file for the Republican presidential primary ballot in South Carolina, one of the key early nominating states for would-be GOP nominees. With one of the highest filing fees in the country – and one that must be paid with campaign dollars rather than outside super PAC money – the South Carolina ballot poses an early hurdle for candidates running into money woes. Two candidates with flagging fundraising, Rick Perry and Scott Walker, have already exited the presidential race.
The deadline for filing papers and paying the fee to the state party is next week – Wednesday, Sept. 30th at 5:00p ET.
As of Tuesday morning, GOP frontrunner Donald Trump has not filed his paperwork and paid the fee. But Trump is scheduled to speak Wednesday evening in Columbia, and Republican officials tell NBC News that they expect someone from his staff to file the papers during that visit.
Former HP chief Carly Fiorina is also expected to file on Wednesday.
Other Republicans who have NOT filed yet include Chris Christie, Rand Paul and George Pataki.
Rand Paul is scheduled to file his paperwork on Sept. 29th, per GOP officials in the state.
Many of the candidates have used the filing as a campaign stop and photo opportunity. In addition to presenting the fee, candidates must also formally pledge to “generally believe in and intend to support the nominees and platform of the Republican Party in the November 8, 2016 general election.”
Candidates are not required to file in person, though they must submit notorized paperwork.
