MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- Mike Huckabee was at a fundraiser in Myrtle Beach on Thursday where he posed for pictures with some enthusiastic supporters.

Some of the candidates kept low profiles in preparation for the debate, but Huckabee continued to campaign.

Huckabee supporter Alison Hawk said, "You can always tell he's speaking from the heart and he believes in what he's saying, and I just think he's a terrific guy."

Members of the media were not allowed inside the restaurant, but after the fundraiser, Huckabee talked to Robertson and said he's glad to be in the South.

"We're going to bottle this weather, and everywhere we go we're going to take it with us because this is awesome," he said.

The latest polls showed the former Arkansas governor in a tight race in South Carolina, behind John McCain.

Like Iowa, Huckabee is counting on religious conservatives to put him over the top, but he said others support him too.

"People who support the fair tax -- people who frankly believe in a very strong military that's been a key part of us -- veterans, as well as fiscal conservatives."

Supporters at the fundraiser said that they think Huckabee will win South Carolina.