We noted earlier that the McCain camp was expected to announce a big endorsement, but we didn’t expect it to be the mayor of the largest GOP stronghold in South Carolina. But that’s what happened Monday when Greenville mayor Knox White endorsed the Arizona senator and presidential hopeful.

White, a very popular fourth-term mayor, said via a campaign press release that, “John McCain’s service, experience, and commitment to our conservative cause make him the best qualified to lead our nation as we face the challenges of tomorrow.”

Greenville is the third largest city in the state but has a very conservative, predominantly Republican voting base. Of the 573,101 votes cast during the 2000 GOP primary, more than 73,000 – or nearly 10 percent – came from Greenville county. The next largest Republican turnout was in Charleston County at less than 48,000.

A statement from McCain noted that, “Knox is widely recognized across the nation for his vibrant leadership as mayor of Greenville and the city’s downtown revitalization is a wonderful success story.”