Presidential contenders fight for minority voters in SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Presidential candidates in both parties battled for the crucial backing of black and Hispanic voters today as the race shifted toward states with more minority voters.

Republicans crisscrossed South Carolina looking to derail billionaire Donald Trump and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who each came to the state with a burst of momentum after the first two nomination contests. Several candidates embraced the chaos as they felt out the best strategies to survive South Carolina and advance into a grueling March primary schedule, when 58 percent of the party's delegate total will be at stake.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush defended his decision to bring his brother, former President George W. Bush, to South Carolina to help him campaign. Speaking to ABC's Good Morning America on Friday, Bush said recruiting the former president wasn't a sign of desperation, as Trump suggested has suggested. George W. Bush left the White House in January 2009 with low approval ratings.

"This is the beginning of the campaign" and "for my brother to speak on behalf of the skills I have to lead this country will be quite helpful," he said.

Rubio, looking to re-establish his footing after a fifth-place finish in New Hampshire, lashed out at Trump, Cruz and Bush Thursday saying none of them possess foreign policy experience required of a commander-in-chief.