MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.—Ron Paul has returned to South Carolina to pick up an endorsement from a state lawmaker popular with tea party activists.

State Sen. Tom Davis announced his support for the Texas congressman Sunday at a raucous rally in Myrtle Beach. Davis served as chief of staff to former Republican Gov. Mark Sanford and is considered a vocal fiscal conservative.

Paul placed second in the New Hampshire primary last week and third in Iowa's caucuses. He told supporters he expects to do well in South Carolina's January 21 primary.

Polls show Mitt Romney leading the field, in part because no single candidate has emerged as a clear alternative to the former Massachusetts governor.

Paul had been off the campaign trail since last Wednesday, resting and visiting family at home.

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