WASHINGTON (CNN) -- When former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani visits a meeting of South Carolina Republicans Saturday, he will be escorted around by a guide well-traveled in Palmetto State GOP circles.

Scott Malyerck, who just recently stepped down as executive director of the South Carolina Republican Party, is supporting Giuliani's bid for president. This is a big get for the former New York City mayor, because Malyerck not only has a firm understanding of Palmetto State politics, but also has strong ties to New Hampshire. Malyerck, a Granite State native, also served as the executive director of the New Hampshire Republican Party in the late 1980's.

"The country and the party both hunger for leadership," Malyerck said in an interview. "Even though there are a lot of fine men seeking the nomination, there is only one that has demonstrated the kind of proven leadership our country needs at this time.

"Republicans are not looking for fluff. They are looking for the real deal, and they have it with Rudy Giuliani," he added.