Dems Eye Nikki Haley for 2014 Challenge

Has had some issues in her first term as South Carolina governor

South Carolina's tandem of 2014 Senate races, thanks to Jim DeMint's unforeseen resignation, may be drawing all the attention. But what has Democrats really licking their chops is the chance to take on Republican Gov. Nikki Haley in two years.

Oft-mentioned as a potential national candidate, the 40-year-old GOP luminary has seen her popularity in the Palmetto State plummet midway through her first term.

Signs abound that her combative approach with the Republican-led state Legislature is wearing thin. Her conservative critics grouse she's more interested in burnishing her maverick image than fostering relationships that produce legislation.