When Nick Ayers, Haley Barbour’s right-hand man from his Republican Governors Association days jumped to Tim Pawlenty team, there was quite a bit of speculation that Ayers’ decision meant Barbour presidential bid wasn’t in the cards. But at least in the near future, Barbour is maintaining the schedule of an aspiring candidate.

Tomorrow he’s attending a reception in Bow, New Hampshire; Thursday a breakfast in Manchester, a meet-and-greet in a gun shop in Hooksett, and another reception at the Greater Manchester Federation of Republican Women.

Then it’s off to another key early state, South Carolina. He’ll address the Charleston GOP convention Friday, the Lexington County GOP convention Saturday morning and the Richland GOP Convention later in the day.