Large cast of clowns for governor in 2010
July 14th, 2007
After a frustrating legislative session with more fireworks between lawmakers and the governor, politicos across the state are starting to look at the next gubernatorial election.
Big crop of candidates for governor in 2010 By Andy Brack S.C. Statehouse Report
JULY 8, 2007 - - After a frustrating legislative session with more fireworks between lawmakers and the governor, politicos across the state are starting to look at the next gubernatorial election.
By all accounts, the election of 2010 will be a barnburner. That’s because it will be wide open: There won’t be an incumbent and both major political parties have a good stable of candidates.
Most of the likely candidates are current legislators, but because Gov. Mark Sanford has bashed lawmakers over the last five sessions, consultants say polls show the public might not be as keen on state lawmakers as in the past. That might leave openings for business candidates or mayors.
Here’s a rundown of possible gubernatorial candidates gleaned from interviews with several political insiders across the state.
First, the Republicans:
Attorney General Henry McMaster. While McMaster could probably keep his current job as long as he wants to, he’s one of the most popular statewide Republican office-holders in South Carolina. He’s run statewide races and has a strong conservative base in his party. He also has made a name for himself as the state’s top law enforcement officer with very public campaigns to thwart domestic violence and gang activity.
House Speaker Bobby Harrell. Many don’t understand why Harrell would want to give up a powerful position as leader of the House, but word on the street is he is very interested in being governor. He’s ramped up a public relations effort that’s more vigorous than past speakers in what appears to be an attempt to boost his profile.
Congressman Gresham Barrett. The third-term congressman from Oconee County has been making the rounds in the Statehouse to chat up lawmakers. Sources say the former S.C. House member is seriously looking at the gubernatorial bid. If he runs, he may be enough of an “outsider” to the way things work in Columbia to find appeal with voters.
Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer. Yes, he said he wouldn’t run for governor, but that’s never stopped a politician - - and that’s what Bauer consummately is. He continues to confound observers by winning elections and shouldn’t be counted out - - lead foot and all.
Sen. Jim Ritchie. The Spartanburg Republican has statewide ambitions and would be a good, solid choice among the business community. But because he’s somewhat unknown statewide, he might just seek the Attorney General post if McMaster runs.
And the Democrats:
Inez Tenenbaum. The former state superintendent of education, who was the top vote-getter for all statewide posts when she was superintendent, reportedly is looking at running for governor. While she lost a high-profile Senate race, she is a tough campaigner and has the ability to raise millions of dollars.
Robert Barber. The former S.C. House member who lost a close race to Bauer proved he could raise money and run a statewide race. His experiences in 2006 might just be what the doctor ordered to groom him for higher office – if he doesn’t run for U.S. Senate as is rumored.
Joe Erwin. The former head of the state Democratic Party is rumored to be looking at the state’s top political job. His somewhat outsider status and resume as a successful businessman could be a bonus if people get more fed up with politics in Columbia.
Sen. Joel Lourie. The Columbia Democrat has made a name for himself by pushing measures to make nursing homes safer, make school bus trips safer, improve education and increase taxes on cigarettes.
Sen. Vincent Sheheen. Not well-known across the state, Sheheen is gaining a reputation of being someone who can get things done across party lines. Example: the Camden Democrat recently pushed through a bill to make presidential primaries paid by the state, not political parties.
Rep. James Smith. The former House Democratic leader from Columbia currently is serving with the S.C. National Guard in Afghanistan, just one highlight of a packed resume that makes him an attractive candidate for many.
Bottom line: Both parties have good candidates. Look for these names in the news over the next two years to figure out who the frontrunners will be.
Andy Brack, publisher of S.C. Statehouse Report, can be reached at: brack@statehousereport.com.
18 Responses to “Large cast of clowns for governor in 2010”
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July 15th, 2007 at 02:41 PM
The cast of clowns are in the Republican Party.
The clowns are as follows:
I have been a Republican all my life, NO LONGER! The Ravenel Drug ring has exposed these guys and I would not vote for any of them, EVER!
Whatever the Democrats offer, is going to be better than these self-serving individuals.
July 15th, 2007 at 03:09 PM
[sarcasm]There is no Democrat out there doing drugs. Not in South Carolina, not anywhere. We’ve checked it, guys, the Democratic Party is entirely drug free![/sarcasm]
July 15th, 2007 at 09:07 PM
Why cannot people just say…hey, I am a liberal and I don’t like X’s policy and therefore I will not vote for him. Why do liberals (and conservatives too) say, I will not vote for this guy because he got a speeding ticket, or this guy because he did this or that…when is reality you would never vote for the guy under any circumstances! Why is there this “big lie” about the thing. There is nothing wrong with voting for people that think like you do. But can we not stop the pretense…which serves to degrade public discourse, and to distort society.
July 16th, 2007 at 02:47 AM
Because then people would say “You just for for X because you’re a liberal and wouldn’t vote for a Republican not because of anything specific he or she did in his or her political or personal life but because you’re a liberal Democrat. Fool.”
July 16th, 2007 at 06:07 PM
But you can’t hide.
What would you ask a lieutenant governor who:
-When stopped speeding down Assembly Street, charged so aggressively at the cop that he felt threatened enough to draw his weapon? When driving 101 mph on a wet highway, got on the police radio frequency to tell the patrolman pursuing him that “SC2″ was “passing through,” and when he was stopped anyway, asked, “Did you not hear me on the radio”? -Lying to reporters about that incident, then saying you “forgot” about it when confronted with the evidence? -Showed up to negotiate with the Department of Transportation a price for land he owned with a member of the transportation commission in tow?
Ravenel and Bauer, from what I hear are: “best buds”, like “peas-n-carrots” This is going to get interesting.
July 16th, 2007 at 06:11 PM
Hey “Why Not”- I have been voting a straight Republican ticket for the last twenty-four years. I may have to reconsider my voting habits.
RE: Lt. Governor Andre Bauer - Take a look at the State Trooper video, Bauer says to the trooper “there might be a gun in that glove box”
I do believe that it has been established that he is a reckless driver, he has addressed State Troopers inappropriately, has a police radio in his car, a gun in the glove box. Now, he is going to be provided a security detail, which is essentially is a body guard.
We all have responsibilities, places to go and people to see. Protecting the elderly is a good cause, however, I don’t think that is related to his misconduct.
Why Not says: “…lets allow that whacky idea of drug testing to go forward and let’s include all elected officials. “…” I can assure you Andre would and could be the first to take it and pass…but I can name 10 politicos at a minimum that would not be so fortunate.”
Hey Why Not”, your a little sensitive on this drug testing issue. First, how can you assure everyone that he would pass the drug test? Secondly, if you can name 10 politicos that would not pass the drug test, then you should report this to Law Enforcement, i.e SLED or FBI or U. S. Attorney’s office.
July 16th, 2007 at 07:18 PM
” Why Not” , you sound like you are running for a political office. The election is over, you’re in. The question is: Do these reckless individuals like Bauer and Ravenel deserve to be in office?
July 16th, 2007 at 08:49 PM
SC politics won’t make you rich, it will make you filthy rich. Take Lt. Governor Andre Bauer for example: Big BMW, High Performance Mooney Airplane, One-Million Dollar Condo, all on a $50,000 salary. Also, before his plane accident, he said he flew his airplane everyday. It’s expensive to fly an airplane everyday, fuel, maintenance, insurance, etc. He is living the life-style of the RICH and FAMOUS.
July 16th, 2007 at 11:08 PM
NTSB Factual Report: Bauer’s plane left Columbia Owens Field at approx. 4:00pm landed in Blacksburg at(5:00pm)1700 then at(6:30pm) 1830,took off from Blacksburg at 1830(6:30pm). WLTX(Video Clip) reports that he was attending a friends funeral. The NTSB report states that he coordinated transportation to a friends house. In either event, it appears he was on the ground for an hour and a half turnaround.
July 17th, 2007 at 02:32 AM
Heh – clowns. But they don’t got jokes.
I got jokes.
July 17th, 2007 at 04:20 AM
So the funeral lasted an hour and a half? Or was he at a friend’s house? What are you saying, it was a drug run? I can see it now, “Hey old man, get in the plane, we’re going to Blacksburg to pick up some snow shoes.”
July 17th, 2007 at 11:41 PM
I’m Bruce I use my real name in Yahoo Mail although I know I don’t have to. Throughout most of last year I worked at the FBO (Owens Field) where Andre Bauer kept his Moony Aircraft. I helped Azalia Leonhardt pull out his aircraft many times.
What’s not known about this story is it’s NOT Andre Bauer’s first mishap. In August of last year I was attending to the Athletic departments King Air on an early afternoon flight when I was watching an aircraft on approach. As it got close I looked in horror as I noticed the landing gear was UP!
I quickly got on the FBO’s radio and called to the person at the line desk,AIRCRAFT LANDING NO GEAR DOWN! NO GEAR DOWN?. At about 2 feet from touchdown Andre pulled up so heard the aircraft strike the runway. Both myself the Pilot from USC’s Athletic department heard and saw the “Strike”.
He (Andre Bauer) went around the landing pattern and this time safely landed. He taxied so fast down to his storage hanger he could have taken off again right then. Following this he locked his aircraft in the storage hanger and forbid anyone from seeing it or inspecting it.
Later that day both the Airport manager (Jim Hamilton) and the FBO manager Kelly Hamilton) told me this: “Andre Bauer’s plane did not strike the runway!” (Wink Wink). even though I saw it do so and heard it too. What bothers me is IF the Airport managers had reported the Aircraft Strike? according to the Law? this accident (yesterday) might not have happened after Andre Bauer got his pilots license pulled for not reporting the Aircraft Strike? in August himself.
July 18th, 2007 at 10:14 AM
If the NTSB Factual report is accurate, then:
The cause of South Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer’s plane crash has been identified, and it isn’t because “God has a purpose” for Bauer. No, Andre’s accident was his fault due to brakes on a plane!
July 20th, 2007 at 09:30 AM
“Why Not” sounds like a politician. Speaking of Clowns, is “Bogger Bauer” on the lose again.
July 26th, 2007 at 03:23 PM
Has anyone considered that the reason that the plane didn’t roll by hand, left skid marks, and would not fly is because there may have been too much weight on the plane?
It makes alot more sense than a pilot knowingly taking off with the parking on.
Think about it, too much weight would make sense.
July 26th, 2007 at 05:55 PM
Gifts, gifts and more gifts One of the great perks about being governor is that people shower you with gifts.
Take Gov. Mark Sanford, for example.
According to his 2005 Statement of Economic Interests, Sanford accepted $8,412 in gifts, ranging from plane rides to a Tanger Outlet Center directory and a pair of coupon books to a real page-turner, Ken Blanchard’s “Customer Mania! It’s never too late to build a customer-focused business.”
There were plane rides ($1,000 to fly Gov. and Mrs. Sanford to a speaking engagement for the Club for Growth) and model planes (a Boeing 787, $30, and a Gulfstream 450, $40).
And one other plane ride.
A $150 flight, courtesy of Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, from Charleston to Columbia.
That must be the only thing faster than Bauer’s car.
July 29th, 2007 at 12:51 PM
Spinach Wins First Prize Unfortunately Andre Bauer Does Not
Oh, I am so excited……..it seems that Spinach took first prize at the Pillsbury Cook off, ummmm, I wonder, did that cook use the “Melody” variety spinach?….
Poor Andre, such a lead foot. You’ll never take first prize that way Andre.
Now, I have never met Andre Bauer personally, however at my last job I did work with a woman who is alledgedly dating him. During the time I worked with her she never discussed Andre having a lead foot but she did say that he went over to her house one day (must have been one of those rushing from occasion to occasion incidents) and mowed her grass. Did a darn good job of it from what I understand. Let’s just hope he wasn’t using a riding mower. Now I don’t know on what street this woman lives but I suspect if you ride around Columbia you will surely know her house when you see it, it will be the one with the “No Speeding” signs in the front yard.
Yes, I live an interesting life I tell you, the people I have met and worked with. Now I am not going to name this woman because I never actually saw her and Andre together. I can tell you this though, you’ll know who she is when you see her, she is the one wearing those low cut blouses, bent over her desk so low that you can see everything between here and Gaffney. Now that should make things interesting in the State House if Andre gets re-elected and they end up getting married. Yeah, a match made in Heaven, both who in some people’s opinion might be considered “fast”. And after reading this blog, both ready to take roles in “Fast and Furious III”.
Now that I have quelled the curious minds of South Carolina as to the mowing abilities of Andre Bauer there is still that one unanswered question…………………….(I must apologize to you of tender sensibilities in advance for what I am about to write) ………………………….the question of his girlfriend “giving head”. Yes, one day at work my supervisor was discussing this issue with the other processer in my office when in walked Andre’s girlfriend. My supervisor posed a question to her concerning this issue (yes, folks, I am not making this up, ask Andre’s girlfriend).
The minutes ticked by………I waited in anticipation……..for the answer………………….fortunately for Andre, his girlfriend had the class (unlike my supervisor at the time) to just roll her eyes and walk away from the question. Too bad, given Andre’s recent driving disaster the answer to that question just might have picked him up a few votes at the polls. Golly gosh, the curious minds of South Carolina will never know just how fast he really is. Can you see him being clocked at 101 in bed? That being the case, I am sure the women of South Carolina would give him a standing ovation and not some darn ticket!
August 17th, 2007 at 09:25 PM
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is attempting to deny Lt. Governor Andre Bauer the security detail that was authorized by the Legislature this past session. In addition, our sources are saying that this is coming directly from the Governor’s office to SLED Chief Robert Stewart. During a contentious budget battle this past legislative year, the Governor attempted to veto funding for a security detail and driver that would be assigned to Lt. Governor Bauer, but his efforts were overridden. Now it seems that SLED is denying the detail based on opinions of staff attorneys working for the department. The back story is that Governor Sanford has his guiding hand on this and is further causing tension (if possible) between the his office…and well…just about everyone. Bob Peeler ended the practice of providing a security detail for the Lt. Governor when he was in office. Its reinstatement has been opposed by many legislators who see it as a waste of taxpayer’s money. However those same Legislators who opposed it during debate now see it as a done deal and don’t appreciate the Govenor’s attempt to thwart them through back channels. So far this is speculative, but from good sources. Does it even matter anymore if the Gov is pissing off Legislators, or vice versa? Don’t they hate each other enough already?