Harrell: 'I don't plan to run' for governor

House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, has decided he will not run for governor in 2010.

Harrell was among the speculative front-runners for the GOP nomination.

Harrell said after discussing it with his wife, Cathy, that he could best acomplish his goals - particularly economic development and turning S.C. into a modern economy - as House Speaker.

"I don't plan to run," Harrell said. "The goals that I want to see accomplished I can best accomplish from here. For me it's always the things I want to see done, not the office."

Among the other GOP contenders floated are Attorney General Henry McMaster, U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett and Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer.

Conservation group to endorse candidates

Conservation voters, a group that includes the S.C. Conservation League and other environmental groups, has released a list of the candidates it is endorsing in the June 10 statewide primary.

The group will hold a news conference Tuesday to discuss the endorsements.

Graham campaign appoints 'family values' panel

The campaign for U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham has appointed a panel of S.C. abortion foes and "pro-family" advocates to help build support for Graham's re-election campaign.

Candidate fearful of SCRG influence in House race

A candidate running for a House seat in Richland and Kershaw counties has asked his opponent to sever her ties with a third-party group that advocates using tax credits to pay for private schools.

GOP picks Silver Elephant speaker

State Republicans have chosen Indiana U.S. Rep. Mike Pence as the keynote speaker for the Silver Elephant dinner at the end of May.

Pence, a four-term Congressman from Columbus, Indiana, serves on the House Judiciary and Foreign Affairs committees.

The Silver Elephant dinner is the state GOP's largest fundraiser each year. Last year radio talk-show host Sean Hannity was the keynote speaker.

McConnell: Going home early not an option

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell said Wednesday there is an abundance of legislation yet to be passed this year, and he discounted early adjournment unless the General Assembly finishes its business.

Sanford holding 4 after 4 today

Gov. Mark Sanford will hold another series of 'Open Door After 4' meetings today. Any individual can have a private, five-minute meeting with the governor in his office to discuss whatever issues are on their minds.

Individuals wishing to sign up for one of these meetings should call the Governor's Office at (803) 734-1999.

Session could end early, Harrell says

Lawmakers are discussing ending this year's legislative session early.

House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, said he favors the idea, but added he is not sure the House and Senate can finish their work.

The session is scheduled to end June 5th.

S.C. Club for Growth endorses three candidates

The South Carolina Club for Growth has endorsed a third batch of candidates, many of whom are challenging incumbents in Republican primaries.

DeMint launches new Web site

Sen. Jim DeMint, R-Greenville, has launched a new Web site accessible through his Senate Web page that will list news and information about constituent services.

DeMint's new site

“The Internet has changed a great deal since we launched our first site in 2005, so we’ve made a complete revision,” DeMint said. “This new site uses the latest technology to keep people up to date on my efforts in the Senate to strengthen our nation. I'm also proud of the new regional blogs that will better connect people with what our office is doing around the state. I hope the Web site becomes a regular destination and a valuable resource for people in South Carolina.”

Barrett wants to protect bloggers

Rep. Gresham Barrett, R-Westminster, in a Tuesday conference call talked about the need to treat blogs more like the mainstream media.

Barrett is a co-sponsor of the Blogger Protection Act, which would, most significantly, free not-for-profit blogs from federal campaign rules.

Blogs linking to campaign Web sites and taking a position in favor or against candidates had been until recently considered to have made a contribution to a candidate. The Federal Election Commission changed that regulation. Barrett wants to protect blogs by law.

"(The bill) would extend protection you have under regulations in some sort of statute form," Barrett said.

Blogs, Barrett said, are "more and more important" in helping average citizens get their voices heard. The bill, H.5699, is in committee.

Anti-abortion group endorses Graham

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham has picked up the endorsement of S.C. Citizens for Life, a political action committee committed to electing federal lawmakers who oppose abortion rights.

It is the second endorsement Graham has received this week. The National Rifle Association has also given its endorsement to the first-term senator.

Graham, a Seneca Republican, is facing Lexington dentist Dr. Buddy Witherspoon in the June 10 S.C. primary for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. 

Sanford backs Shealy in Lexington Senate race

Gov. Mark Sanford has waded into a Lexington County Republican  battle, endorsing the former county GOP chairwoman over incumbent Sen. Jake Knotts.

Scott back in Senate after weekend arrest

Sen. Randy Scott of Dorchester was back in the Senate chamber Tuesday, after a weekend arrest  on driving under the influence charges.

Authorities said Scott failed a series of sobriety tests, but Scott's attorneys said the traffic stop was politically motivated.

Scott entered the Chamber Tuesday and raised both arms above his head, not as if he were under arrest, but more as if claiming victory.

Ross, former state GOP chairman, dead

Former S.C. Republican Party Chairman Dan Ross of Blackville passed away on Tuesday after suffering a stroke, according to a news release from the S.C. Republican Party.

Ross, according to the release, served as chairman from 1976 to 1980 and was instrumental in ushering in a competitive two-party political system in South Carolina after years of Democratic Party dominance. 

Drug testing for candidates could become law

The Senate substituted a bill for a joint resolution Wednesday to create a voluntary drug testing program for candidates seeking elected office, including the General Assembly, judges and other public officials.

If passed, candidates seeking office would have to undergo a drug test 30 days before filing for an office, or up to 10 days after, and submit the results to officials they filed with for office.

South Carolina could become the only state with such a provision, officials said. "There's no doubt about it, we're plowing new ground," said Sen. Harvey Peeler, R-Cherokee, who sponsored the bill.

Sanford tried to steer port business

Gov. Mark Sanford tried to persuade the then-chairman of the state's Ports Authority to sell a piece of coastal property to a Sanford donor instead of another developer who'd submitted a higher bid, according to former S.C. Ports Authority Chairman Bill Stern.

Stern, who was testifying before a Senate committee today as a nominee for another term on the Ports board, told lawmakers Sanford asked him to reconsider Hilton Head developer Jim Chaffin's bid for port property in Beaufort County appraised at $27 million.

Another developer bid $26 million for the property. Chaffin is a Sanford donor according to a report by the Associated Press. His bid was reportedly much lower.

Full House -- Body swears in newest member

The House swore in its newest member this morning, Rep. Joe Daning, who will represent District 92 in Berkeley County.

Daning, a Republican, was elected in a special election last week to replace Shirley Hinson, who retired last year.

The House once again has a full contingent of 124 members.

Coroners want better succession plan

Most people wouldn't think of their local coroner's office as a political hot potato. But a couple of experienced S.C. coroners told a Senate panel Wednesday they sometimes can be.

Retiring Sen. Kay Patterson will be "roasted"

State Sen. Kay Patterson, who is retiring from the General Assembly after 34 years, will honored by his friends and colleagues.

Patterson will be roasted May 7 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. J. Anthony Brown,  comedian and syndicated radio talk show host, will be one of the roasters.

Challenger to Joe Wilson has $200,000 on hand

Rob Miller, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in S.C.'s 2nd Congressional District, has $200,000 on hand, according to his campaign.

Miller, who retired from the Marine Corps in February, is one of two Democrats running for the seat.

Graham promises to help House members

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham has promised to work on behalf on any incumbent House members facing opposition in June's primary. Graham spoke to House and Senate Republicans this morning.

Graham said Republicans need to be united to defeat enthusiastic Democrats this fall, and that House Republicans have done a good job and earned his support.

A former House member from Seneca, Graham said he disagrees with Gov. Mark Sanford, who believes lawmakers have stood in the way of needed reform in S.C.

Graham names steering committee

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham released the names of roughly 1,000 grassroots activists and community leaders who will serve on the statewide Steering Committee for Graham's reelection campaign.

 

Clyburn to speak to Orangeburg Dems

U.S. House Majority Whip James Clyburn will speak to the Orangeburg County Democratic Convention Thursday.

Sanford's chief of staff resigns; mulls Senate race

Gov. Mark Sanford's chief of staff resigned his post Tuesday evening and plans to make a run at Catherine Ceips' state Senate seat.

Tom Davis, 47, a partner at downtown Beaufort law firm Harvey and Battey and a key architect of both of Sanford's gubernatorial campaigns, said though he hasn't filed his election forms, he fully expects to run for the District 46 Senate seat that represents most of Beaufort County.

"If all goes well and as planned, I suspect I'll be telling you in a couple of days that I've filed to run for the seat," Davis said Tuesday, less than a half an hour after packing up his Columbia office. "I believe I'm going to run for office, and it's my intention to do that."

10 more candidates file for primary races

WHO’S RUNNING?

A list of candidates in Richland, Lexington and Kershaw counties who filed to run in the June 10 primaries on Tuesday. Filing opened March 17 and ends March 30.

Kershaw

House Dist. 79 — David Herndon (R)

Lexington

Treasurer — Jim Eckstrom (R), incumbent

Richland

Senate Dist. 19 — John Scott (D)
Senate Dist. 22 — Joel Lourie (D), incumbent
House Dist. 71 — Nathan Ballentine (R), incumbent
House Dist. 79 — David Herndon (R)
House Dist. 80 — Chris Hart (D), incumbent; Mary Basker Kirkland (D)
County Council Dist 2 — Joyce Dickerson (D), incumbent
County Council Dist. 7 — Kiba Anderson (D)
County Council Dist. 10 — Kelvin Washington (D)
Clerk of Court — Barbara Scott (D), incumbent

Drug testing candidates closer to becoming law

A key Senate committee moved Tuesday to make drug testing mandatory for all candidates seeking elective public office.

The bill, passed easily by the Senate Judiciary Committee, but only after considerable debate, requires candidates for elective office to submit to a drug screen within 35 days of their election.

Anderson will seek Aiken Senate seat

An Edgefield attorney said Tuesday he will challenge newly-elected Republican Sen. Shane Massey for the District 25 Senate seat he narrowly won in November.

Graham hits airwarves in re-election campaign

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham has hit the airwaves with his first radio ad of the campaign season.

The ad features President George W. Bush and others offering praise of Graham's service in the Senate.

LISTEN TO THE AD

Bill for voters to prove citizenship debated

A House panel will resume debate Wednesday on requiring residents to prove citizenship when they register to vote.

The bill requires a person to present a valid passport, birth certificate or naturalization papers when they register.

Proponents argued Tuesday the measure will help ensure illegal immigrants do not vote although they knew of no incidences in the state where that had occurred.

Opponents say the bill adds new barriers to voting, particularly for minority, rural and low income residents.

Tension at GOP Caucus meeting

Rep. Heyward Hutson, R-Dorhester, created an uncomfortable moment at this morning's House Republican Caucus meeting. Hutson, responding to a post on Web site FITSnews.com, told the caucus that Republicans should be on the same team.

According to FITSnews.com, House Majority Leader Jim Merrill was running the campaign of Hutson's opponent, Jenny Horne. Merrill has denied that he is running Horne's campaign - he ran her campaign to fill the seat last year - and grew red-faced as Hutson spoke.

After the meeting Merrill and Hutson had a heated exchange, and Merrill said they had already talked about the issue in private and assured Hutson that he wasn't working against him.

Bill would require Web reporting of local government budgets

Bill would require Web reporting of local government budgets

A group of senators has introduced a bill to require local governments to report their spending online.

The bill would require credit card statements, check registries and all expenses of more than $100 be posted with an explanation of the expense.

The bill would allow the state Budget and Control Board to post the spending of towns and school districts with no Web site. State Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Berkeley, said other states already require the information be posted online.

"It's just one more small step they could take," Grooms said. "We found out the cost there has been very minimal."

Rep. Sellers praised by Democratic group

Orangeburg Rep. Bakari Sellers has been named New Democrat of the Week by the centrist Democratic Leadership Council.

Sellers, in an effort to address childhood obesity in South Carolina,  introduced a bill that would ban the sale of snacks and beverages in elementary schools. The bill would also set a new standard for what kinds of snack foods can be sold in middle and high schools.

South Carolina already restricts what snack foods can be sold in elementary schools,  banning foods that have "zero nutritional value."

The national Democratic Leadership Council spotlights a state or local lawmaker each week who is doing an exemplary job in helping constituents or in advancing key DLC issues such as childhood obesity.

At least six House Republicans won't be back

Monday's announced retirement of Aiken County Rep. Skipper Perry brings to six the number of House Republicans who have announced they will not seek reelection this fall. Perry joins a list that includes Richland County Rep. Bill Cotty, Charleston County Rep. Ben Hagood, Spartanburg County Rep. Doug Smith, Laurens County Rep. Adam Taylor and Horry County Rep. Billy Witherspoon.

Cotty, Smith, Taylor and Witherspoon are all influential members of House leadership.

Two others, Spartanburg County Rep. Scott Talley and Lancaster County Rep. Mick Mulvaney, have announced they will seek Senate seats in June's primaries.

DeMint says Dems stand on earmarks welcome news

U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., sent out a news release today welcoming reports that said congressional Democrats may abandon attempts to pass 10,000 earmarks in the federal budget for next fiscal year.

DeMint estimates earmarks accounted for $24 billion of the proposed budget, which is $22 billion over President Bush's spending target.

DeMint has been a leading figure in the movement to end earmarks, which is anonymous spending members of Congress can put in the state budget that often funds pet projects.

 

Sanford warns of the 'ghost of budget past'

Gov. Mark Sanford put out a news release today warning slow revenue growth will create problems in the coming year for lawmakers who'll set state spending. Using references from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," Sanford urged lawmakers to curb spending.

Here is the news release:

In light of this week's report by USC economists that South Carolina's economy is expected to slow in the coming year, Governor Sanford today likened the upcoming budget challenges to the old Dickens story A Christmas Carol, warning of ghosts of budgets past, present and future coming back to haunt the state.

The Ghost of Budget Past: Overspending
According to the National Association of State Budget Officers, South Carolina's spending has grown by more than 40 percent over the past three years. By way of comparison, personal incomes in South Carolina have grown by 19 percent over that same time, and population plus inflation has grown by 14 percent. By growing government spending faster than the underlying economy, South Carolina will now face difficulties in paying for core government functions.

The Ghost of Budget Present: Annualizations
Despite a record $1.5 billion in revenue growth last year, budget writers still employed the risky spending practice of annualizations - paying for ongoing expenses with one-time money. The current year's budget contains $270 million in annualizations - which, added to additional costs of things like healthcare and education, means the upcoming budget will be starting essentially $200 million in the hole.

The Ghost of Budget Future:  Retiree Liabilities
South Carolina has roughly $20 billion in unpaid for liabilities tied to retiree pensions and healthcare. Even with $1.5 billion in new money this year, budget writers put nothing toward paying down this liability.

"There are certainly some parallels between this classic Christmas story and the budget situation we're facing, but the reality is no laughing matter," Gov. Sanford said. "We've had some banner years with respect to revenue growth in our state over the past couple of years as the underlying economy has grown. But this week's report again highlighted what we've been saying for the past four years - we have to restrain spending to keep the state from being hit so hard when things slow down, because good times don't last forever. It's looking like some tough choices are going to have to be made in next year's budget that are unfortunately going to have a negative impact for everyone served by state government. This should serve as a wakeup call on the idea of institutionalizing spending restraint to keep this from happening so that we don't continue to find ourselves in situations like this every few years."

S.C. House prefiles 38 bills

The S.C. House of Representatives released its list of 38 prefiled bills for the 2008 session, which includes measures to abolish parole, widen death penalty and make it a crime for a school employee to have sex with any student regardless of the student's age.

Right now it is not a crime for a school employee to have a sexual relationship with a student 16 or older, the age of consent in S.C.

PREFILED HOUSE BILLS

Another bill would widen the death penalty, making the murder of a vulnerable punishable by death.

Recently, S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster proposed abolishing parole in South Carolina. Rep. Jim Harrison, R-Richland, introduced a bill that would end the early release program.

Clyburn gala raises $350,000 for endowment

The first biennial Holiday Gala benefiting the James E. and Emily E. Clyburn Endowment for Archives and History at South Carolina State University raised $350,000. This year’s donations bring the Clyburn Endowment total to $1.7 million.

"I am humbled by the support this event has received,”  said U.S. House Majority Whip Clyburn in a news release.  “When Emily and I established the endowment, we sought to address inequities we saw in endowment funding at Historically Black Colleges and (Universities) versus majority institutions.  I hope we are setting an example that other HBCU graduates will follow.”

Jim and Emily Clyburn are 1961 graduates of historically black South Carolina State University.  Their endowment is the largest at their alma mater.  At the time it was established, the total of all other endowments at S.C. State was less than half a million dollars. 

“Emily and I are committed to raising a total of $5 million for this endowment,” Congressman Clyburn continued.  “I am happy to announce the next Holiday Gala will be held in 2009 in Charleston.”

Clyburn honored by Kansas City Urban League

House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn was honored Tuesday at the Urban League of Greater Kansas City 2007 Difference Maker Awards Day Luncheon for his work as a public servant and civil rights activist.

"Representative Clyburn exemplifies the mission of the Urban League in its quest to achieve equality and promote socio-economic opportunity and parity," said Urban League President and CEO Gwen Grant in a news release.

Sanford grant money yet to be refunded

A tangle of legal and accounting issues has delayed the return of $101,524 left over from a conference partially funded with public money and given to a political group with close ties to Gov. Mark Sanford.

The money has not yet been returned, said Office of State Treasurer spokesman Scott Malyerck. Helen Hill, executive director of the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the group has sent the money to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

The money has been disputed since state Sen. Jake Knotts, R-Lexington, uncovered the transfer three weeks ago. The Charleston Area CVB received a $150,000 grant from the state competitive grants committee in June 2006 to help host the National Governors Association conference.

Organizers also raised $1.2 million in private donations for the event, which was moved from Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast.

After closing the books on the conference, more than $100,000 remained. E-mails obtained under state public information laws show a member of Sanford's staff asked the Charleston CVB to transfer the money to Carolinians for Reform in August.

Carolinians for Reform has not said what it planned to do with the money. After the transfer was discovered, Sanford asked the group to return the money.

But state law restricts the ability of private groups to write a check directly to the state treasury, Malyerck said. Hill said the money had to be returned through the Charleston CVB, who received the original grant.

The Charleston CVB had to answer accounting questions about the grant money, which was spent on its original purpose of transportation, she said, before the money could be returned.

"They're going to return it through us," Hill said of Carolinians for Reform. "We're working it out. It should be done this week. It just took a little longer than we thought."

Sanford wants high court to revisit Budget case

Gov. Mark Sanford said Tuesday he will ask lawmakers to reform the State Budget and Control board after asking the state's Supreme Court to revisit a decision to throw out a lawsuit that challenged the agency's legal standing.

Sanford, whose office called the Budget and Control Board  "chronically inefficient and unaccountable" in a news release, asked the state Supreme Court to revisit its decision this summer to dismiss a lawsuit by Change SC Now.

"It's unusual for the Supreme Court to grant original jurisdiction in a case like this and then immediately throw it out without providing any reason for its dismissal," Sanford said in a news release. "So it's our hope that the court will ultimately revisit that decision and give all sides a chance to be heard on this important issue. The issue of where we go next with respect to the Board goes right to the heart of whether our state is going to be able to compete in the 21st Century, because our current government structure is costing our state's taxpayers in very real terms. That's why we're going to keep pushing for a legislative remedy if the Court does not."

Sanford doesn't expect broad budget cuts in 2008

A nationwide economic slump will affect South Carolina’s budget, Gov. Mark Sanford said Monday, but he does not expect to broadly cut agency budgets this year.

“We have not. We won’t,” Sanford said of telling agency to expect less money in the budget that begins July 1 2008. Instead, Sanford said cuts would be targeted.

Sanford said his executive budget would likely also propose changing how much must be added to state reserve accounts, but was saving details for a later announcement.

The governor criticized increases in state spending, citing 43 percent growth over the last three years, according to the National Association of State Budget Officers. That figure compares recurring spending in 2004-2005 to one-time and recurring spending for 2007-2008.

South Carolina’s Office of State Budget pegs the percentage increase in state expenditures over the same three-year period at 28 percent.

By contrast, the state’s rate of population growth plus inflation was 18 percent over the period.

Hinson resigns House seat

Berkeley County Rep. Shirley Hinson, a key member of House GOP leadership and one of the most influential women in state government, will resign her seat.

Hinson will take a full-time job with the Lowcountry Development Center.
As a GOP whip, Hinson was responsible for making sure members vote with the party - and keeping crucial vote counts.

Hinson, a college administrator, has served in the House since 1997.

South Carolina ranks last in the nation in the number of elected women in state government.

Supreme Court rejects suit against Budget and Control

South Carolina's Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit challenging the legality of the State Budget and Control Board.

The court issued no statement in refusing to hear the case.
The suit, filed by ChangeSCNow, asked the state's high court to decide whether the Legislature violated the state constitution when it elected one its own members, Converse Chellis, to become Treasurer in August.

The suit argued that "the General Assembly has not been careful to keep its influence on the Board in the minority" and therefore violated the separation of executive and legislative branch powers outlined in the state constitution.

Attorneys for the State Budget and Control Board, in court filings, argued that ChangeSCNow did not have standing to file the suit and that the group was asking the court to answer a political question, again violating constitutional separation of powers.

State flags to fly at half staff

Flags on the capitol dome will fly at half staff on Tuesday, the day of former Gov. Robert McNair's funeral.

State law requires the flags to be lowered at half staff on the day of funeral services for former governors and lieutenant governors of the state of South Carolina.

Stewart to step down as SLED chief

SLED Chief Robert Stewart is resigning his position as head of the State Law Enforcement Division, a position he's held for two decades.

Stewart, in a statement released Friday night, said he's resigning his position effective Nov. 30. He is starting a consulting business.

Stewart has been in law enforcement for 33 years in S.C., serving under seven governors.

Here is Stewart's statement:

It has been truly a great honor to serve as a state law enforcement agent for the past 33 years, of which 20 have been as SLED Chief. It has been my privilege to be commissioned by seven governors which includes serving four as Chief. With prior service at the Cheraw Police Department, I have over 40 years of law enforcement experience ranging from parking meter cadet to State agency director. There are many ways to serve God and country.  I consider it to be a calling to become a law enforcement officer and a sacred mission to be a SLED agent. I have attempted to do my best to lead SLED to be an impartial and professional agency in which all South Carolinians could be proud. I have given this mission everything I had 24 hours a day. It would seem that it is the appropriate time to move on to a new endeavor; therefore, I will resign my position as the Chief of SLED November 30, 2007.

SLED Intergovernmental Affairs Executive Assistant, Cindy Konduros, and I are creating a consulting business (Stewart, Konduros & Associates) and I look forward to this new chapter in my career.

SLED has a rich history and proud tradition. In the last 50 years, there have been only two SLED Chiefs. The agency is in great shape thanks to the great people that comprise the SLED family. SLED has maintained national accreditation continuously since 1994, both agency-wide and in the forensic laboratory. This has been a wonderful adventure. 

I could never adequately thank the people who have contributed so much over the years in so many ways, especially my family for the many sacrifices they have made and continuous support they have given.

Massey wins Aiken Senate seat, according to recount

Edgefield County attorney Shane Massey is the victor in the District 25 state Senate race.

Unofficial results of a recount Thursday did not change the 138-vote margin Massey posted in a Nov. 6 special election.

The recount was triggered because Massey’s apparent winning margin over Rep. Bill Clyburn, D-Aiken, was within 1 percent of the total number of votes cast in the election.

Massey said he received a phone call today from Clyburn congratulating him for winning the race.

“I accepted his congratulations and we talked about the need to work together to be effective representatives for our area,” Massey said. “We’re gonna have to work together.”

Results in the super-close Senate race to replace former Sen. Tommy Moore of Clearwater won’t become official until Friday. That's when the state Election Commission meets to certify the results of recounted votes in Aiken, Edgefield, Saluda, and McCormick counties.

Clyburn, who still holds his seat in the S.C. House of Representatives, has five days to lodge a protest in the election, according to Gary Baum, of the State Election Commission.

But Clyburn has said he would not do so if a recount showed he lost.

McMaster endorses Lindsey Graham

S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster endorsed U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham for re-election, according to the Graham campaign.

McMaster's is the latest prominent Republican to endorse Graham, who is at the end of his first term. Gov. Mark Sanford, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint and S.C. House Speaker Bobby Harrell have also said they're backing Graham.

 

“I know Lindsey and I know he is a fighter for our values, our state, and our nation,” said McMaster in a news release. “He has a strong record of leadership."

Pay raises anger Sanford

Gov. Mark Sanford criticized the State Budget and Control Board for approving pay raises for 10 agency heads that  total $117,000, arguing the raises were not based on merit and come at a time the state is projecting revenue shortfalls.

"The Budget and Control Board is seemingly intent on making next year's $220 million deficit still larger," Sanford said in a news release. "Imagine this if you will: your boss walks in after you've been on the job for just a few months and says 'I'm going to increase your salary by 20 percent.' You'd be surprised, given there were no performance requirements, no time yet to have proven your work, and not even something that you've requested.

"Yet this is exactly what happened in today's meeting, which is especially amazing considering the deficit we're going to be walking into next year. If you happen to be one of the beneficiaries of this taxpayer largess, you're thinking this is better than Christmas."

The proposal passed on a 3-2 vote, with Sanford and Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom voting against the raises. Treasurer Converse Chellis, Senator Hugh Leatherman, and Representative Dan Cooper voted in favor of the increases.

Sanford begins "Harvest Tour" today

Gov. Mark Sanford begins his "Harvest Tour," which is aimed at bringing his message of smarter spending, education reform and streamlining state government.

Sanford will make appearances across the state over the next two weeks. He will visit about 30 cities, according to a news release from the governor's office.

"What too often gets lost in the shuffle when folks are reading about or seeing these ideas we've been advancing is that things like spending and government structure have a real impact on their lives -- and they are things that will have an impact on the lives of many generations to come if we don't act to reform our state now," Sanford said in the news release. "This tour is all about bringing that message to the people of this state so that they'll know the importance of making their voices heard if we're going to have a chance of making these critical changes to our state."

Here is Sanford's schedule:

Today

9:45 a.m. - Hamm's Ace Hardware in Prosperity
309 Main Street, Prosperity

11:15 a.m. - Saluda Hardware and Supply Company
410 Batesburg Highway, Saluda

1:30 p.m. - Carolina Mop Manufacturing Company in Anderson
819 Whitehall Road, Anderson

3:00 p.m. - David A. Crotts & Associates in Greenwood
422 Montague Ave. Suite 7, Greenwood

4:15 p.m. - Adam's Building Supply, Inc. in Abbeville
204 Marshall Avenue, Abbeville

6:30 p.m. - Annual Republican Party Dinner in McCormick County
The Lone Cane Center, Hickory Knob State Park, McCormick

Tuesday, Nov. 6:

1:00 p.m. - All-Star Deli in Orangeburg
1208 St. Matthews Road, Orangeburg

2:30 p.m. - Southeastern Fiberglass Products in Bamberg
51 Sweet Pea Road, Bamberg

4:00 p.m. -Electric Controller and Manufacturing Company (EC&M) in St. Matthews
2759 Old Belleville Road, St. Matthews

Wednesday, Nov. 7:

9:30 a.m. - Merchant Iron Works in Sumter
300 Myrtle Beach Highway, Sumter

10:45 a.m. - Manning IGA
600 South Mill Street, Manning

Noon - Brown's Barbeque in Kingstree
809 N Williamsburg County Highway, Kingstree

Monday, November 12:

9:00 a.m. - Clinton Tru Value Hardware
200 East Carolina Avenue

11:15 a.m.  - Downtown Seneca's "Ram Cat Aly"
Ram Cat Aly, Seneca

1:00 p.m. - News Conference on Bass Pro Shop Incentives
Foothills Fly Fishing Inc in Greenville
1908 North Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville

2:00 p.m. - Greenville Veterans Day Ceremony
301 University Ridge, Greenville

4:00 p.m. - Kent Wool Manufacturing Company in Pickens
671 Runnymede Road in Pickens

Tuesday, November 13:

9:15 a.m. - Blue Ridge Christian Academy in Landrum for Young Readers Day
424 Hwy. 101, Landrum

11:00 a.m. - Buford Street Ace Hardware in Gaffney
113 W. Buford Street, Gaffney

12:45 p.m. - Wilson's Nursery and Garden Center
925 West Main Street, Rock Hill

2:00 p.m. - Classic Metals in Chester
2656 Lancaster Highway, Chester

3:15 p.m. - Harper Electric Supply in Lancaster
648 Hubbard Drive, Lancaster

Wednesday, November 14:

9:00 a.m. - Sun City Forum Club
Pinckney Hall, 114 Sun City Lane, Sun City

1:00 p.m. - Tara Hall School in Georgetown
510 Tara Hall Road, Georgetown

3:00 p.m. - Altman Tractor Company in Conway
1151 Highway 501 Business, Conway

5:15 p.m. - DJJ Coastal Evaluation Center
331 Campbell Thicket Road, Ridgeville

Thursday, November 15:

9:00 a.m. - Rockford Steel Building Systems in Walterboro
504 Thunderboat Drive, Walterboro

10:30 a.m. - Coastal Technologies in Hampton County
78 Rentz Street, Varnville

Noon - International Apparel in Allendale
2275 Bluff Road, Allendale

1:45 p.m. - Mid-Am Metal Forming in Barnwell County
324 Enterprise Drive, Williston

3:00 p.m. - B &S Machine Tools in Aiken
158 Old Wagener Road, Aiken

Friday, November 16

9:30 a.m. - Speaking at Trinity Collegiate School in Darlington
5001 Hoffmeyer Road, Darlington

11:00 a.m. - News Conference on the Need for Stronger DUI Legislation
Florence County Sheriff's Office
6719 Friendfield Road, Effingham

Thompson to visit S.C. next week

Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., will visit South Carolina next week, his third trip to the state since launching his bid for the White House.

Thompson will announce his national veteran’s coalition at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the State House in Columbia and then hold a meet and greet event at 2:20 p.m. at Beef O’Brady’s in Fort Mill. The restaurant is at 940 Market St., Suite 110.

He’ll finish the day with a similar event at 6 p.m. at The Beacon Drive-in, 255 John B. White Sr. Blvd. in Spartanburg.
On Wednesday, Thompson remains in the Upstate with an 8:30 a.m. reception at Tommy’s Ham House, 214 Rutherford St. in Greenville.

Bush sends condolences to fire families

President George W. Bush, who is visiting Columbia today, said he and First Lady Laura Bush are concerned about the families who lost loved ones in the fire at Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., this week.

Seven S.C. college students — six from USC, one from Clemson — died in an early morning blaze Sunday.

An official report on the fire’s cause could be released today.

“I know people are hurting,” Bush said.

The president is in town for a fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s re-election campaign. Bush also will visit Fort Jackson, where he will speak at graduation ceremonies today for Army recruits.

Bush’s plane landed in Columbia at 10:30 a.m., and was greeted by three Republican members of the S.C. congressional delegation — Graham, U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson and U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint.

The president urged South Carolinians to re-elect Graham.

“He is tough. He is smart. He votes on conservative principles,” Bush said.

Columbians who were near Interstate 77 this morning were greeted by a throng of law enforcement, cheering Bush supporters and a smattering of protesters.

Bush’s first stop was at the private Graham fundraiser being held at the home of Columbia City Councilman Kirkman Finlay.

— Noelle Phillips

Harrell endorses Graham for U.S. Senate

A day after earning the endorsement of Gov. Mark Sanford, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham snagged another big-name endorser: S.C.  House Speaker Bobby Harrell.

Harrell, a Charleston Republican, will serve as campaign co-chairman.

“Lindsey is a good friend and an excellent senator,” Harrell said in a news release.  “He is respected in Washington and at home because he has the integrity, honesty and intellect we need in our U.S. senator. I am honored to be a part of his re-election campaign.”

Erwin decides against run against Graham

Greenville advertising executive and former S.C. Democratic Party chairman Joe Erwin will not run for the U.S. Senate next year against incumbent Republican Lindsey Graham.

Erwin told The State on Tuesday that “the issues that I am most passionate about are issues that are within South Carolina and that affect our state reaching its potential.”

He can best address those issues, Erwin said, by working in South Carolina. Erwin is forming a private foundation that he said will help tackle education and economic development with an emphasis on rural parts of the state.

“Whether or not in the future I’d feel compelled to offer for public service, I don’t know,” Erwin said, adding that the 2010 race for governor is something that is “of interest to me and one where I think my skill set does fit.”

That race, Erwin said, “is something that I will certainly keep an open mind toward, but in the meantime I’m not going to focus on that.”

Sanford endorses Lindsey Graham

Gov. Mark Sanford has endorsed U.S. Sen. Graham and agreed to serve as co-chairman of his campaign, the Graham campaign announced Tuesday.

“Lindsey Graham has been a good friend and leader for our state," said  Sanford said in a news release.  “I've known him for years, and I appreciate the skills and talents he brings to the table.”

“Lindsey understands the challenges facing our nation both here at home and abroad. I know how committed he is to winning the war on terror.  I know how committed he is to getting a handle on out-of-control entitlement spending," Sanford said.
"(Graham) understands the challenges and has shown us he is ready, willing, and able to meet them head-on.  Lindsey is a leader and wants to reform the way the federal government does business.  I am proud to support his re-election to the U.S. Senate.”

Republicans have been lining up behind the Graham campaign. Others who have endorsed the Seneca Republican include U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint and U.S. Reps. Henry Brown, Joe Wilson, Gresham Barrett and Bob Inglis have endorsed Senator Graham and will serve as vice-chairmen of the campaign.

Graham has fallen out of favor with some Republicans over his support of a failed immigration bill that would have allowed millions of illegal  aliens to gain legal residency.

“You can’t find a better steward of the taxpayers’ dollar than Mark Sanford,” said Graham.  “He is continually trying to restructure our state government to ensure we remain viable in a global economy.  I appreciate his leadership and all of the valuable contributions he has made to our state.  I am proud to call him a friend and honored to have him on our campaign team.”

Republican women will honor Hearn

Capital City Republican Women will honor Joyce Hearn at the Martha Edens Loyal Service Award Reception for her outstanding devotion to the Republican Party.

The reception is Oct. 25 at 5:30 p.m. on the 17th floor of the Meridian building in downtown Columbia.

Cost to attend the reception is $25.

 

For more information call Melissa Reese at (803) 348-1913.

Drummond says next session his last

The South Carolina Senate’s longest-serving current member said he will not run for re-election next year.

John Drummond, D-Greenwood, has served in the Senate since 1967. He is the last World War II veteran serving in the Legislature.

Drummond, who turns 88 a week from Saturday, served one term in the House before joining the Senate. Drummond led the Senate as President Pro Tem from 1996 until 2001, when Republicans took control of the body.

“It’s been an education for me,” Drummond said. “I think I’ve served long enough -- not that I don’t want to serve longer.”

Graham to speak to Richland Co. GOP

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham will speak Monday at the August meeting of the Richland County Republican Party executive committee.
Graham, a Seneca Republican, will give an address at 6 p.m. at the community room of the Suggs & Kelly building, 500 Taylor St., at the corner of Huger and Taylor streets in Columbia.
Graham has been widely criticized for his support of a controversial immigration reform bill that failed in the Senate. He was censured Aug. 6 by the Greenville County executive committee and could face a similar fate tonight when the Spartanburg County executive committee meets.
The Columbia meeting is open to the public.

Chellis elected treasurer

Rep. Converse Chellis, R-Dorchester, has been elected by the General Assembly to be the state's new treasurer.

Chellis, 63, easily defeated Sen. Greg Ryberg, garnering nearly  four times the votes as the Aiken Republican. The vote was 122-34.

Chellis, who was seated in the House gallery with his family, rose from his seat and blew kisses to lawmakers who stood and applauded.

Chellis formally resigned his House seat. He will replace former Treasurer Thomas Ravenel, who resigned last month after he was indicted on federal cocaine charges.

Chellis will serve the rest of Ravenel's term, which expires in 2011. The next time voters will decide the treasurer will be the Nov. 2010 election.

Gov. Mark Sanford had endorsed Charleston County Council Chairman Tim Scott for the job and gave a secondary endorsement to Ryberg. Scott was not nominated. Sanford wanted a treasurer who could be an ally on the five-member State Budget and Control Board, which oversees much of the state's spending. 

Ryberg and Scott were potential allies.

Sanford issued the following statement after the vote: 

"To hold this election in just over a week after the Treasurer resigned makes a mockery of the electoral process and gives South Carolina the appearance of a banana republic," Sanford said. "The General Assembly owed it to the people who elected it to not rush into this decision, and instead to make this a more transparent and deliberative process. Unfortunately, they chose a path that guaranteed one of its own being installed as the next treasurer, in a process that puts the interests of Columbia powerbrokers ahead of the interests of average South Carolinians who've spoken loud and clear on the need for reform.

"We believe this was a decision that should have been contemplated further, and we think the legislature's vote today was a real dereliction of duty in that regard."

Bid to delay treasurer election rejected

Sen. John Courson, R-Richland, asked lawmakers to end its joint session to elect a new treasurer because the General Assembly needed more time to consider other candidates, he said.

Lawmakers rejected the bid in a roll-call vote.

Gov. Mark Sanford also asked the General Assembly to slow down the process.

"I'd like to reiterate one last time both what we've said publicly and privately to members -- that we believe that holding this election in just over a week's time is shortsighted, and that the General Assembly would be well-served by holding off and making its decision in a more deliberative fashion," Sanford said in a news release.

The two candidates nominated to replace Thomas Ravenel are both members of the General Assembly.

Rep. Converse Chellis, R-Dorchester, the prohibitive favorite, and Aiken Sen. Greg Ryberg, also a Republican.

Sen. Greg Ryberg nominated for treasurer post

Sen. Harvey Peeler, R-Cherokee, nominated Sen. Greg Ryberg for state treasurer.

Ryberg, Peeler told fellow lawmakers, knows more than anybody about he issues the treasurer will face, especially managing the state's retirement system.

Lawmakers are electing a state treasurer to replace Thomas Ravenel, who resigned last month amid federal cocaine charges.

Chellis nominated as candidate for treasurer

Rep. Harry Cato, R-Travelers Rest, has nominated Rep. Converse Chellis, R-Dorchester, for the office of treasurer to replace Thomas Ravenel, who resigned last month under the cloud of federal cocaine charges.

Cato touted Chellis' qualifications: CPA, former Air Force captain, long-time member of the House Labor, Commerce and Industry committee.

Corley files to fill Moore's Senate seat

A Republican has joined the ranks of declared candidates seeking the Senate District 25 seat vacated this month by Tommy Moore.

Chris Corley, a USC law student and former Aiken County Republican Party vice chairman, filed for the office Tuesday.
Moore resigned from the Senate July 7 to take a job in Virginia with a national payday lending company.

Democratic Rep. William Clyburn of Aiken filed for the Senate District 25 seat earlier. Clyburn, a former educator, has served in the House since 1995.

Candidates may file for the seat, which covers  parts of Aiken, Edgefield, McCormick and Saluda counties, until Aug. 6.  Party primaries are scheduled for Sept. 18, with runoffs, if needed, Oct. 2. The election is Nov. 6.

— Roddie Burris

Sanford to endorse treasurer

Gov.  Mark Sanford will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. today to endorse a candidate in the upcoming race for state Treasurer. Friday, Lawmakers will elect a replacement for former Treasurer Thomas Ravenel, a Charleston Republican who resigned last week after being arraigned on federal cocaine charges.

Wingate won't run for treasurer

Interim Treasurer Ken Wingate said today he will not seek the job on a permanent basis.

Lawmakers will meet next week to elect a new treasurer after former Treasurer Thomas Ravenel resigned this week after being indicted last month federal cocaine charges.

 Sanford appointed Wingate the interim treasurer June 20. Since then, Wingate has used his time in the office to assure Wall Street  bond-rating agencies the state's finances are in order.

Wingate, 47, is an accountant, tax attorney and estate planner who mounted unsuccessful bids for governor in 2002 and state Senate in 2004. He is the son-in-law of former Gov. Jim Edwards and is a major supporter.