Bauer: Still an enigma
While he has not been making headlines like U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett or Atty. Gen. Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is still considered by most to be running for governor, and his latest disclosure report only brings up more questions than answers.
On the contribution side, he picked up money from Democrats like Les Hite (former state representative candidate, $500) and Tony Mizzell (former Richland County councilman, $100), and Republicans like Chad Connelly (SCRG board member, founder of Sandlapper Group, $200).
On the disclosure side, he has not been paying veteran consultant Rod Shealy Sr. as of late, confirming popular belief that he is splitting with his longtime consigliere. He has been working with SCGOP chairman candidate Karen Floyd‘s Palladian Group, paying it $19,845.47 since January for printing, fundraising, events and rent. He also sent $4,953.18 to The Campaign Connection, a firm located next door to the Palladian Group.
Even more interesting is his retaining of a consulting firm in WR‘s old hood of Midlothian, Va. Bauer has sent $10,000 to Advancing Strategies, though the memo line only mentions the February and March invoices, not any particular action. AS, according to a Virginia Web site, ran Va. State Sen. Jill Vogel‘s campaign. The registered agent for the firm is noted Virginia political consultant Chris LaCivita. LaCivita is known for his work with the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker and former U.S. Sen. George Allen.
