Under current State Ethics Commission regulations, there’s a time between the pre-primary and pre-election disclosure reports known as the “dark period.” For about three weeks, there’s no knowing who is dumping money into campaigns. That is, not until the next deadline — June 10 for the primaries, Jan. 10 for the general election. It’s been a big, gaping hole in the disclosure process.

If you recall, in 2008, Howard Rich, his shell corporations and lackeys backed up the Brinks truck to the “hit list” candidates — plus a few Democrats — during the dark period before the primaries. It allowed these candidates to run around, saying they are no man’s puppet. Then — whoop! — strings appear and the dancing starts, but we don’t find out until after the election. It’s a calculated move, one to hide the virtual purchase of the General Assembly.

Wednesday, the House passed H. 3066 in a vote of 108-1 to put a halt to this practice. If it makes it into law, candidates would have to file 48-hour notices of contributions during the dark period, just like Federal candidates. It would go into effect right after being signed by the Governor, but we doubt that it would be fast-tracked to a degree to where the Senate would pass it, and the bill gets signed, before the dark period starts for this year’s primaries.

Holy hell, the Second District race is going to make a lot of people a lot of money. U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson still has a large lead on challenger Rob Miller, but both have the fundraising stats that are more on par with a statewide race. Both took cash nationwide, but there’s a difference. Wilson used the Internet and direct mail to solicit a lot of his donations. Miller flew around the country to do his. Both spent a great deal of money to bring in more money.

JOE WILSON
Republican
Contributions: $401,954.41
Expenditures: $612,042.93
Cash-on-hand: $2,341,915.32
(Debt: $102,359.29)

Significant contributions
David All, $250
The David All Group
Joe Edens, $400, $1,000
Edens & Avant
Whit Ayres, $1,000
Pollster
Don Tomlin, $2,000
Tomlin & Co.
Jake Rasor, $2,000
Restaurant franchisee
Roger Milliken, $4,800
Milliken Corporation
Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees, $2,000
Business organization
Chickasaw Nation, $1,000
Native American organization

Significant expenditures
The Bivings Group (Web site enhancement), $3,000
Dustin Olson Consulting (campaign manager fee), $10,000, $5,000, $5,000
E2C Consulting (fundraising), $3,000×2, $2,000
Jump! New Media (Web site development), $9,000, $1,060.25, $11,791.54, $8,066.17
Cocentric Office (mail processing), $18,627, $531.69, $3,750
School Cuts (T-shirts), $2,466.56
Velvetex (flyers, signs), $5,323.25
The Richard Norman Company (direct mail), $65.633.05
Pour House (dinner event), $1,431.40
Jamestown Associates (consulting, video), $28,000
Benjamin Clarke (speech and article prep), $7,500
Farley Enterprises (online fundraising advertising), $16,270.50
Response America (direct mail), $5,877.76
David All Group (online fundraising), $72,775.20, $91,791.84
Carolina First Visa Card (credit card), $15,424.51, $16,339.29
Ayres, McHenry & Associates (polling), $28,800, $1,400
Advantage (polling), $1,600
Washington Intelligence Bureau (direct mail caging), $1,903.83, $2,621.56
The Phillips Group (fundraising), $2,925
Media Ad Ventures (direct mail), $28,985.78
MDI Imaging & Mailing (postage), $4,417.36
Mail Marketing Strategies (direct mail), $3,559.88
Bobby Van’s Steakhouse (meal expense), $1,490.85
WilandDirect (list rental), $3,750
S.C. Republican Party (contribution), $25,000
National Republican Congressional Committee (contribution), $25,000

ROB MILLER
Democrat
Contributions: $224,276.13
Expenditures: $223,156.12
Cash-on-hand: $1,678,333.40

Significant contributions
Irene Foxhall, $1,000
VP, Continental Airlines
Thomas Gibson, $1,000, $400
Actor
Royce West, $500
Texas state senator
Avon Ray Honey Campaign Fund, $500
Campaign committee
College Democrats of New York, $200
Political organization
Debbie Wasserman Schultz for Congress, $2,000
Campaign committee

Significant expenditures
4C Partners (field consulting), $10,000
Adrienne Donato (fundraising), $2,500
Ben Ray (Web expenses), $1,697.95, $1,500×2
Bryant Park Hotel (event expenses), $1,533.61
Cielo (catering), $2,121, $3,998.64
Darrison Barrett & Associates (fundraising), $3,000
Envision Communications (advertising), $15,501.90, $1,524.92
Intercontinental Chicago (event expenses), $1,000, $1,874
Mia Phifer & Associates (fundraising), $1,500
MSHC (web expenses, printing), $550, $877, $3,000, $35,435.62, $100×3
New Partners Consulting (research), $5,000
NGP Software (database), $1,609.75, $500, $5,135
Political Development Group, $3,500×2

Whether U.S. Rep. Henry Brown had the support in the First District to win reelection, he certainly had the cash-on-hand to run the full-out effort needed to win the seat. Every body else is getting in the game late, and Tumpy Campbell would be facing a Mulvaney-esque deficit in comparison. Also, Gov. Mark Sanford still has money, and it’s just sitting there, as it always does.

Not running:
HENRY BROWN
Republican
Contributions: $65,038.42
Expenditures: $14,365.12
Cash-on-hand: $724,324.18

Significant contributions
Chip Campsen, $1,000
State senator
Ray Cleary, $500
State senator
Butler Derrick, $500
Former U.S. representative
Arthur Ravenel, $250
Former U.S. representative

Significant expenditures
None.

MARK SANFORD
Republican
Contributions: $0
Expenditures: $0
Cash-on-hand: $127,342.25

Significant contributions
None.

Significant expenditures
None.

Active candidates:
TUMPY CAMPBELL
Republican
Contributions: $24,865
Expenditures: $33,001.91
Cash-on-hand: $42,693.50

Significant contributions
Mark Buyck, $1,000
Attorney
Gedney Howe, $500
Attorney

Significant expenditures
20/10 Design (Web site design), $1,800
J.R. Rowell Printing (printing), $1,266.35, $102.13, $1,922.10, $677.25
Littlefield Consulting (consulting), $2,783.63, $2176.99, $1,758.43
Millard Mulé (consulting), $3,000×2, $3,087.66
UPT Strategies (consulting), $2,696.01, $2,008.21, $1,750

ROBERT BURTON
Democrat
Contributions: $2,950
Expenditures: $4,891.83
Cash-on-hand: $3,058.17
(Loan: $5,000)

Significant contributions
None.

Significant expenditures
None.

As Randy Moss said, “Straight cash, homey.” That’s what U.S. Rep. John Spratt has, and it’s quite a large advantage over his challenger, Sen. Mick Mulvaney. This time, though, Spratt’s contributions are almost exclusively from corporate and union PACs, which means that his Washington fundraiser is definitely doing her work. Both candidates are carrying a debt load.

JOHN SPRATT
Democrat
Contributions: $76,641.19
Expenditures: $31,099.11
Cash-on-hand: $645,791.66
(Debt: $44,000)

Significant contributions
Nancy Pelosi for Congress, $2,000×2
Campaign committee of the U.S. Speaker of the House

Significant expenditures
Carolina Public Relations and Marketing (advertising), $2,266.48, $1,076.50, $1,005
Pattie Fiorello (fundraising), $4,000×3
National Guard Association (contribution), $1,000
Piedmont Specialty Advertising (campaign supplies), $1,420.91
John Alan Presto (fundraising), $1,596×3

MICK MULVANEY
Republican
Contributions: $53,331.90
Expenditures: $11,135.99
Cash-on-hand: $117,197.42
(Loan: $75,000)

Significant contributions
Gayle Averyt, $1,000
Former chairman, Colonial Life
Ralph Norman, $1,000
State representative
Chad Walldorf, $1,000
S.C. Club for Growth

Significant expenditures
MacPherson Group (fundraising), $2,700×2
The Mace Group (Web site design), $2,048

Perusing the last of the SC-04 reports, it’s clear that the money competition is squarely between U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis and Solicitor Trey Gowdy. Inglis has the advantage of PAC money that comes from being an incumbent congressman, while Gowdy has been prodigious in packing his war chest.

TREY GOWDY
Contributions: $88,340
Expenditures: $64,011.95
Cash-on-hand: $204,649.74

Significant contributions
Charles Hodge, $500
Attorney
Scott Talley, $2,000
Former state representative
Advance America, $1,500
Payday lending company
Nelson Mullins, $1,000
Law firm

Significant expenditures
First Tuesday Strategies (Signage, Web site, consulting), $4,266.25, $402.32, $3,500×2, $200
Linning Smoak and Crawford (public relations), $2,500
George Ramsey (consulting, &c.), $2,500×6, $72.22, $35.20
Sparks Research (survey), $6,500
David Woodard (consulting), $975
Chad McGowan (refund), $2,400

BOB INGLIS
Contributions: $122,599.13
Expenditures: $61,973.74
Cash-on-hand: $308,291.74

Significant contributions
David Eisner, $1,000
CEO, TheMarkets.com
Steve Evered, $384
Government affairs, Michelin
Leslie McCraw, $500
Former CEO, Flour Daniel
Ed Bergin, $500
President, Lockheed Martin
Gayle Averyt, $500
Former chairman, Colonial Life
National Rifle Association, $1.000
Gun rights organization

Significant expenditures
Trevetts Direct (direct mail), $1,843.21, $450.16
Fogo De Chao (DC Fly-In dinner), $1,944.75
Bailey’s Bar & Grill (Braggin’ Rites dinner and drinks), $2,112.23

JIM LEE
Contributions: $4,795.15
Expenditures: $2,787.88
Cash-on-hand: $4,146.76

Significant contributions
None.

Significant expenditures
Dark Horse Strategy Group (logo, yard signs, business cards): $269/40, $397.50, $47.70, $300

Several of the candidates for the SC-03 race have their reports online this weekend. Lots of loans. We’re figuring the loans are to allow the candidates to spend like they want to, right out of the gate, then pay off the debt when the money starts rolling in soon.

SHANE MASSEY
Republican
Contributions: $845.60
Expenditures: $10,117.29
Cash-on-hand: $102,093.62
(Loan: $72,000)

Significant contributions
None.

Significant expenditures
Donehue Agency (printing/postage), $4,505.70
On The Mark (lapel stickers), $200

RICHARD CASH
Republican
Contributions: $20,231.99
Expenditures: $22,898.15
Cash-on-hand: $11,950.19

Significant contributions
None.

Significant expenditures
Trail Blazer Campaign Services (software), $622.92×3

REX RICE
Republican
Contributions: $45,067
Expenditures: $50,237.23
Cash-on-hand: $54,059.51
(Loan: $25,000)

Significant contributions
Bruce Bannister, $1,000
State representative
William Webster IV, $1,000
Advance America
Huck PAC, $1,000
PAC of former Ark. Gov. Mike Huckabee

Significant expenditures
Gadsden & Greene Strategies (consulting), $5,000×3
Richard Quinn & Associates (fundraising, printing), $9,000, $4,500, $6,694.78

MIKE VASOVSKI
Republican
Contributions: $12,422.76
Expenditures: $9,965.55
Cash-on-hand: $11,354.01
(Debt: $9,243.41)

Significant contributions
None.

Significant expenditures
None.

JANE DYER
Democrat
Contributions: $21,266.34
Expenditures: $20,357.29
Cash-on-hand: $11,689.56
(Loan: $9,200)

Significant contributions
Mike McCurry, $1,000
Former Clinton press secretary
Citizens United for South Carolina, $500
Group formed by former S.C. Democratic Party chairman Joe Erwin

Significant expenditures
None.

UPDATE: Jeff Duncan filed.

JEFF DUNCAN
Republican
Contributions: $28,915
Expenditures: $19,116.51
Cash-on-hand: $49,414.11
(Loan: $10,000)

Significant contributions
Tom Deloach, $500
S.C. BIPEC
National Auctioneers PAC, $2,500
Political action committee

Significant expenditures
Clarkson Smith Consulting (fundraising), $717.33, $1,387
Peacecraft Strategies (consulting), $7,500
WW Consulting (consulting), $7,500

The SC-04 race is one of the stranger Republican primary battles this year. U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis was considered by many a hardcore conservative when he was the GOP nominee in former U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings‘ last run for office. In subsequent years, his environmental views have put a huge target on his back, leading to this year’s very crowded primary. Sen. David Thomas and Tea Party candidate Christina Jeffrey are two of the candidates in that race to post their money numbers the earliest.

DAVID THOMAS
Contributions: $30,739
Expenditures: $27,789.32
Cash-on-hand: $91,173.66

Significant contributions
Bill Amick, $1,000
CEO, Amick Company
Joel Bieber, $1,000
Attorney
Hunter Howard, $250
CPA, Scott McElveen
Ron Walters, $750
State delegate, West Virginia

Significant expenditures
Black Label Strategy (fundraising), $9,983.50
Rod Shealy (polling expenses), $2,122

CHRISTINA JEFFREY
Contributions: $10,391
Expenditures: $17,907.33
Cash-on-hand: $16,261.28

Significant contributions
None.

Significant expenditures
Sewell Consultancy (Voter base, consulting), $3,500, $4,253.18

If Sen. Lee Bright gets a challenge in 2012 from an attorney, he might have to scale back the rhetoric he used against against former Rep. Scott Talley in 2008. Even though Talley does most of his work in real estate law, he was attacked again and again for being a trial lawyer. It didn’t take long for Bright to get in bed with “the enemy” — more than half of his second quarter 2009 money came from attorneys, including $1,000 from the S.C. Trial Lawyers Association.

How quickly things change. Under the rationalization of “I’ll take a check from anyone who wants to write one,” he’ll be feted by trial lawyers tonight in the Capital City.

Tonight in Columbia, Bright will be playing a different tune. He will be the guest of honor at a fundraiser hosted by some of the top trial lawyers in the state — including Harrison White Smith and Coggins of Spartanburg.

Bright said there was nothing unusual about him accepting money from the lawyers, even though he made it an issue for Talley in the 2008 campaign.

“Except for George Soros, I’ll take a check from anyone who wants to write one,” said Bright, R-Roebuck, referencing the left-leaning billionaire investor. “What I was talking about (in 2008) was the disproportionate amount of trial lawyer money he had.”

Talley, however, said it was hypocritical of Bright to accept money from trial lawyers after disparaging him for doing the same thing.

“Too many times people get in office and do the exact opposite of what they said they would do,” Talley said. “Things that other people did that were bad aren’t so bad anymore.”

We can’t wait to see how he’d vote on tort reform in the event it makes headway this session. Will Bright stick to his so-called “principles,” or go with the money? These attorneys didn’t get to where they are by being idiots, and expending effort and cash on a guy who won’t represent your interests isn’t exactly a smart thing to do. However, sometimes idiots have been known to be elected.

U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson’s son, Alan, evidently does not have his father’s drawing power when it comes to fundraising. Fresh off Republican primary opponent Leighton Lord having more than $200,000 in the bank, and Robert Bulchoz showing more than $137,000, Wilson is in a poor position. A very poor position. At this point, the clock has to start as to whether he goes the distance to the primary, or drops out and endorses one of the other men in the race.

ALAN WILSON
Contributions: $29,644.41
Expenditures: $27,876.45
Cash-on-hand: $45,127.92

Significant contributions
Art Guerry, $50
Former Lexington County auditor
Curt Loftis, $500
Former director, Office on Aging

Significant expenditures
Richard Quinn & Associates (consulting, advertising), $4,500×2, $1,246.33, $2,419.96, $12,350

Last spring, we were told that real estate magnate Howard Rich had pulled his money out of South Carolina, considering that his lackeys in this state hadn’t been able to accomplish diddly-squat, except to bitch and moan and act like because they yell loudest, that they’re the “majority.” Maybe some consultants have lost out, but money’s still going to candidates and elected officials.

JOEY MILLWOOD
State representative
(2009, Fourth quarter)
538-14 Realty, $1,000
Silver and Silver Properties, $1,000
332 E 11, $1,000
Rich Lending Corporation, $1,000

GREG DELLENEY
State representative
(2009, Fourth quarter)
Rich Lending Corporation, $1,000
188 Claremont, $1,000
538-14 Realty, $1,000
332 E 11, $1,000

TRACY EDGE
State representative
(2009, Fourth quarter)
332 East 11, $1,000
538-14 Realty, $1,000
4220 Broadway, $1,000
Silver and Silver Properties, $1,000
188 Claremont, $1,000

TOM DAVIS
State senator
(2009, Third Quarter)
188 Claremont, $1,000
4220 Broadway, $1,000
51 First Avenue, $1,000
123 LaSalle, $1,000
405 49 Associates, $1,000
332 E 11, $1,000
470 W 166, $1,000
Bradford Management of New York, $1,000
Dayrich, $1,000
Bayrich, $1,000