We get a lot of weird emails over here, and this is the fruit of one of the weirdest, and most entertaining. Behold, the rhyme of the S.C. primary.
“We Got a Primary”
Jim Clyburn robo-callin’ me all day like a stalker ex
Vinny Sheheen sayin’ ain’t no runoff with Jim Rex
Kelly Payne damn changin’ the game for ed
Joe Wilson all “You lie” — oh, no, that’s what Haley said
What, what — it’s the primary down here in S.C.
What, what, got CNN, Chuck Todd, MSNBC
What, what, got Jakie Knotts, two more shots, burning crosses in Santee
What, what, know Wes Wolfe can only vote absentee
Callin’ all you Tea Party yellow coiled snake flag wavers
McMaster clowns got Will Folks doin’ Andre Bauer favors
Got emails, videos, private eyes out takin’ pictures
Bill Connor goin’ all “Too much of this” on Larry Richter
Everybody tweetin’ “Where the party at tomorrow evenin’?”
Bauer got a bus full of young chicks, cross the state line he leavin’
What, what it’s the primary down in Succa-lina
What, what, got national politicos sayin’ “Mmmmmm, nothin’ fine-uh”
What, what, got Gina Smith and her homeboy John O’Connah
What, what, got a primary down in Succa-lina
What, what, got a primary down in Succa-line
Bear with us — there are only so many ways you can write, “Candidate A has more cash-on-hand than Candidates B or C, and seems to have the momentum, so the good money is on Candidate A to have the most votes in the primary, and the favorite in the runoff.” And so it is for Mick Zais in the Republican nomination race for superintendent of education.
MICK ZAIS
Contributions: $33,489.07
(In-kind: $6,324.07)
Expenditures: $29,947.08
Cash on hand: $115,640.63
Significant contributions
Robert Royall, $1,000
Former director, S.C. Department of Revenue
Joe Edens, $1,000
Developer
Brian Boyer, $250
Developer
Ralph Norman, $500
State representative
Wayne Brazell, $100
Superintendent, S.C. Charter School District
Kristin Maguire, $500
Former chair, state Board of Education
Chad Connelly, $50
School choice advocate
Significant disbursements
Starboard Communications (printing), $4,179.49, $1,200, $500, $1,144.63
Ragley Public Affairs (campaign management), $5,000×2
The Mace Group (Web site, consulting), $2,500, $750
KELLY PAYNE
Contributions: $6,051.88
Expenditures: $10,242.58
Cash on hand: $743.85
Significant contributions
None.
Significant expenditures
Clark Solutions Group (ads), $6,100
Random Definition (Web site), $650
BRENT NELSON
Contributions: $60,219.95
(Loan: $50,000)
Expenditures: $52,089.34
Cash on hand: $14,082.41
Significant contributions
None.
Significant expenditures
Smoak Public Relations (printing, consulting), $4,750, $1,160, $23,033.20, $9,000, $3,000
NGS Consulting (consulting), $1,000, $2,764.01
By Kelly Payne
In South Carolina we are wasting one important educational resource, and we aren’t fully utilizing another. We can’t continue on this path if we are going to produce graduates that are college ready and career ready — continuing the downward social and economic cycles in our state. It’s time to better utilize our resources to transform our outdated public education system into a system that meets the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
The resource we’re wasting is money spent on bureaucrats and unnecessary, meaningless activities. Why do we pay three different bureaucrats to approve a visiting lecturer, like a legislator, in a high school classroom? Why pay millions for tests like PASS that do nothing to help a teacher improve the knowledge and skills of a student? We all know there’s waste.
Today, the underutilized resource is my focus. That resource is right under our noses, sometimes known and for some reason kept from being used, sometimes not even considered. The resource is collaboration among the leaders and institutions within our state and communities. Schools at all levels cannot perform at their best when isolated from the community. The community, outside the schools, has resources and ideas that lie fallow because they are not interacting with the schools. It’s time that collaboration became a way of life across South Carolina instead of an occasional happening in a few places.
The Michelin Mentor Program, for example, is providing needed mentors for students in numerous schools across the state. The result, students are excited about learning. Students succeed. What other businesses can bring resources to our schools and students if the schools opened their doors to collaboration? How would our students and communities fare if the door to collaboration was opened?
In Greenville, the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and the Greenville County School District collaborated on CPOE, private enterprise experts working with public school counterparts to review the district’s business and operational practices. The result — a savings of about $2 million annually in the district’s operating budget and improvement in many of the district’s business practices.
These are just a pair of examples of what can happen with collaboration — all costing the taxpayers not one more penny, and more importantly all improving the education that makes our students career ready and college ready. As our state’s economy continues its decline — reducing resources available to education — can we afford to let the resource of collaboration remain largely untouched? I think not. As your state superintendent of education, a priority would be facilitating truly meaningful collaboration designed to turn our education system in the right direction — a direction that returns the community and teachers to the center of educational excellence. Education is too important to be left to educrats and legislators alone.
Early in my administration I would invite the presidents of each of the state’s 16 technical and community colleges to provide a site on one of their campuses for a meeting of leaders in their service area to begin the process of making collaboration a reality. To this meeting would be invited the chief executives, not representatives, of each public school district and that district’s board chair; the chief executives of major businesses in that college’s service area, chief executives and board leaders of each chamber of commerce in the service area, chief executives and board chair of each institution of higher education in the service area, the board chair and chief executive of major non-profits, and the chair of the legislative delegation(s) in that college’s service area. These would be public meetings. The public would know who has been invited and who is participating. Journalists would be welcome. Where technically possible, SCETV would be invited to broadcast. The participants would be asked three questions:
1. Do you believe there is a need for South Carolina to have a public education system that is capable of making every graduate college or career ready, with a graduation rate of at least 90 percent?
2. What obstacle(s) prevent our community from achieving this status?
3. With whom in this room are you ready to collaborate now to remove at least one of those obstacles?
The collaborations created that day will be monitored in meetings at the same sites, with the same participants, four and eight months later. All meetings would be public. Results would be made public. Never before in our state’s history have these elements come together for collaboration. Just think of what would happen — at no cost to the taxpayers — when this massive collaborative resource is fully utilized.
Payne is a candidate for the Republican nomination to state superintendent of education, an award-winning civics teacher at Dutch Fork High School in Irmo, and mother of three school-age children. Further information is available at: http://www.votekellypayne.com/.
Believe it or not, the race for dollars shows that Democrats may well be in position to hold onto the state superintendent of education office for another four years. We can’t believe it ourselves, considering that it’s such a Republican year. But don’t tell that to Frank Holleman, who is on pace to win the Democratic nomination and be the person with the deepest pockets after the primary.
Republicans
MICK ZAIS
Contributions: $23,749.17
Expenditures: $36,661.64
Cash on hand: $112,098.64
Significant contributions
Arthur Ravenel, $500
Former U.S. representative
Ralph Norman, $500
State representative
Gayle Averyt, $1,000
Activist
Significant expenditures
The Mace Group (Web site), $2,500
Ragley Public Affairs (consulting), $5,000×3
Starboard Communications (consulting), $12,500, $1,481.72
KELLY PAYNE
Contributions: $7,952.04
Expenditures: $18,037.16
Cash on hand: $4,934.55
Significant contributions
Gary Taylor, $150
Candidate for HD-69
John Steinberger, $20
S.C. Fair Tax
Significant expenditures
Black Label Strategy (consulting, reimbursement), $695.09, $2,363.25, $5252, $300
Random Definition (Web site), $1,300
BRENT NELSEN
Contributions: $19,569.98
Expenditures: $14,876.26
Cash on hand: $5,951.80
Significant contributions
Bob Inglis, $500
U.S. representative
Significant expenditures
Gaines & Sherlock (consulting), $2,058.38
NGS Consulting (consulting), $4,000
GARY BURGESS
Contributions: $968.42
Expenditures: $608.51
Cash on hand: $485.93
Significant contributions
None.
Significant expenditures
None.
ELIZABETH MOFFLY
Contributions: $112,252.67
(including a loan of $108,952.67)
Expenditures: $14,370.66
Cash on hand: $98,232.96
Significant contributions
None.
Significant expenditures
None.
Democrat
FRANK HOLLEMAN
Contributions: $91,844.32
Expenditures: $50,442.38
Cash on hand: $213,347.41
Significant contributions
Inez Tenenbaum, $1,000
Former superintendent of education
Robert Barber, $100
Former lieutenant governor candidate
McIntosh Consulting, $100
Consulting firm
Alex Sanders, $1,000
Former U.S. Senate candidate
Chandra Dillard, $100
State representative
Harriet Keyserling, $500
Former state representative
Elliot Close, $1,000
Former U.S. Senate candidate
James Smith, $100
State representative
Jay Bender, $500
Attorney
Andy Brack, $250
Editor, the Statehouse Report
Stephen Wukela, $500
Mayor of Florence
Significant expenditures
Facebook (advertising), $50, $40.40, $4.24, $19.76, $7.46, $1.19, $1.76
The Rackes Group (consulting) $1,500×3, $2,000
The Macrina Group (consulting), $2,000
The leaking of emails from Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom to superintendent of education candidate Kelly Payne appears to have raised more questions than have been addressed at the outset of this latest dust-up of politics and affairs of the heart in South Carolina. There is definitely way more to this story than has come out. Behold, skullduggery.
Though Payne issued a statement saying that the emails were leaked by rivals of her campaign, we’re not sure that’s accurate. What struck us is that none of her emails have made their way to the public. What was sent out was only Eckstrom’s, which would lend some credence to the theory that it was somebody trying to get over on him, not her. Who would go so far as to want to do so? Is it a personal or political beef? Or both?
As well, who could have obtained access to his email? You would think it would be someone close to him, with access to his computer — probably at the office. A lot of people save their email username and password on their computers, not thinking of what would happen if the machine fell into the wrong hands. We think this idea is more plausible than some organized hacking operation, or allegations that the Mick Zais campaign went all cloak-and-dagger.
Here’s the thing about the Zais allegation: it doesn’t make sense, period. Consider that it’s a down-ballot race. Granted politics in South Carolina is a contact sport, with no quarter given, but this seems a little beyond the pale. Then consider that Zais is of a similar ideological thinking as Eckstrom and Payne. If something was up, it would be another signal of the decline of the Sanford-organized “reform movement.”
What exactly did Eckstrom mean by writing, “I’ve said my piece so will now quit bugging you. Don’t want you to think of me as just another bothersome Andre-type.” Who exactly was the Lieutenant Governor bothersome with, and how does Eckstrom know about it? Are they kicking back and trading war stories? Comparing notes?
Also, what the fuck is this about? “One word of caution: PLEASE be careful not to let FaceBook crowd out your precious kids, your faith, and you career. It too can be addictive if you choose not to guard against its control of your life.”
Then, finally, Eckstrom said he and his wife had been separated for two years. To the best of our knowledge, you only need a separation of one year to get a divorce in South Carolina. If he and his wife were trying to reconcile, why has he been pursuing a relationship with Payne? And if not, what’s the hold-up?
Two more candidates for education superintendent are out with their fourth quarter disclosure reports. As pointed out in the news release blasted out this morning, Newberry College president Mick Zais is showing the most money on hand of any of the Republican candidates for the office.
MICK ZAIS
Candidate for Superintendent of Education (R)
Contributions: $132,955
Expenditures: $9,118.58
Cash-on-hand: $125,011.11
Significant contributions
Stokes-Trainor Chevrolet- Pontiac-Cadillac-Buick, $250
Car dealer
Significant expenditures
Starboard Communications (mail piece design, printing, postage and Web site), $3,032.42
Ragley Public Affairs (campaign management services), $5,000, $599.24
KELLY PAYNE
Candidate for Superintendent of Education (R)
Contributions: $15,755
Expenditures: $1,035
Cash-on-hand: $15,019.67
Significant contributions
McMullen Public Affairs, $250
Lobbying firm
Significant expenditures
Black Label Strategy (consulting services), $525
The Republican race for state superintendent of education got its third candidate today, as Newberry College president Mick Zais announced his intention to run for the office. He’ll be facing off against Furman University professor Brent Nelsen and Dutch Fork High School teacher Kelly Payne.
In his statement, Zais said, “After much thought and prayer with my family, and with strong words of encouragement from Republican activists, business leaders and education professionals, I am proud to announce I am a Republican candidate for the office of state superintendent of education. We have some superb public schools in South Carolina –- but more can be done to ensure that every child in our state has access to an excellent school, is led by an excellent principal and is taught by an excellent teacher.
“Every child is special and every child learns differently. Parents must be empowered to have a choice in the educational environment of their child. Strong incentives for teachers in our public schools must be employed to retain as many excellent teachers as possible. Principals must receive world-class training so they can lead, inspire and motivate their teaching staff. Legislators, district superintendents and school boards must ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent on items that affect educational outcomes and these expenditures must be transparent to the public.
“This campaign will be a marathon and not a sprint. We face many challenges in education, but we can and we will overcome them. My leadership ability, experience in education and proven results of improvement qualify me as the best candidate for the office of state superintendent of education. I look forward to sharing my optimistic vision for education with all South Carolinians in the months ahead.”
Supt. of Ed. Jim Rex announced early Thursday via Twitter and Facebook that he will not be seeking reelection to his post next year, clearing the way for a full run at the open seat. According to the statement:
[Rex] announced he will not seek re-election to the office of State Superintendent of Education, regardless of decision to run for Governor. Statement coming soon.
There you go. As of right now, he’s one of five Democrats running for governor (according to state law, there is no such thing as an exploratory committee). While we think that Sen. Vince Sheheen and lobbyist Dwight Drake are the two strongest candidates in the field, Rex could always pull something out that could make a run worthwhile.
Of course, former gubernatorial candidate Brent Nelsen has been running for the Republican nomination for superintendent for a few weeks, as is Dutch Fork High School teacher Kelly Payne. As of right now, it doesn’t look like the GOP primary will be as contentious as the 2006 version, but it’s still relatively early.
Also, we’ve been told that S.C. Association of School Administrators executive director Molly Spearman is looking at a run, but hasn’t made a decision yet.
UPDATE: Rex put up the following statement, on Facebook, shortly before 9:30 a.m.
I have decided that I will not seek re-election to the Office of State Superintendent of Education in 2010, regardless of whether or not I decide to run for Governor. It is clear from my time in this office that there is a limit to what we can accomplish to move South Carolina’s schools and our state forward so long as we do not have someone in the Governor’s office who is making education, jobs, and economic development the top priorities of this state. I am in the final stages of making a decision about whether or not to offer myself to South Carolinians to be that kind of Governor – a “turnaround” Governor – or whether to return to the private sector and continue to work to make a difference there. Sue and I appreciate the support and encouragement we have received as we have moved around the state in these last few weeks, and I look forward to a final decision very soon.
That was quick. Just after Furman professor Brent Nelsen decided to run for the Republican nomination for state superintendent of education, he’s drawn opposition. According to a post on conservative activist Mike Reino’s blog, Dutch Fork High School teacher Kelly Payne has thrown her hat into the ring.
She’s got a few things working for her, not the least of which is her Internet notoriety. There’s also the quite nice fundraising base of the Columbia suburbs. When we moved from North Carolina and went to DFHS, we were pretty surprised at the number of brand-new Mustangs and BMWs in the student parking lot. If these kids’ parents have the money to drop a very nice car on a first-time driver, they shouldn’t have an issue maxing out to a local candidate.
She hasn’t filed a report with the State Ethics Commission yet, so this looks like a relatively recent decision.
Despite having a classroom teacher in the race, this may be good news for current Superintendent of Education Jim Rex. He will be able to fix his fundraising issues and get ready for the general election while a couple heavy-hitters go at it in the GOP primary.
Yesterday, WR central command received the packet of thank you notes from Kelly Payne’s current issues class at Dutch Fork High School, and we would like to offer our sincere thanks, especially to the Crimson Tide fans and to the many who offered condolences on the passing of Wolfe Mobile Mk. I.
For those wondering, Wolfe Mobile Mk. II is slated for delivery Wednesday, and plans are currently in the works for a WR field trip to Tuscaloosa for the Alabama-Carolina game this October.
As for the numerous requests that we show up for Gov. Mark Sanford‘s pending appearance in the class, that may not be the best idea. After all, the last thing we need is Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer experimenting with his “enhanced interrogation techniques” on us.
