Wednesday, the S.C. Chamber of Commerce released its endorsements for the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial primaries. Sen. Vince Sheheen took the nod for the Democrats, which is not very surprising. With the exit of Charleston attorney Mullins McLeod and Columbia lobbyist Dwight Drake from the race, it’s not hard to figure out that Sheheen will best Supt. of Ed. Jim Rex and Sen. Robert Ford for the nomination.
The Republican endorsement went to U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett. Making a decision in that race is way more risky for anyone this far out from the primary. Barrett, Atty. Gen. Henry McMaster and Lt. Gov. André Bauer are in a three-way dogfight for the nomination, and it’s only going to get nastier as the months go on until June.
Wednesday afternoon, the Sheheen campaign launched a new Facebook effort: “Hey, folks — let’s beat Gresham Barrett to the 5,000 mark in FB fans! It would be great if you could click on ‘Suggest to Friends’ underneath the profile picture. Thanks!” That was followed by Barrett’s page responding with, “We’ve been challenged. The Sheheen campaign is trying to beat us to 5,000 fans. Help us get there first by clicking the ‘Suggest to Friends’ link under my picture.” Barrett made it first.
All of this is to say that it looks like the leading candidates for both nominations are already preparing to go at it. That means that the other guys — Rex, Ford, McMaster, Bauer — better step up their campaigns, or the general election campaign will start before the June primary showdown.
Earlier on Monday, we say a post the child did on Sen. Vince Sheheen. We didn’t pay it much mind, because we don’t pay the person writing it much mind. But, later on in the day, we were alerted to a certain phrase in the post. That line did ring a bell at the time, but there were more important things to do.
Sheheen doesn’t speak with an accent any worse than other well-educated state leaders that are South Carolina natives, but whatever. Witness:
That wording was used in something else he wrote — the ultimately failed blueprint to turn the General Assembly into Gov. Mark Sanford’s rubber stamp.
Guess everybody not from the Lowcountry’s landed class is a bumpkin these days.
Unless Supt. of Ed. Jim Rex has an election leprechaun running around with a pot o’ gold and votes, it looks like Sen. Vince Sheheen can now be called the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor. Shortly after noon on Friday, attorney and lobbyist extraordinaire Dwight Drake ended his campaign.
I got into this race because I believed that South Carolina’s families deserved much more than they were getting from their Governor. We are facing the toughest times in a generation, and we can only take that on with dedicated, experienced leadership that is focused on putting our people back to work and building a better future for our kids. I have ambitious ideas for getting our state back on track, and I have the knowledge and experience to put those ideas into action.
But a statewide campaign for office is not just about these things. It also requires resources – campaign dollars to run in a competitive primary and in a competitive general election.
This comes on the heels of former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mullins McLeod dropping out of the race and endorsing Sheheen. As of now, Drake has not announced an endorsement, but anybody paying attention to the race knows the Democratic race has been decided.
Today, Lowcountry attorney Mullins McLeod abandoned his race for governor and endorsed the campaign of his rival, Sen. Vince Sheheen. They, and prominent Democratic activists and a few elected officials — Sens. Joel Lourie and Brad Hutto, and Reps. Laurie Slade Funderburk and Anton Gunn — gathered at S.C. Democratic Party headquarters for the event. Sheheen’s father, Fred Sheheen, was also in attendence.
In a statement announcing his intentions, McLeod said, “For the sake of our state and our party’s chances in November, I will not allow those seeking change to endure a divisive primary battle between candidates fighting for the same thing. There’s simply too much at risk. A Bauer, McMaster, Barrett or Haley in the Governor’s office would do what we have seen done in the past- they would forget about the everyday folks in South Carolina and concentrate on the status quo. We cannot let this happen.”
He continued, “Today, I am ending my candidacy for Governor and I will not seek any elected office in 2010. Instead, I will continue to fight for those families and I will continue to fight for change by endorsing and campaigning for Vincent Sheheen.”
The pair received a standing ovation after McLeod’s comments, as he put on a Sheheen lapel sticker when he stepped away from the podium.
Sheheen appeared gracious in taking the endorsement from one his his chief rivals, saying, “Both Mullins and I believe that it’s time for new ideas and a new generation of leadership in the governor’s office. We share a vision for a South Carolina with strong public schools, well-paying jobs, and a government that works for the people. I’m grateful to have Mullins on our team as we work to restore hope in South Carolina and make our state a place we can be proud of again.”
Whether or not Supt. of Ed. Jim Rex or Sen. Robert Ford would like to admit it, the race is essentially between Sheheen and attorney Dwight Drake. Drake congratulated McLeod on his efforts, then said in a statement, “The choice in this election is now even more clear. While my other opponents have spent time ignoring the state’s mounting fiscal problems and our rising unemployment, I have a proven record of getting things done and creating jobs.”
McLeod leaves the race with the second-most cash-on-hand. He said that his campaign is still deciding what will be done with the money still in his account. And though anything could happen between now and the primary, the smart money is on Sheheen to become the Democratic nominee.
If you thought Tuesday’s press conference with Sens. Vince Sheheen and Joel Lourie regarding payday lending wasn’t about the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, you are gullible for sure. Maybe we can sell you these South Carolina tickets to the 2010 SEC Championship Game. Real cheap, we promise.
Everyone with two brain cells to rub together saw it for what it was — a shot at nomination competitor Dwight Drake, who has been a payday lending lobbyist in the General Assembly. And he takes his job seriously. Rep. Bakari Sellers, who has endorsed Drake, expressed to us that he didn’t know we were watching when Drake and Sellers had a rather heated discussion about a payday lending bill last year. There’s a reason the man is living well.
However, Drake’s name never came up. It was like he didn’t exist. As quoted in The Herald, Sheheen said, “Many in this industry have abused South Carolina citizens who can afford it the very least, stripped the hard-earned dollars from working South Carolinians by setting a serial lending trap, and avoided even the most minor regulations attempting to rein in their addictive and unconscionable practices.” That’s in reference to a perceived loophole, because no matter how many loans someone may have, when they take out the first one when the database goes into effect — a regulation to limit loans to one person — that loan will be considered the first one on the record.
In last week’s Free Times, Sheheen took a shot at Drake, saying, “I think this is a real question about the soul of the Democratic Party and who we will select as our nominee and whether or not we can stand up for working South Carolinians and [those] who have been preyed upon by this industry. And I think it would be very hard for us to do that with their lobbyist as our nominee.”
Drake wasn’t going to sit back and get nailed. When questioned about Sheheen’s comments, he told FT, “The primary thing I would say is: If you don’t have a payday, you don’t have to worry about payday lending. And we’ve got 266,000 people without a payday. I’m focused on doing all I can to bring jobs to this state so those 266,000 people can have a payday. Period.”
It’s getting interesting out there, kids. This might be the time to tune in and pay attention.
Funnily enough, men from two parties can talk to each other and work out a deal, even in South Carolina. The voter ID/early voting bill, H. 3418, was in such a mess of debate and amendments that it was set on Wednesday for third reading, but allowing for amendments, which is highly unusual. However, cooler heads prevailed.
Before Wednesday’s session, Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell and Senate Minority Leader John Land got together to work out a compromise on the legislation to minimize the pain the Senate would have to endure in knocking down amendments before the inevitability of voting the bill through. It’s a tribute to both men that they got it done.
Gubernatorial candidate and Sen. Vince Sheheen was not down with the plan, and still kept several amendments on the desk. Land showed his leadership by saying he empathized with Sheheen but had to object to his amendments. In the end, the bill passed.
McConnell, before the debate, said, “Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I want to bring some clarity to the debate from yesterday, and the questions that were raised. I subsequently had the opportunity to talk to the senator from Clarendon about the dialogue that he and I had regarding, would amendments be allowed on the third. And, here is what was intended and he will confirm it: yes, we would allow amendments on third that are an exception to the rule. Something that we left out and intended to put in, something that misstated that we should have stated a different way, and clarifications.”
Yes, Virginia, progress can happen in the General Assembly.
It seemed like a sure thing last week when the voter ID/early voting bill, H. 3418, passed on second reading. In most occasions, that’s the green light to seeing legislation move on. Not this time. Senate Democrats protested, with gubernatorial candidate and Sen. Vince Sheheen said in The State, “We need to change it.”
This seems insane. After a very contentious debate, and what seemed like a reasonable compromise under the circumstances, we’re back at the beginning, on third reading, no less. Sen. Larry Martin said of the situation, “I hope the harmony and good will of last week and move this across the hall.” Maybe so, but it didn’t extend to the very chamber the harmony and good will came from.
Wednesday, the third reading of the bill, which was interrupted on Tuesday, will look suspiciously like a second reading rodeo. We still think the bill will pass, but only the insiders know what will be going down in the Senate.
After the third quarter 2009 disclosures, Sen. Vince Sheheen led his rivals in the fundraising race, as the campaign attempted to round up the establishment of the state Democrats. Though Dwight Drake hasn’t released his numbers yet, rumors of a fundraising shakeup could signal that he’s still trailing.
VINCE SHEHEEN
Candidate for Governor (D)
Contributions: $222,672.88
Expenditures: $100,918.53
Cash-on-hand: $749,028.64
Significant contributions
Powers & Powers-Norrell, $250
Law firm of former state senate candidate Mandy Powers-Norrell
Paul Agnew, $1,500, $1,000
State representative
Phil Bailey, $50
Director, Senate Democratic Caucus
Duke Energy PAC, $1,000
Political action committee
Edward Sellers, $1,000
CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina
Marshall Meadors, $100
Former state senate candidate
Lourie Law Firm, $500, $250
Law firm of Sen. Joel Lourie
Robert Royall, $2,500
Former Commerce secretary
Ted Vick Motor Company, $250
Business of Rep. Ted Vick
John Land, $500
State senator
Piggly Wiggly Central, $250
Grocery store
The Law Office of Todd Ellis, $250
Law firm of USC commentator, former quarterback Todd Ellis
Steve Wukela, Attorney at Law, $3,500
Law firm of Florence Mayor Steve Wukela
Progress Energy Employees’ Carolina PAC, $1,500
Political action committee
Albert McAllister, $200
Former S.C. Democratic Party chairman
Steve Wukela, $1,000
Florence mayor
John Drummond, $1,000
Former state senator
C. Bradley Hutto PA, $1,000
Law firm of Sen. Brad Hutto
McGowan, Hood & Felder, $3,500
Law firm of U.S. Senate candidate Chad McGowan
Grady Brown, $100
State representative
Significant expenditures
Banco/Bannister Company (consulting), $3,532.85, $2,500×4
NGP Software (Web site service), $297, $935, $2,400
Hayden Blanton & Associates, $5,000, $5,162.29
WideEye Creative (Web site service), $49, $131.19
Former State Treasurer Grady Patterson has passed away, leaving South Carolina without yet another long-time state political figure. Unlike the gentleman who defeated Patterson in 2006, the man appeared perfectly happy to serve the Palmetto State in a relatively unheralded position. Democratic operative Trav Robertson probably knew Patterson as well as anybody younger than 50, called his friend and former employer, “One of the finest humans, I have ever known.” House Appropriations Committee chairman Dan Cooper replied to Robertson’s Facebook status by adding, “He was the best! Sad to lose him on Pearl Harbor Day. I will always remember his support and friendship.”
Patterson first entered the state treasurer’s office in 1966. From there on out, he kept that job with the exception of 1995-1999 and after losing to Thomas Ravenel in three years ago. That’s an incredible string of service while he watched other officials go in and out of the Governor’s Office and other higher-level positions. His passing led to an outpouring of good words from the political sphere.
Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell
Grady Patterson was a good friend to me and to the people of South Carolina. All of us who have had the pleasure of getting to know Grady over the rich history of his life will truly miss him. He selflessly served our country during a time of war, guided our state through his public service and devoted himself fully to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Patterson family as we remember and honor the memory of this great South Carolinian.
Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Grady Patterson. He was someone who truly loved his state and his nation. He spent his entire adult life devoted to both his service to our country in the armed forces and in his public service to our state. The hallmark of his career is that he endeavored to make South Carolina a better place. Hopefully, his life will be an example to all of us of what public service should and can mean. He will be missed by those of us who were lucky enough to call him a friend, and those who didn’t have the honor of meeting him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this sad time.
Senate Minority Leader John Land
South Carolina has lost a true public servant. Grady dedicated his life to serving our country and our state. In addition to being a loving father and grandfather, Grady will be remembered as good steward of our tax dollars. During his terms as Treasurer, Grady’s common sense approach to managing the state’s finances kept South Carolina on the right financial track and his wise counsel was valuable as state leaders crafted policy. Grady was one of a kind and he will be missed.
Sen. Vince Sheheen, Democratic candidate for governor
Grady Patterson will be remembered for his service to our state and our nation. I had the honor of working for Grady as a college student, and I think his honor and integrity are a model for current leaders to follow. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Patterson and the family.
Bill Connor, Republican candidate for lieutenant governor
I am deeply saddened by the news of former state Treasurer Grady Patterson’s passing. Grady Patterson was a man of principle who served our nation well flying missions over Japan in World War Two before serving our state as Treasurer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Patterson family today.
Steve Benjamin, candidate for Columbia mayor
We mourn the passing of true patriot today.
Whether as an attorney, an Air Force officer, a private citizen or our State Treasurer, Grady Patterson will be remembered across South Carolina as a man who always answered his call to duty with honor, humility, and without hesitation. His tireless dedication to the people of this state and this country will stand as an example for all who seek to serve.
We pass our most sincere condolences on to the Patterson family for their loss. DeAndrea and I will be keeping them in our prayers
Patrick Davis is one of the best local musicians, and if you’ve seen him in concert, you’d have to agree. When we were in college, we were lucky enough to catch him opening up a few times for Danielle Howle and Jump, Little Children. Davis is also a big Carolina football fan. Recently, he released a song called, “Big Ole Cock.”
Patrick Davis, “Big Ole Cock (Just A)”
Oh, football. Anybody that says he hates “Rocky Top” and suggests having a keg at his wake at a football game has a special place in our heart. If you’d like to check out the song elsewhere, it’s not on iTunes yet, but you can go to Davis’ MySpace page, check out his Web site and hell, why not follow the man on Twitter, as well.
Davis, and other Carolina fans may have some reason to be optimistic on Saturday, believe it or not. The Gamecocks can play well at home, and if the team limits its turnovers, you never know what could happen against the No. 1 Florida Gators. That’s what’s great about college football. No Saturday is slated for a sure win, or loss.
UPDATE: As much as we’d like to keep football and politics separate, the stars always seem to align in a different way. Minutes after this post went live, we received an email from Sen. Vince Sheheen’s gubernatorial campaign. Guess who is playing a benefit concert?
