Headlines, 9/30

PRESIDENT: Barr to speak in Charleston
Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr will speak to Rotary Club of Charleston this morning. Source: The State / AP

• Palin frames are hot item
Those wishing to look like Sarah Palin are finding it hard to find eyeglass frames that look like hers, as the design is quickly becoming a top seller. Source: The Post & Courier

US SENATE: C-SPAN to air Senate debate
The debate between Bob Conley and incumbent US Sen. Lindsey Graham will be aired on C-SPAN live on October 11. Source: WIS 10 News

• Conley blames Graham for economic crisis
Source: WSPA News

SC SENATE: Bryant, Meadors debate for Senate 3 seat
On Monday night Sen. Kevin Bryant and challenger Marshall Meadors debated in front of 100 people for the District 3 Senate seat.
Source: Anderson Independent Mail

Charleston voter forums to be held
The League of Women Voters has published their list of candidate forums to be held for local elections prior to the November elections.
Source: Charleston Regional Business Journal

Voters register before election
Potential voters are registering in large numbers to vote with the county in which they reside to be eligible to vote in November's general election. Source: Seneca Daily Journal

BAILOUT: Bailout vote fails
The U.S. House rejected the idea of a $700 billion bailout for financial institutions, sending stocks plummeting. Source: The State / McClatchy Newspapers

• New bailout deal to be sought
Source: Rock Hill Herald / AP

• Congress votes down bailout
Source: Anderson Independent Mail

• SC delegation votes 5-1 for bailout
Source: The State

• SC representatives vote 5-1 for bailout package
Source: The Greenville News

• Majority of SC Representatives vote for bailout
Source: The Post & Courier

• Lowcountry to feel bailout failure
Source: WCSC Live 5 News

• Clyburn blames Republicans for bailout failure
Source: Media General News Service

• Barrett votes against bailout
Source: McLatchey Newspapers

• Split opinions over bailout
Source: WYFF News 4

• Options being sought after bailout failure
Source: The New York Times

• How the bailout failed
Source: The Washington Post

• Stocks plummet after bailout vote
Source: The Washington Post

Headlines, 9/27 to 9/29

PRESIDENT: State newspaper hosts discussion on presidential debates
The State newspaper called on 17 readers from different walks of life interested in politics to participate in a discussion following last week's presidential debate. The panel will meet again on Thursday night to watch and discuss the VP debate between Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin. Source: The State

• Third party candidates have it tough in SC
Source: The State

• Polls differ on McCain's advantage in SC
Source: The State

• SC wants specifics
A panel of SC viewers of Friday night's presidential debate wanted more from both candidates, recognizing that both McCain and Obama were very tepid in their responses in regards to the financial bailout. Source: The State

SC Congressmen bend on issues
Some members South Carolina's congressional delegation have strayed from their ideologies on the biggest recent issues- Democrats on offshore drilling, Republicans on the financial bailout. Source: The State

SC SENATE: Rose makes bold proposals for future in Senate
Mike Rose, who is an incumbent in a state senate race against Independent Bill Collins, says he wants to make big changes when h gets back to Columbia. Source: The Post and Courier

• Bill Collins offers new choice
Bill Collins wants rely on out of the box thinking and his experience as a paper editor in his run for the State Senate. Source: The Post and Courier

SC HOUSE: Anderson candidates gear up for debates
State Rep. Don Bowen and his Democratic challenger Tom Dobbins will be debating on Thursday, along with Anderson County Sheriff candidates John Skipper and Dennis Gough, who will be debating acros town at a volunteer fire department. Source: Anderson Independent Mail

Voter demographics remain unchanged in SC
Voter demographics in SC remain nearly unchanged from 2004, despite a large amount of new voters and high registration. Source: The Post and Courier

• Lowcountry counties to hold last minute registration
Several counties in the lowcountry will be open on Saturday to give people one final chance to register on the deadline in order to be able to vote on Nov. 4th. Source: The Post and Courier

• SC Dems launch voter registration drive
Source: The State/AP

Student voters facing many issues
Even though they are one of the most passionate groups of voters, student voters often stay home on election day- largely because they can't vote in the district where they attend school. Source: The State

BAILOUT: DeMint derides financial plan
Sen. Jim DeMint, at odds with many of his fellow Senators, calls the Paulson plan a "trillion dollar band-aid." Source: The Associated Press

• Graham, DeMint divided on bailout
Source: Southern Political Report

• Spratt concerned about cost of bailout deal
Source: Christian Science Monitor

Puzzled by Palin, Part 2

I am pleased to see that members of the media on the right as well as on the left are finally starting to question the qualifications of the person who could possibly be a heartbeat away from the presidency. Syndicated conservative columnist Kathleen Parker has suggested that Sarah Palin step down for the good of the party. Parker was an early supporter, but, following Palin's TV interviews, has now concluded that she is "out of her league". Bob Herbert of the NY Times questions whether someone who is too ill prepared to be on the Sunday morning shows such as "Meet the Press" and "Face the Nation" should be on the ticket.
It is not sexist or biased to ask candidates tough questions. The vetting process has been going on for almost four years, even longer for some. Ask McCain about SC in 2000 and tough questions. Ironically some of McCain's detractors in 2000 are reportedly now advising Palin. Americans want their best and brightest leading them in difficult times. If Sarah Palin wants to lead, she should expect to be asked and then have to answer the tough questions. I am puzzled why the McCain team seems to feel that she deserves the free ride that none of the other candidates received.

9/26: Latest cartoon

From the new issue of SC Statehouse Report:


Also in this week's issue:

• Editor Bill Davis takes a look at development along the coast and potential problems associated with it.
• MY TURN columnist Mike Couick of the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina outlines why energy policy is more complicated than something that can fit on a bumper sticker.
• And columnist Andy Brack says the state's economy is in for a pummeling for awhile.

Click here to view the full issue.

The Silence is Deafening

The national financial crisis has apparently ripped the air right out of most of our local and state races here in SC. Is this because it's a Washington issue - or because our state house and state senate candidates like most of the rest of us,don't have a clue how to fix it? Maybe a bit of both- the end result though is that it is incredibly quiet. I don't get the sense that in other than a few races where some incumbents seem to be on the ropes ( Miller in Georgetown, Martin possibly in Aiken), there is not much going on. Of course, Graham's re-election is a foregone conclusion as is the case with the rest of the Congressional Delegation so perhaps that has something to do with it as well. Now, with respect to those candidates who I am sure are putting in long hours and lots of sweat, what are you hearing? What races look unexpectedly tight, what races appeared to be competitive, but now, not so much?

More drama from Senator McCain

Senator Obama said two things in his remarks Wednesday afternoon that seem impossible to argue with: "It is going to be part of the President's job to deal with more than one thing at a time" and "This is exactly the time when the American people need to hear from the person who in approximately 40 days will be responsible for dealing with this mess." I couldn't agree more.

And now, I just have to ask: what does "suspend" mean, exactly? Is the McCain campaign still accepting contributions online? What about the staff -- many of them young people -- McCain has hired around the country...are they not getting paid? If the McCain campaign expects a pat on the back from the American people for "suspending" his campaign and delaying the debate, I think it's very fair to ask that they tell us exactly what that means.

Which leads me to what may be at the heart of all of this. Senator McCain seems unable to just play it straight with people regardless of how significant or ultimately inconsequential the situation may be. First we learn that he was on the phone with Senator Obama at 2:30 Wednesday, suggesting perhaps that the debate be re-scheduled, and at 2:45 he was on TV announcing to the world that he was suspending his campaign and saying outright that the debate should not happen on Friday.

Why all the drama? You're on the phone with your opponent at 2:30...why not just be straight with him?

Follow that up with this whole David Letterman thing, which is funny, but truly another example of the same problem. When McCain canceled on Letterman, he said he had to rush back to Washington. Why not just tell Letterman that McCain was instead choosing to do the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric? There's nothing wrong with McCain choosing Katie Couric over Letterman, but why all the deception? Did he think Letterman wouldn't find out?!

In the end, I can't say whether McCain is playing political games or not. But I agree with what President Clinton said on the Today Show Thursday morning -- that this financial crisis is very much a confidence issue. So by making this dramatic move, personally I think McCain could actually be making the situation worse. It's too soon to say how it plays on Main Street, although I will tell you that everyone I've talked to is completely confused by what he's done.

Once again, we're talking about "why McCain did this" (like we did with his VP pick) rather than the real issue at hand. Which doesn't do anything to help get this country out of the mess we're in.

Palin Troopergate Cartoon from Charlotte Observer

see it here

Graham, Conley debate to be Oct. 11

The ETV and The State Newspaper Senatorial debate between GOP incumbent Lindsey Graham and Democratic challenger Bob Conley will now take place on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. The debate, produced in Columbia, will air LIVE on all 11 ETV stations and eight ETV Radio stations. The debates will also be streamed over the Internet at www.myetv.org.

The debate was originally scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 29.

For information on all seven of the ETV and The State Debates 2008, click here.

Headlines, 9/20 to 9/23

PRESIDENT: McCain leads Obama by 6 in new SC poll
US Sen. John McCain has a 6 point lead over rival presidential contender US Sen. Barack Obama in a new poll of South Carolina voters.
Source: The State

• 6 point lead for McCain in SC. Source: The State

• Hollings holds back on Obama. Source: The State

• Poll shows McCain up in SC by 22. Source: The State

• Obama opens SC campaign office. Source: The State

• Debate rules allow McCain/Obama to spar, limit Biden/Palin. Source: The New York Times

US SENATE: Corden fighting uphill battle
Democrat Paul Corden, the candidate for Bob Inglis' 4th Congressional District seat in the US House, is fighting an uphill battle in a Republican-dominated upstate district. Source: Greenville News

• Graham running on his record. Source: The Post and Courier

• Conley has major hills to climb. Source: The Post and Courier

• Poll: Graham 50%, Conley 41%. Source: Rasmussen Reports

SC SENATE: Senate 4 candidates take to old fashioned stump
Leonardo Ortiz and Billy O'Dell, fighting for the District 4 Senate seat, attended an old fashioned stump meeting held at a train depot in Belton. Source: Anderson Independent Mail

ETV and McClatchy newspapers team up for debates
ETV and McClatchy Newspapers will team up to provide live coverage of 7 congressional debates this fall- one for each Congressional race in the state and one for the Senate race between Lindsey Graham and Bob Conley.
Source: The State

The week in politics
The State outlines the upcoming week in politics, and gives this quote on nuclear power from US Rep. Gresham Barrett: "As more people move into South Carolina, as there are more demands on our power and on our grid, we have to be proactive. That’s where nuclear power comes in.”
Source: The State

Senior issues not seen on election radar
Fewer candidates for elected office are talking about issues affecting seniors including health care and Social Security.
Source: The State

• Group to tackle senior issues. The South Carolina Silver Haired Legislature wrapped up its annual session at the statehouse last week and is ready to take its issues to the state legislature. Source: The Post and Courier

OPINION

Countdown to the election
"Presidential and vice presidential debates give voters a chance to judge the candidates and their positions on vital issues in face-to-face forums. Many pundits predict that the performances given by the nominees in such events, which start Friday night when Barack Obama and John McCain debate in Oxford, Miss., could decide who wins the White House race six weeks from today."
Source: The Post & Courier

Governor's message to legislature needs to hit home
"Come June, when the S.C. General Assembly adjourns for six months, the attention of the people turns away from Columbia. South Carolinians tend to move blissfully through the summer and fall months in the belief they're safe from the politicians and bureaucrats at least until January, when the legislature reconvenes."
Source: Beaufort Gazette

Information for these partial news briefs provided by SCClips.com. Click link to learn more about subscribing.

Latest cartoon

The latest from SC Statehouse Report's Steve Stegelin:


Also in this issue:

• Editor Bill Davis outlines the crossroads that the state's film industry finds itself in due to incentives.
• Educator Chip Brown offers MY TURN commentary that focuses on improving public education in the state.
• Columnist Andy Brack waxes poetic about South Carolina's historical places.

Headlines, 9/16 to 9/18

US SENATE: Conley to stop referring to his grandfather
Amid criticism from African American Democrats, US Senate candidate Bob Conley has said that he will stop referring to himself as a Democrat his grandfather would like. Source: Hilton Head Island Packet

• Graham, DeMint vote no on defense bill.U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint voted against a massive defense bill that included pay raises for military personnel.Source: Washington Post

SC 1: Feds cut fine for Brown, paper says
Federal forest officials, worried about the wrath of U.S. Rep. Henry Brown in a case involving burning of some land in the Francis Marion National Forest, cut his fine by more than $1,000, according to The State. Source: The State

• Brown used clout on fire
Source: Hilton Head Island Packet

• Ketner calls on Brown for more debates
Source: The State/AP

• Ketner challenges Brown to debate more
Source: Post and Courier

• Ketner's race eyed by DCCC. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has included the SC-1 District on a list of "emerging races," meaning that the committee has hopes of victory in November. Source: Charleston City Paper

SC 3: Barrett calling for nuclear tax breaks
US Rep. Gresham Barrett is calling for tax breaks and other incentives to help the nuclear power industry in the country. Source: The State / AP

• Barrett announces plans on nuclear energy
Source: Seneca Daily Journal

• Barrett wants breaks for nuclear energy
Source: The Greenville News

• Barrett has energy plan
Source: The Post & Courier

SC4: Inglis bucks party to vote for oil drilling bill
GOP U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis bucked his party's position to vote for a bill to open up most of the U.S. coast to oil drilling, saying it was better to get something than nothing. Source: Greenville News

• Drilling plan draws Beaufort fire
Source: Hilton Head Island Packet

GOVERNOR: Bauer "likely to run for governor"
Bauer calls it "a daunting task," as both SC Attorney General Henry McMaster and US Rep. Gresham Barrett are well ahead in fundraising. Source: WIS

• Bauer says SC needs alert system for seniors. Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer believes that SC should join 10 other states in designing an alert system for seniors suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia. Source: The State/AP

SC SENATE: Mulvaney will not accept money from Rich
Republican Mick Mulvaney has declared that he will not accept any funds from New Yorker Howard Rich in his race for the state Senate.
Source: Rock Hill Herald

• Anderson wants to join energy discussion
Source: Seneca Daily Journal

• GOP to stop effort to keep Collins off ballot. The GOP says it will stop efforts to keep independent Bill Collins off the ballot in a Senate race against Mike Rose of Summerville. Source: Post and Courier

SC HOUSE: Judge will hear Green Party on Platt
A federal judge will hear a plea by the Green Party to put Eugene Platt on the ballot after he lost a bid to win a chance to be on the ballot as a Democrat.
Source: The State/AP

• Lancaster House, Senate candidates to appear at Sunday event
Source: Lancaster News

• Judge's order prevents Platt from running on Green ticket
Source: Post and Courier

PARTIES: GOP opens state election office
The Republican Party has opened a West Columbia office to help elect party members in state and federal elections. Source: The State

• GOP opens office. Source: The State / AP

• Speculation heightens that Dawson is eyeing national post. SC GOP Chair Katon Dawson has been raising his national profile as of late, and some are beginning to wonder if he has his eyes on a higher post- potentially RNC chair.
Source: Columbia Free Times

• Orangeburg Dems "fired up" by new HQ. The Orangeburg County Democratic Party opened its new headquarters on Tuesday, and local Democrats showed much enthusiasm and optimism about the November election. Source: The Times and Democrat

VOTING: ACLU reviewing felon voting law
The ACLU has been reviewing a law that allows felons to vote after they've completed their sentence and plans to release the results of their study today at a press conference.
Source: The State/AP

• Survey shows SC officials need to learn more. A new survey by the ACLU and Progressive Network shows voting officials in the state's counties don't know the law as well as they should. Source: The State

• SCETV to feature teens on show about voting
Source: Spartanburg Herald Journal

• SC is "most improved" on campaign disclosure
Source: Charleston Regional Business Journal

• Survey shows officials know when ex-felons can vote
Source: The State/AP

• Columbia voting registration office to have extra hours
Source: The State

• State doing better on campaign disclosure, new study says
Source: Greenville News

• Graham decries partisanship, more.Evangelist Franklin Graham decried increasing partisanship and more at a Charleston Southern convocation.Source: Post and Courier

Information for these partial news briefs provided by SCClips.com. Click link to learn more about subscribing.

ETV debate schedule

This came out today:

ETV, The State Newspaper Present LIVE Coverage of SC's U.S. House and Senatorial Debates

Columbia, SC -- Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m., ETV and The State Newspaper will present the first of seven LIVE U.S. House and Senatorial debates. The debates will be moderated by ETV's "The Big Picture" host Mark Quinn and will be broadcast on all 11 ETV stations and eight ETV Radio stations. The debates will also be streamed over the Internet at www.myetv.org.

These candidates have been invited to participate in the debates (Please note: Should only one candidate appear for his or her respective debate, the program will then be a half-hour interview with the nominee):

Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m., First House District
Republican incumbent Henry Brown and Democratic challenger Linda Ketner
Produced by ETV Lowcountry in Beaufort

Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 8 p.m., Third House District
Republican incumbent J. Gresham Barrett and Democratic challenger Jane Dyer
Produced by ETV Upstate in Spartanburg

Monday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m., Fourth House District
Republican incumbent Bob Inglis and Democratic challenger Paul Corden
Produced by ETV Upstate in Spartanburg

Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m., Fifth House District
Democratic incumbent John Spratt and Republican challenger Albert Spencer
Produced by ETV Carolinas in Rock Hill

Monday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m., Sixth House District
Interview with Democratic incumbent James Clyburn. GOP challenger Nancy Harrelson has declined our invitation to debate.
Produced by ETV Studios in Columbia

Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m., Second House District
Republican incumbent Joe Wilson and Democratic challenger Robert Miller
Produced by ETV Studios in Columbia

Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m., U.S. Senate
GOP incumbent Lindsey Graham (currently checking calendar for availability) and Democratic challenger Bob Conley
Produced by ETV Studios in Columbia

Headlines, 9/13 - 9/15

PREZ: SC women give Palin mixed reviews
Sarah Palin has brought a lot of attention to the Republican presidential ticket, and SC women are divided on the pick. Source: The State

• SC native Eskew advising Palin
Source: The State

• DeMint defends Palin on "Bridge to Nowhere"
Source: Washington Times

US SENATE: Democratic Senate challenger a man without a base
Bob Conley, the Democratic challenger for Lindsey Graham's Senate seat, is not a traditional Democrat, earning large parts of his support from Libertarians, Constitutionalists, and some Republicans.Source: The State/AP

ENERGY: Offshore drilling coming to a vote
After Congressional Dems fought the idea of voting on offshore drilling, the measure is coming to a vote, potentially allowing drilling off the coast of the Southern Atlantic- including SC. Source: Washington Post

• Legislature gets higher marks on conservation. The Conservation Voters of SC has given the legislature a score of 67%, higher than last year's 49%, on conservation due to recent efforts to improve environmental conditions. Source: The State

• McConnell calls for comprehensive energy solutions. As energy becomes one of the hottest political issues this year, Sen. Pro Tem Glenn McConnell is attempting to get the SC Legislature moving on the issue. Source: The Post and Courier

• Barrett to unveil nuclear legislation. U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett will introduce new legislation aimed at encouraging the production of nuclear energy. Source: The State/AP

• Local officials head to Washington to talk energy. Greenville area officials went to Washington this week to talk to federal officials and members of Congress about energy policy. Source: Greenville News

Races heating up for November
Even though John McCain is a heavy favorite to win SC's 8 electoral votes in November, many other statewide and local races are competitive for the November elections. Source: The Post and Courier

SC GOP to open campaign office
The South Carolina Republican Party will be opening its campaign office for both federal and state candidates in W. Columbia. Lindsey Graham and Katon Dawson are expected to attend. Source: The State/AP

OPINION

Hollings: Sober up from spending binge
"The next president will at best have to set a course for recovery with a budget freeze, spending cuts, and tax increases." Source: SC Statehouse Report

Warthen: What to do if Obama loses
"This past week, I’ve been worrying a good deal over the very thing that has had Republicans so giddy and Democrats in such dudgeon: the distinct possibility that Barack Obama may lose this election." Source: The State

Brack: Legislature flips, flops statistically
"Some things change. Some don't. And if you're a woman or African-American who is interested in serving in the Statehouse, there's more on the "don't change" side than the other way around." The commentary looks at how today's legislators are older and include more retirees, but still tend to be white and male. Source: SC Statehouse Report

Information for these partial news briefs provided by SCClips.com. Click link to learn more about subscribing.

Latest cartoon

The latest Statehouse Report cartoon from Steve Stegelin:

Also in the recent issue:

• Editor Bill Davis take a look at health care issues in South Carolina;
• Former U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings outlines how America has to stop its spending binge; and
• Columnist Andy Brack looks at how the General Assembly has changed over the last 30 years.

Anti-American???

In Dan Hoover of the Greenville News' blog posting of 9/9/08, he reports that Samuel Harms, Chairman of the Greenville County Republican Party,describes the 2008 Democratic ticket as " Anti-American, pro-homosexual, and anti-life". While nothing that the Republican Party says surprises me anymore, this outrageous remark does warrant a response.

The Democratic Party believes that it is morning in America, that good times still lie ahead. We believe that our troops should only be put in harm's way when they have the resources to get the job done, and then only against real enemies not imagined ones. We believe that our promises to veterans must be kept, especially disabled veterans and that a modern G.I. Bill is a good idea. We support the Constitution and all of its amendments. Democrats believe that whether it is a matter of faith or just being a good neighbor, that we should help those in need and fight prejudice where ever it exists. We also believe that our children, born, unborn, or only a twinkle in their parents' eyes, are our most precious resource and that we should do what ever it takes to protect and nurture them. This would include quality public education, access to healthcare, programs to protect against predators, and assistance to feed children who are hungry. Democrats also believe that our crumbling infrastructure, addiction to foreign oil, and growing debt are issues too important to be left to our children.

If Chairman Harms and the Republican Party believe this is Anti-American, then we are further apart than I thought.

Recent headlines

PREZ: GOP blasts Fowler remark on Palin
State GOP members are angry over remarks made Wednesday by SC Democratic Party Chairwoman Carol Fowler concerning Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Source: The State

• Fowler criticizes Palin
Source: The Greenville News
• DeMint defends Palin in Wall Street Journal
Source: The Greenville News
• Fowler remarks draw fire
Source: The Post & Courier
• Party headquarters open in Hilton Head
Both the Democratic and Republican parties opened their Hilton Head Headquarters this week in order to support the Obama/Biden and McCain/Palin tickets' efforts in South Carolina. Source: Hilton Head Island Packet

US SENATE: Graham: Historically black colleges need celebrating
US Sen. Lindsey Graham has announced the passage of a bill that celebrates historically black colleges and universities this week.Source: The State

GOV.: Rex not deciding on gubernatorial bid until next fall
SC Superintendent of Education Jim Rex has announced that he will not consider a gubernatorial run until next fall so he can focus more attention on his current post. Source: The State

LT. GOV.: Campbell might consider another run at Lt. Gov.
Mike Campbell, son of late former Gov. Carroll Campbell, is considering another run at the Lt. Governor position in 2010, as he still has $30,000 in campaign funds. Source: The State / AP

• Bauer not sure about future plans. Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer said he hasn't yet made up his mind about whether to run for either the Governor's mansion or a third term as Lieutenant. Bauer said he would start a bid for Governor well behind US Rep. Gresham Barrett and SC Atty. General Henry McMaster in campaign cash.
Source: The State/AP
• Bauer mulls political future
Source: The State

SC SENATE: Senate 46 candidates offer contrast
Republican Tom Davis and Democrat Kent Fletcher addressed questions at a forum on Lady's Island. Source: Beaufort Gazette

Group proposes tax credit for working families
South Carolina Fair Share, a group that claims to fight for social justice, has proposed the creation of a tax credit to benefit working families, a proposal that didn't make it to the legislature last year.
Source: Columbia Free Times

US HOUSE: Spratt criticizes GOP on federal deficit
With a federal deficit projected now to be at historic levels of $407 billion, U.S. Rep. John Spratt of South Carolina has stepped up criticism of the GOP's fiscal legacy. Source: New York Times/AP

OPINION

Political system working as it should
"Sometimes you almost have to laugh at what politicians think they can get away with. Take the recent case of U.S. Rep. Henry Brown, who filed legislation earlier this year to try to force taxpayers to subsidize 50 ritzy new houses that Kiawah Development Partners plans to build on a stretch of fragile, federally protected beachfront." Source: The State

US policy will be decided on by voters
"Both political parties claim they have policies that will benefit hard-hit Americans in tough times. There are great differences in their approaches and voters will have to make determinations of national direction. What both parties must face is the level of need that exists and how much falls to states to be the primary assistance provider." Source: Orangeburg Times & Democrat

Hunter: GOP is a single-issue party
"After vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's Republican National Convention speech last week, the pundits were impressed, the party was ecstatic, and even the Democrats recognized that the Alaska governor may be a formidable foe." Source: Charleston City Paper

Headlines, 9/8/08

ELECTION 08: Palin playing well in SC
Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin has increased the amount of enthusiasm for the Republican ticket from conservatives in South Carolina, according to several SC pundits.
Source: The State

• What we learned about SC during conventions
The two conventions showed that SC politicians are still remarkably influential within their own parties, and both SC Democrats and Republicans have bright futures ahead with young and talented politicians waiting in the wings. Source: The State

• Wives of SC politicians participate in convention
Roxanne Wilson, wife of Congressman Joe Wilson, and Charm Altman, wife of Charleston County School Board member John Graham Altman, took part in the Republican National COnvention in St. Paul, MN, as voting members of the SC delegation. Source: The State

Drilling debate intensifies
US Rep. John Spratt wants to stand up to Pres. Bush and Congressional Republicans despite the fact that many in SC want to "drill now." He says that there needs to be more of a conservation effort of SC's beaches and wildlife.
Source: The State

This week in politics
The State outlines the happenings of the week in politics, including a quote from US Sen. Lindsey Graham- "I’m not saying Barack Obama doesn’t care. I’m just saying he doesn’t get it.”
Source: The State

Congress makes gas prices a priority
Congress has decided to take on the issue of high fuel prices, looking at many options on the table. Among them: drilling off of the coast of SC and other places, a move that has the support of both of SC's Senators, Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint. Source: Greenville News

HOUSE 115: Platt's fight to get on ballot takes new turn
Eugene Platt, who was defeated in the June primary in his bid for the District 115 state House seat, is now looking to get on the November ballot as a candidate of the Green Party, which nominated him in May. Source: The Post and Courier

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. to speak to Charleston NAACP
U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. will be speaking to the Charleston chapter of the NAACP at the rescheduled annual Freedom Fund banquet.
Source: The State/AP

• Michelle Obama cancels NAACP banquet slot
Source: The Post and Courier

Information for these partial news briefs provided by SCClips.com. Click link to learn more about subscribing.

Governor Palin

With all the hype--with all the talk--with all the criticism of Gov Palin--she rose to the occasion and made her presence know at convention last week. Not only has she excited the base by being a true conservative, she proved to the nation that she has all the qualifications to be VP of the United States. What I truly loved--was that here was a small town girl just like us--not a part of the establishment--and she came on to the national front, not to appease the "in crowd", but to make a difference for US!!! Talking w/ people there, the excitement was measurable and the feeling of--we can win--has never been stronger!! I think the Gov brings something that has been missing to the ticket... something that I just can't put my finger on, but something that is real and people love. I know in leadership today, we have a lot of "cookie cutter" folks that seem to be just going through the motions--but w/ Sarah Palin--there is a spark and connection that has been missing at the top. I couldn't have been more proud of her last week--and more hopeful for the country.

Headlines, 9/5/08

CONVENTION: McCain promotes change
US Sen. John McCain formally accepted the GOP nomination for President of the United States last night, noting that if he is elected, change will be coming to Washington. Source: The State/AP

• McCain faithful liked speech
Source: Spartanburg Herald Journal
• Graham says McCain has met the test
Source: The State
• McMaster keeps the convention safe
Source: The State
• McMaster challenged again by protester
Source: The State
• Security sweep disrupts SC delegate plans
Source: The State
• Fair: GOP fired up with convention
Source: The Greenville News
• Graham promotes McCain's candidacy
Source: The Post & Courier

Sanford, legislature continue budget fight
For the six years of Gov. Mark Sanford's tenure, he has locked horns with the legislature for what he views as excessive spending by the body, and is now wanting to call them back into session to cut $180 million from the budget. Source: The Post & Courier

Spratt: Poorly chosen words for Fowler's GOP quip
US Rep. John Spratt is responding to criticism from some bloggers about his response to Don Fowler's statement about God being on the side of the Democrats as Hurricane Gustav hit the Gulf coast just as the Republicans were convening their conventions. Source: Rock Hill Herald

Thursday Funnies

Headlines, 9/3

CONVENTION: SC delegates anxious to hear Palin
SC delegates want Sarah Palin, the Republican Party's unprecedented VP nominee, to avoid addressing criticisms and focus on her record as a reformer, even though media scrutiny on her has intensified in recent days. Source: The State

• Harrell adjourns Republican convention on Tuesday
Source: The State

US HOUSE: Spratt to hold campaign kickoff
US Rep. John Spratt will formally kick off his campaign in downtown Rock Hill on Saturday with the opening of his Rock Hill campaign office. Source: Rock Hill Herald

Election officials to hold voter registration drive
South Carolina election officials claim that there are more than 800,000 people who are eligible but not registered to vote. Source: The State/AP

• Voters must register by Oct. 4th
Source: The Post and Courier

2010 Governor's race shaping up
Three major GOP contenders have not announced, but are laying the groundwork for a future run -- US Rep. Gresham Barrett, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, and SC Attorney General Henry McMaster. Source: The State

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Labor Day weekend headlines

CONVENTION: Convention to return to normal Tuesday says Dawson
Monday's Republican National Convention schedule was curtailed in the wake of Hurricane Gustav, but South Carolina Republican Chairman Katon Dawson said that the schedule should return to normal on Tuesday. Source: The State

• Caucus spokesman learns not to follow Rove.
Source: The State

• Sanford keeps watch on Hanna from convention
Source: The State / AP

• Palin announces daughter is pregnant
Source: The Greenville News

• RNC delegates say Gustav focus is right
Source: The Greenville News

• Graham and McCain have weathered political battles together.
Source: Rock Hill Herald

• SC delegates preparing for convention. Source: The State

• Cindy McCain, Giuliani to speak to SC delegation
Source: The State

• SC Repubs happy with Palin
Source: Greenville News

• GOP pares down convention with storm approaching
Source: The State

• Now Sanford won't speak at GOP convention
Source: The State

• SC's Walker runs McCain's mid-Atlantic campaign operation
Source: The