What went wrong for McCain

Friends at Australian public television asked for a written commentary on what went wrong for Sen. John McCain's candidacy for its national Web site. An excerpt:

The U.S. presidential election of 2008 is one for the history books, not just because America elected an African-American leader to be president. But its lessons on what to do - and what not to do - will guide political consultants for years.

Click here to read the full piece.

Lines at the polls

Just got back from voting today. Lines were longer than normal. We waited this year just over an hour to vote in Charleston. Four years ago, we waited about 20 minutes.

It is unclear whether the extra wait is due to a much larger turnout -- or because the ballot is longer than usual. The three constitutional amendments may be causing people to take more time at the boxes than normal. Here's a picture of a line at the St. Andrews 6 precinct in Charleston:

Let us know what is happening out there for you.

ELECTION DAY headlines

PRESIDENT: Post & Courier endorses McCain
The Post & Courier newspaper of Charleston has given its support to Republican presidential contender John McCain over Democratic rival Barack Obama. Source: The State / AP

• Obama leading McCain in polls
Source: The State / AP

• Obama's grandmother dies days before election
Source: The Greenville News / AP

US SENATE: Graham, Conley finish campaigning
US Sen. Lindsey Graham and challenger Bob Conley have finished campaigning for the US Senate seat and are now awaiting the verdict from the voters. Source: The State / AP

SC Statehouse candidates borrow for campaign
Several incumbents and challengers for both the South Carolina House and Senate seats took out loans to run for office.
Source: The State / AP

ELECTION DAY: Time to vote for candidates
After months of campaigning, it is now time for voters to go to the polls and choose a new president. Source: The State / AP

• Local races on the ballot too
Source: Spartanburg Herald Journal

• High turnout expected in Beaufort
Source: The Beaufort Gazette

• Central voters to make rec complex decision
Source: Anderson Independent Mail

• Interest abounds in elections
Source: The Lancaster News

• Election Day in the Upstate
Source: Seneca Daily Journal

• Polls open at 7 AM in Sumter
Source: The Sumter Item

• Greenwood voters go to the poll early
Source: Greenwood Index-Journal

• Voters line up early to make their choice
Source: WYFF News 4

• Poll workers bracing for surge in voters
Source: The State

• Freebies available for voters
Source: The State

• Midlands election guide
Source: The State

• Voter information resources
Source: The State

• What the amendment proposals mean
Source: The State

• Record turnout predicted by absentee ballots
Source: The State

• SC to cast election ballots
Source: The State / AP

• Turnout falls even in Republican states
Source: The State / AP

• Tips for voting in SC
Source: The State / AP

• High turnout expected for polls
Source: The State / AP

• Voters to make history today
Source: The Greenville News

• Sample Upstate ballots available
Source: The Greenville News

• Heavy voting expected for today
Source: The Greenville News

• Voters head to the polls
Source: The Post & Courier

• Teens paying attention to election
Source: The Post & Courier

• Voters coming out in record numbers
Source: The New York Times

• Rain likely for Grand Strand voters at polls
Source: Myrtle Beach Sun News

• One for the record books
Source: Orangeburg Times & Democrat

• Parties make final push for votes
Source: Orangeburg Times & Democrat

• York County braces for high voter turnout
Source: Rock Hill Herald

• Free perks offered to voters
Local vendors on Hilton Head Island are offering free items and services to voters. Source: Hilton Head Island Packet

Unopposed officials enjoy election day
Officials who are running in unopposed elections are taking it easy on Election Day, instead of anticipating tonight's results. Source: Anderson Independent Mail

OPINION

Be patient in poll lines
"Voting is a right and a privilege. It shouldn't be an ordeal. Today is election day nationwide, and millions of Americans will do their democratic duty and line up to vote. But in what may be the largest turnout in decades, many voters today will have to wait in line for hours to cast a ballot. By all accounts, York County election officials have done a good job in preparing for election day. Nonetheless, absentee voters encountered long lines at the elections office in York."Source: Rock Hill Herald

Donations were filed by Mulvaney
"In a Saturday editorial endorsing Mandy Powers Norrell for the state Senate District 16 seat, we inaccurately stated that her opponent, Mick Mulvaney, had failed to file donations from donors, including voucher activist Howard Rich and his affiliates, prior to election day in 2006, when Mulvaney was running for state House District 45."
Source: Rock Hill Herald

Be alert and prepared at the polls
"People in Beaufort County have been standing in line for many hours to cast absentee ballots. Statewide, voter registration and absentee votes are at all-time highs. Traffic at the polls is expected to be heavy today. The League of Women Voters says the best time to avoid crowds is to vote between 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m."
Source: The Beaufort Gazette

Go to the polls and vote today
"When you stand in line today, don't think about the things you're not getting done or the boredom of waiting. Think about the photo of the woman in Iraq holding up a purple ink-stained finger, proudly showing the world that she had just done what some told her was a death sentence -- voting in an election. Think about our servicemen overseas, who are ready to lay down their lives for us and the freedoms represented in what we do today. Think about those who already have sacrificed life and limb for us."
Source: Hilton Head Island Packet

Can cooperation be had on Election Day?
"The arguments have been heard, the dirty tricks (hopefully) are behind us, and the money has been spent. In fact, so much money has been thrown into the campaigns it seems that some might have entertained thoughts of winning by the sheer millions of dollars at their disposal ..... that is, they may have thought they could buy the elections. That, however, is for the voters to decide. The numbers just might tell if votes were up for sale ..... legally for sale."
Source: Greenwood Index-Journal

Today's election must come with reasoning tomorrow
"Today we urge you to vote. Tomorrow, the entire country needs to collectively take a deep breath. Of course, we are assuming that what we do today will be played out by tomorrow. Despite what is expected to be the largest vote in American political history, we can only hope that all votes are counted and all votes count, that a winner is declared and that, after a long and tumultuous campaign, the country is finally able to focus on the crucial issues it faces."
Source: Seneca Daily Journal

Endorsements from The State
"We don't need to remind anyone about today’s presidential election. But there are several other important choices as well. Here’s a recap of The State editorial board's endorsements: President. Sen. John McCain is far better prepared not only to be commander in chief, but to lead the nation as it deals with a complex array of global challenges."
Source: The State

Reisz: Be a responsible citizen
"There are times to choose up sides and battle it out and times to come together. After voting for our presidential candidate, we get an historic chance to be the citizens whom our nation needs in this time of economic struggle and political change. Whether our candidate wins or not, we can rise to the call to be a renewed nation determined to enhance our lives."
Source: The State

Use your voice and vote
"Voters across our community, state and nation will have their say today. The decisions that are made in the polling places, for all levels of government, will have lasting consequences. So choose wisely. Over the past week, we've identified the candidates and referendums we support and the reasons for our choices. We've made those decisions on a race-by-race basis, picking a mix of Republicans, Democrats and Independents in the process."
Source: The Post & Courier

Participate in the real poll today
"After long campaign, don’t let the voting process dissuade you from being heard. The pollsters say John McCain will win South Carolina in today’s election but lose the national vote. Democrat Barack Obama has all but been declared the winner in a campaign that has set records for candidate endurance. It seems like years since the first-in-the-nation presidential debate in Orangeburg in spring 2007. Don’t assume the pollsters are on target. The real poll comes with today’s voting – and there are factors that could impact the outcome."
Source: Orangeburg Times & Democrat

Today's headlines are taken with permission from SC Clips, a daily news source with news collected from more than 40 organizations. To learn more, go to: www.scclips.com

Election Day - Let the Redistribution begin?

I felt I needed to do some ‘obligatory go vote’ post but, c’mon, who in the world doesn’t know we have a huge election going on tomorrow?

My only question is - Will we go to bed tomorrow knowing our new President or will this drag out?

At least we can all enjoy some redistribution tomorrow at one of the following locations in town:

Starbucks

Krispy Kreme

Ben and Jerry’s

Chick-fil-a

Of course, in this day and age of lawsuits left and right, it now appears you really don’t even need to vote to take advantage of the free stuff!

(*Editor’s note: Be sure to check for participating stores. May not be available in all areas and may be available only at specified times)

Headlines, 11/1 to 11/3

PRESIDENT: SC McCain supporters optimistic
SC Republicans are confident that Sen. John McCain will take South Carolina's 8 electoral votes, but some are less hopeful for his chances to win the White House.
Source: The State

• Georgetown discusses ties to Obama
Source: Myrtle Beach Sun News

• Reps. Wilson and Clyburn agree: Polls not necessarily accurate
Source: The Times and Democrat

• Graham called McCain's best friend
Source: The New York Times

• McCain outraises Obama in SC
Source: The Post and Courier

• Volunteers still working hard despite long odds
Source: The Post and Courier

• Graham floated as possible McCain cabinet member
Source: The New York Times

GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Legislature likely to remain in GOP's hands
Political scientists at USC and Furman agree that despite high voter registration that heavily favors Democrats, it is unlikely that Democrats will overthrow Republicans in statehouse elections. Source: The Post and Courier

• Statehouse candidates borrow $1M
Even though some individuals are having trouble borrowing money to buy a house or go to college, SC House and Senate candidates have borrowed more than $1M, which is a sizable portion of the $6M total raised by SC Statehouse candidates.
Source: The State/AP

• Midlands races to watch
Source: The State

• Will "Obama Effect" trickle down to SC races?
A look at whether increased voting in SC will trickle down to swing some Statehouse races. Source: SC Statehouse Report

SC lawmakers took money from Fannie and Freddie
5 of the 8 members of SC's Congressional delegation took campaign contributions from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: Jim Clyburn, John Spratt, Gresham Barrett, Lindsey Graham, and Jim DeMint.
Source: WIS

ELECTION: Absentee votes point to record turnout
As huge crowds line up to vote early all over the state, election officials say that a high number of absentee votes points to possible record turnout in SC. Source: The State

• Horry County GOP holds GOTV rally
Source: Myrtle Beach Sun News

• Breaking down SC's ballot amendments
Source: The State

• Record turnout expected on election day
Source: Greenville News

• Offices open on Saturday for absentee voting
Source: The Post and Courier

• Some voters express problems with touch screen system
Source: The New York Time

OPINION

Brack: Don't be deceived about right to vote
"No matter what you hear around the gossip mills or read on the Internet, Tuesday is Election Day for everyone. All registered voters can vote Tuesday. Source: SC Statehouse Report

High turnout provides challenge for election officials
"Across the nation, concern is being expressed about the voting process on Tuesday. Record registration and absentee voting are expected to be followed by massive turnout on Nov. 4. Whether the resulting problems prove to be technological or human error amid the crush, there are bound to be issues." Source: The Times and Democrat

Norell for SC Senate
"In the race for the state Senate in District 16, we endorse Democrat Mandy Powers Norrell." Source: Rock Hill Herald

Dems not standing up for workers' rights
"Democrats expecting to gain control of both houses of Congress and the White House this year have moved a bill to the top of their agenda that would take away the rights of workers. They should drop the proposal altogether." Source: Spartanburg Herald Journal

Beaufort voters on the verge of historic election
"The election of 2008 will long be remembered in Beaufort." Source: Beaufort Gazette

Campaign decisions a reflection of the future
"A lot of things are done in the name of politics and in the heat of political moments. Most of the time they can be explained away with some worn-out caveat or routine rationalizations. At others times, though, nothing can be said to explain or justify some things. A couple of those occurred recently during the presidential campaign. Both should get the attention of every South Carolinian concerned about influences that can drastically affect the future of trust. Trust, of course, is the underpinning of civility and freedom for all Americans." Source: Greenwood Index Journal

Be prepared for election day
"If you’re a voter, we encourage you to exercise your right as a U.S. citizen. It’s part of the American process and participation should be taken seriously. The vote will greatly impact our future." Source: Lancaster News

We need McCain
"John McCain has the right stuff to become president of the United States. We’re heard all the tired arguments: he’s too old, too temperamental, too out of touch, too wedded to George Bush’s policies. The list goes on and on ..." Source: Sumter Item

Vote for Pennies for Progress tax
"Tuesday’s referendum on the Penny for Progress tax is all about the future for Sumter." Source: Sumter Item

Reisz: Citizens should act responsibly whether candidate wins or not
"There are times to choose up sides and battle it out and times to come together. After voting for our presidential candidate, we get an historic chance to be the citizens whom our nation needs in this time of economic struggle and political change. Whether our candidate wins or not, we can rise to the call to be a renewed nation determined to enhance our lives." Source: The State

Warthen: McCain earned my support on judicial selection
"At the outset, John McCain had a great head start with me — on experience, national security, foreign affairs, bipartisanship, and his oft-demonstrated willingness to do the right thing regardless of political consequences. Source: The State

Page: School children deserve choice
"People like choices. This simple aphorism is the basis of South Carolina’s most popular and far-reaching educational reform in the last four decades: state scholarships for higher education." Source: The State

Andino: SC residents excited about voting
"Isn't it wonderful that so many people are excited about voting in this year's election? More than 2.5 million South Carolinians are registered to vote Tuesday -- an increase of 310,000 registered voters in our state since January." Source: Greenville News

Tam: Citizens should vote responsibly
"With a presidential election right around the corner, it is a good time to remind ourselves that our U.S. government is supposed to be "of the people, by the people, and for the people." The essence of democracy depends upon citizens being informed and playing an active role. However, while we may all have opinions about various issues, when was the last time you attended a public hearing or a local meeting to discuss issues that we as Americans face?" Source: Greenville News

Kapeluck: Election may prompt historic turnout
"The 2008 presidential election promises to be an historic contest. The country is in the midst of substantial economic upheaval and, perhaps more importantly, the nomination of a black Democratic presidential candidate is a first. This election will likely have high levels of turnout, and much hinges on whether Democrats or Republicans turn out at higher rates." Source: CharlestonCurrents.com

Berkeley voters should choose council government
"Berkeley is only one of four counties in the state with the supervisor form of government. County voters will have the opportunity Tuesday to decide whether to continue that system. Voters should endorse a council-administrator form of government." Source: The Post and Courier

Vote yes on removing age of consent from constitution
"Citizens should vote "yes" to delete a provision of the S.C. Constitution (Section 33, Article III) that sets the age of consent for unmarried girls at 14 years old." Source: The Post and Courier

Vote yes on investment questions
"Voters should answer "yes" to a referendum question that will allow broader investment options for the state's health insurance fund for retirees. It would provide the same range of investments, and oversight, as now available for the state pension fund. Passage of Amendment 2 would change the state constitution accordingly." Source: The Post and Courier

• Vote yes on amendments 2 & 3
"Amendments 2 and 3 on Tuesday's ballot are closely related. They would permit state and local governments to invest in stocks to pay for future retirees' health care and other benefits." Source: Rock Hill Herald

McCain endorsed
"John McCain has served our nation with extraordinary distinction for more than 40 years. But his best service should be yet to come. He understands where America has been, where it is today, and where it must go to fulfill its potential. His proven courage, experience, knowledge, judgment and capacity for working across party lines make him the best choice for the presidency on Tuesday." Source: The Post and Courier

Five for Charleston school board
"The Charleston County School District faces continued challenges in academic achievement, budget constraints and school choice. Although trustees have residential requirements to run for district seats, they are elected at large and each should be expected to have a district-wide view of public education." Source: The Post and Courier

Next president deserves patience
"Some folks dread the words President Barack Obama. Some folks dread the words President John McCain. Some folks dread both prospects and brand Tuesday's general-election main event a lose-lose deal. Picky, picky, picky." Source: The Post and Courier

Latest cartoon, more

The latest from Stegelin at SC Statehouse Report:


Also in this issue:

• Editor Bill Davis takes a look at whether an "Obama Effect" will filter down into state races.
• MY TURN commentator Ashley Landess of the SC Policy Council says state spending should be cut now.
• Publisher Andy Brack says registered voters ought not be misled by deceptive information designed to keep them from voting.