MyDD :: Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC) is in trouble

Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC) is in trouble

by wayward, Tue Jun 13, 2006 at 09:56:57 PM EST

SC Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC) has not been a very effective Governor, to put it mildly. The highlights of his four years in office have constant conflict with the General Assembly (which is also Republican controlled) multiple overridden vetoes, a constant decline in the state's economy, leading to one of the nations highest unemployment rates, and a crusade bent on destroying the state's already woefully underfunded public education system.

His accomplishments have included being "honored" as one of the nation's worst Governors by Time magazine (along with such dubious company as Bob Taft and Kathleen Blanco) and getting covered with pig shit in the lobby of the State House.

However, there are indications that Mark Sanford's days as Governor may be numbered.

It is no secret that South Carolina is a Republican state. While there is no registration by party in SC, the party breakdown is estimated at about 45 R - 25 D - 30 I, giving the GOP a clear advantage.

However, many Republicans aren't happy with Sanford. Dr. Oscar Lovelace, a political newcomer and relatively unknown doctor from the sprawling metropolis of Prosperity, SC is poised to get about a third of the vote in the GOP primary. This is rather remarkable considering that Sanford has raised about ten times as much money and is an incumbent. What is even more remarkable is that Lovelace is not a fire-breathing conservative, but a moderate.

What this means is that Sanford is far from safe. Sanford is doing worse than David Beasley did when he lost in 1998. SC-Gov is very much in play for the Democrats.

Tommy Moore won the Democratic nomination, and will oppose Sanford in the General election.

http://www.tommymooreforgovernor.com/

Tags: Primary Elections, SC-Gov (all tags)

Permalink :: 3 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC) is in trouble (none / 0)

I have an in in Sanford's office. One of my friends works for him. Any questions anyone wants me to ask? My friend told me last month that he would coast to re-election.

Oh, and last time I checked, another friend of mine works in Santorum's office.

Yeah, yeah, I'm an ex-conservative.

If you're a -7.25, -7.85 like me, you should listen to Thom Hartmann

by Harmonious on Wed Jun 14, 2006 at 02:01:29 AM EST

Re: Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC) is in trouble (none / 0)

So goes the conventional wisdom.

However, I remember that the same was said about David Beasley in 1998. He was expected to coast to re-election as well. His opponent was an unknown legislator from Lancaster, Jim Hodges. Unlike Sanford, Beasley had done a good job with the state's economy and had gotten along well with the legislature.

However, Beasley had angered many conservatives over the Confederate flag. He had angered many libertarians by his refusal to let the people vote on a lottery. He angered moderates by doing nothing about the state's public education system. A very well run Democratic campaign sent him packing in 1998.

I say Sanford is going to lose because he is in FAR worse shape than Beasley. He did NOT get the majority of votes cast for Governor last night. Over 1/3 of voters in his own party want him gone, choosing instead an unknown doctor from Prosperity.

Yes, I would say Sanford is in trouble, and Tommy Moore will be the next Governor of South Carolina.

by wayward on Wed Jun 14, 2006 at 06:55:08 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC) is in trouble (none / 0)

Man, I hope Sen. Moore can win this race. I remember that Sanford was listed as one of the top 5 worst governors in America, and it would probably be nice for Palmetto dems to win one after the setbacks in 2002 and 2004.

by JRyan on Wed Jun 14, 2006 at 10:30:46 AM EST

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