While I will always fight for the same common-sense reforms that the Governor has believed for several years, there comes a time when a new champion must emerge to lead the movement. If not already, that time will soon be upon us. Over the past few election cycles, South Carolinians have sent reform-minded
leaders to Columbia and it will be our duty to ensure that our state’s future will be one with more efficient government and low taxes. One focused on improving education and creating economic prosperity. One where people, not politics, will be the priority.

Like most in our state, I was shocked (and disappointed) when listening to the news conference Wednesday afternoon from the State House. I had planned an enjoyable afternoon of golf (first time in months) with a friend. Needless to say, we weren’t that focused on golf but instead on what was ahead for South Carolina.

Sure, we both felt (and continue to feel) for the individuals and families involved, but that is really neither our business nor concern as much as what all this could mean to the rest of the 4 million residents in the Palmetto State.

After all (and sadly), it’s not like this has never happened before in politics.

In recent years we’ve seen that most of America, after the sensationalism has died down from episodes like this, really care more about their wallets and their own lives instead of the actions of politicians, celebrities, and sports personalities.

Just as it was with Brad and Jennifer and “Jon and Kate plus 8″ , these stories gain all the attention for awhile but will eventually fade as people begin to go about their daily lives. Mortgage and rent payments, gas prices, doctor visits, car repairs, grocery bills, church, vacations, homework, ball practice.

The question most are starting to ask is what does this all mean to them?

As I shared with our Governor, Jeremiah 29:11 states God’s plan for us is to prosper and not to harm. While we oftentimes can’t see it, it will eventually come to fruition. The Governor has apologized to several folks, most importantly his family. He seems to understand that changes must come and it’s my opinion that the upside to this episode for our state is that our people may ultimately benefit from the political winds of change.

Nathan’s News readers know my feelings about wanting our state leaders to work together . Could this be the time? Could our citizens see the changes they have long wanted ? Better education, more jobs, improved healthcare?

I don’t expect (or wish) the Governor to change his conservative view on these issues or change his goals for our state, but I do expect that from this, we may see less division and more cooperation from both the Executive and Legislative branches.

If not now, when?

(I will be on vacation for the next several days and apologize for my lack of posts as I try to enjoy time away from politics and my paying job at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage)

Many of you know by now that I was one of the first SC elected officials to get on the twitter “craze” last year (NathanBallentin) . Since that time I’ve pretty much become addicted with over 2,000 updates already. Sure, many updates may be boring to some and some people could care less about my family life; but I share all facets of my life just the same.

Afterall, most would admit that if I just “tweeted” the political stuff, THAT would be boring!

Anyway….today my recent follower turns out to be our school district and I’m glad to see the district coming on board to Twitter and hope they’ll utilize it as a two-way street of communication. Not just getting out information but hearing from those in our community who wish to pass information along to them as well. Twitter is a form of communication and is best used to not only share; but also learn as well (in 140 characters – or less – message updates).

If you’re wondering who’s on Twitter from our community…well…here’s just a few of the folks you may want to follow and see what’s going on (twitter screen names used):

theotrek , paigecoop , shirley8153 , cstegmaier , sctomkat , TreyWalker , tdkelly , CharlieHarden , lawgal21 , ashleygilfillan , cecarey311 , zacandcheese , willfloyd , InTecNic , jplvsd , mckewn , michelmcninch , wshuler , AshleySHunter , mjboozer , foxben , and, my personal favorite: StateHouseWife

Some have been “tweetin” for awhile. Some do it as often as I do (a few times a day), others only maybe once a day or even once every other week. Some have tried it but didn’t like it. That’s the beauty of it. If you like it and if you find someone interesting enough to follow, do it. If not, don’t follow that person. It’s that simple. In the list above we have folks from all walks of life….teachers, state employees, bloggers, realtors, TV personalities, housewives, businessmen, businesswomen, attorneys, artists, and so on.

The impact of Twitter is global reaching – now, more than ever! In fact, twitter has been used to actually keep the West informed of what’s going on in Iran during their unrest. To those who think Twitter is just another fad….it may well be….but everyone’s using it in all walks of life for various reasons.

Give it a shot and see what you think. Oh, there’s also “prank twitter accounts” so be sure you know what’s really going on before you think it’s someone’s “real site”. Some are obvious but others you may never know: SCLegislator , FakeMarkSanford , GovPerrysHair .

If you want to see all the SC Legislators and Politicos on Twitter, try SCTWEETS.COM.