Anyone interested?
July 19, 2009
As suspected, much of the early focus on 2010 statewide races focuses on the “top of the ticket” (both parties). In a state with one of the country’s weakest executive offices and a #2 spot that (until the past few weeks) was merely thought of as the person who “runs” the Senate, why not focus on some of the other races?
Oh – that’s right. As of today, there aren’t any other races…yet.
In case you aren’t familiar with all (or any) of the “other”constitutional offices ,here’s the list after Governor and Lt. Governor: Secretary of State, Treasurer, Attorney General, Comptroller General, Superintendent of Education, Commissioner of Agriculture, Adjutant General. I have no idea of the “order” of “ranking” of those positions; I simply listed them as they appeared on SC.GOV’s website.
Of course, I’d have to think Superintendent of Education has got to be up near the top, shouldn’t it?
After all, shouldn’t our state be focused on educating tomorrow’s leaders and workforce?
I find it hard to believe that the Republicans could take a pass and not even field a candidate against incumbent Dr. Rex. But at this point, no challenger seems interested or focused on what we could do to improve education for all South Carolina’s children. Before I was demoted by House Leadership earlier this year , I regularly told colleagues that I didn’t feel education should have an R or a D behind it; but, in a heavily Republican leaning state, someone will run for the post, won’t they? I keep hearing folks are working behind the scenes to get Representative Ted Pitts (R-Lexington) to consider switching gears and running for the post instead of the state’s #2 spot. This seems to make sense for several reasons. One, Ted’s actually spent time in the classroom. Two, until House Leadership stepped in to recruit and anoint a Chairman, Ted was in the running to be that Chairman (House Education Committee) last session. Three, he’s been front and center on several educational issues – including being the lead sponsor of Rex’s school-choice bill .
Oh..and also the fact that currently there is no one strong enough to carry the Republican banner for this position.
There has been talk that freshman Representative Tim Scott (R-Charleston) was considering Education but his resume might not be best suited for that position which many believe requires some seasoning in office. He appears to also have his eyes on the #2 spot . With what appears to be a four-man field already for SC2 ( Bill Connor and Ken Ard have already announced), it wouldn’t surprise me to see one of these current candidates start to give serious consideration to what several in the state see as a more significant role for our state than Lt. Governor. (There’s even still speculation that former candidate Mike Campbell and former State Representative Ralph Norman might announce for SC 2. So that could be six in that race and none in Education for the Republicans)
What about the other “down ticket” races?
Secretary of State? Treasurer? While there are always folks out there badmouthing the current office holders, it seems – at least for now – that there may be no challengers for the incumbents. At least in a primary. I just don’t see the Democrats passing on some of these down ticket races in hopes of possibly driving up votes needed for the top of the ticket.
It’s surprising that no wants the Treasurer role. (Heck, I even briefly considered it when the future of then-Treasurer Thomas Ravenel was unknown). Something many in our state don’t know is that the Treasurer holds one of the five seats on the Budget and Control Board. Looking back on recent history, this position has been a very important swing vote on a Board that is very significant to the way our state operates. With the Governor and Comptroller General usually voting together, and with Senator Leatherman and Representative Dan Cooper usually voting together; the Treasurer has been the “swing vote”. Under Thomas Ravenel, it was 3-2 for the former (usually). Now, it’s 2-3 for the latter (almost always).
Attorney General? Assuming the inevitable announcement of current AG Henry McMaster running for Governor, it looks like Alan Wilson (son of US Congressman Joe Wilson) is ready to make a run. Last night, on twitter, I saw someone provide this link to a website ready to go live at anytime. With current statewide candidates Representatives Nikki Haley , Ted Pitts and Congressman Wilson all on the ballot next year, adding another Lexington candidate will surely mean voter turnout will be huge in Lexington – one of the largest Republican voting blocks in our state.
Comptroller General? In my opinion, Richard Eckstrom has done an outstanding job opening up the books on government spending at several levels. I’ve heard of no challenger to him and would be surprised to see one in a primary.
Commission of Agriculture? Adjutant General? Your guess is as good as mine. I haven’t heard of any problems with the way each office is run. The only question I hear is whether General Spears will retire or whether he’ll seek another term.
Remember, it’s still early (primaries aren’t til June 2010) and you’ll probably hear folks test the waters or change their minds a couple of times over the next several months.
Comments
7 Responses to “Anyone interested?”
Got something to say?
Nathan,
I recieved a letter from you informing me you were my rep, I just bought a house on the irmo/columbia border after graduating from USC, according to the state’s website, chip huggins is my rep, I was just wondering who it actually was. I want to get involved here in the Irmo/Columbia area and would like the opportunity to sit down and meet with you. If possible, please give me a call at 749-0298 or 394-5159. I look forward to talking with you soon, this is a great article by the way…
Brad Matthews
Brad, email me through the contact page and let me know your address and I’ll double check.
I personally look through the paper every Sunday to see who’s moved in the area. Unfortunately though, since Rep. Huggins and I split the zipcodes of 29063, 29036, and 29212 zip codes…some folks will get my letter that might be just outside House District 71.
Either way, you’re in good hands.
Contact me through the web page or email directly at BallentineN@scstatehouse.net.
Thanks,
Nathan
I am glad that I read this column…I learned a lot, including who is running for AG so far. And after following the links I even learned that he is married to my favorite former WIS reporter!
Also: A name I’ve had in my head to run for Superintendent of Education is Faye Brown from Charleston. She is the one who founded an private school on Johns Island for low-income communities that was featured a while back in the Wall Street Journal. I have no idea what political party she is, but she is on the board of SCRG and presumably an advocate of educational choice since she runs one down in the Lowcountry. Plus she has all the background and degreed credentials in education just like Jim Rex. Just wondering if her name had ever popped up among the GOP insiders who might be recruiting candidates.
Very strong post. Thanks for all the info.
- Wesley
Nathan – Dean Allen from Greenville has announced that he is running for Adjutant General.
I’ve also heard that Danny Verdin is running against Weathers for Agriculture.
Nathan,
Thanks for your excellent post. I always walk away thinking I have learned something and can actually trust what you write as being honest.
As always it is a pleasure to have you as my representative.
The Bells