What’s behind door number one?
November 20, 2008 | Leave a Comment
We all remember the old game show “Let’s Make a Deal”.
Sadly, it seems there’s alot of that going on in politics these days - but tonight, I’m as excited as a gameshow contestant about soon being able to see behind door number one…and two…of the political mystery of secret votes and secret money.
On December 9th, there will be two common-sense bills pre-filed for the 118th session of the General Assembly.
While these bills won’t immediately improve our economic climate, solve our educational woes, or provide money to fix our state budget, they will start the long-overdue process of providing tranpsarency and more accountability of our elected officials (and candidates).
First, we have the On-The-Record Voting Bill which will be prefiled by Representative Nikki Haley. The list of co-sponsors has grown in recent weeks and, after the House leadership decides who will chair committees and who will serve on what committee (December 2 and 3), I’ll go public with the list of co-sponsors. (Note: I don’t want to put any members in jeopardy - before committee assignments - because they are supporting the bill.)
Of course, if I’m to believe the public comments of some officials, it appears everyone is now on board. That’s a drastic change of heart just a few short months removed from our closed-door Republican Caucus meeting earlier this summer. I hope everyone is serious with what they’re saying now. What I’m afraid of is that an “ol’ political-hijack” may be coming when someone suddenly proposes a weak, procedural “rule-change” or another voting bill with no teeth. The rule or bill LOOKS like it does the same thing - but it doesn’t. We’ve seen this before - as recently as last year with Earmark Reform. The bills had teeth, the rule was for show. Not until members asked about the list of earmarks did “request sheets” get passed around to cover the stuff (pork) already put in. Then - only on the same day as the budget debate started - was that Earmark list presented to the members.
Stay tuned…career politicians are good at taking ideas they were originally against, realizing their mistake, filing a new weaker version, and swooping in for credit without having to do the real legwork.
Behind that bill will be my Campaign Finance Disclosure Bill . Just as the On-The-Record Bill will hold elected officials accountable for their votes, this bill will hold elected officials (and candidates) accountable for the funding of their campaigns. No longer will there be “the dark period” two weeks before the election where (in the past) thousands of dollars arrived but didn’t have to be disclosed until AFTER the election.
Let me be clear, I don’t care where folks get their money (as long as it’s legal). Just let everyone know who’s sending it and when you get it. Also, let’s start following the money involved in county races and school board races. Those candidates/officials haven’t been required to report on-line like House/Senate/Constitutional officers have. Do we not care what’s going on at that level?
These two bills are just a start. Later this year look for other members to continue with common-sense reforms that allow YOU to follow the money (government and officials)! Who are those members? Some you know, some are new, and some are now becoming more vocal in speaking up for their constituents and not worrying about the consequences of not “going along to get along” with the status-quo politicians.
Homeless for the Homeless 2008
November 20, 2008 | Leave a Comment
A fellow blogger, Jonathan Williams , shared with me that his church has an activity tomorrow night that is designed to educate and challenge Columbia to change the story of homelessness in our community.
I can thank of no better time than the week before Thanksgiving.
To learn more, please visit their website: Homeless for the Homeless 2008 . The event will be held at the State Fairgrounds with Registration and Walk Through from 7pm to 10pm. An introduction and welcome to event will be from 10:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
I also wanted to mention that this may be a good time for you and your family to look at ways to either support this cause financially or other causes in our area with your time, money, or donations. In particular, GOODWILL has several drop off sites in our community. There is also SHARING GOD’S LOVE as well!
House Freshmen elect Chairman, Vice Chairman
November 18, 2008 | 2 Comments
Today, the incoming House Freshman class had their orientation session where, among other things, they elected their leaders.
Pictured above are Rep. Tim Scott (top photo: Charleston County) and Rep. Dan Hamilton (bottom photo: Greenville County) who today were elected Chairman and Vice-Chairman, respectively.
With an incoming class of more than 20 members, they have the ability to make a lot of noise, if they work together, and if they understand they each cast a vote on issues just like every other member in that chamber.
The Speaker has paid an extraordinary amount of attention to this new class over the past few months, unlike any other class has ever received. There’s certainly a lot at stake based on the turnover in the House and it will be interesting to watch which freshmen follow through on why their constituents chose “new blood” to send to Columbia and which freshman may quickly take the path of “go along to get along” in hopes of future internal rewards.
My suggestion to each one - remember why you were sent here and remember “Congaree Fever” is very contagious.
Welcome and congratulations to all!
Since we’re talking about new members, I also want to also mention the “new era” in politics. As someone who continues to push for more sunshine and accountability in state government, I’m pleased to share that you can follow freshman Rep. Dan Hamilton on Twitter by going to his site . Of course, you can also follow me , Rep. Eric Bedingfield , and Rep. Shannon Erickson as well. Many of us will keep you posted with udpates from the House floor this year (along with the “everday stuff” that goes on in our lives as State Representatives, working folks, husbands, wives, parents, etc).
You can also follow freshmen Tim Scott, Dan Hamilton, Tommy Stringer, Joey Millwood ,Anton Gunn, and Boyd Brown on Facebook. (As well as me, Eric Bedingfield, Jeff Duncan)
To see the biographies on all the House members, click here. (Note: Only 123 members listed as there is an ongoing dispute/appeal filed in the Petterson-Hutto/Scarborough lowcountry race).
Inside Moves: Part One of Three
November 15, 2008 | 1 Comment
I’m more of a checkers guy myself, but anyway..
As the 118th regular session of the South Carolina General Assembly approaches, I’m starting to see some story lines develop that might not make the front-pages of your newspaper but are certainly going to have some impact on the House of Representatives.
Tonight is Part One of Three.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll share the other parts of this post: “The battles” and finally “The issues”.
1) Rules are made to be broken?
Recently, there’s been talk of changing the long-standing tradition that says every committee will vote for their chairman. To give you full disclosure, there was a very brief, two-year time when former Speaker of the House David Wilkins changed that rule and was able to then appoint chairmen. He soon changed it back like it had always been though. So, for at least the last 10 years (and roughly 100 years before then) it’s always been committee members voting for chairman. While I (and several others) have our opinions on why the sudden rule-proposal has come to light, there’s no denying it’s some sort of power play inside the chamber. It obviously gives the Speaker position much power but who else? Does it help the majority party (Republicans presently)? What about actually empowering the minority party leader too? As it stands today, the Ds (minority party) have as hard a time as the Rs (majority party) coming together and voting in blocs. If the Speaker position gets the power to appoint all chairmen, the Speaker would have to “check in” with the minority party out of courtesy, right? Thus, enabling the minority leader to wield more power and leverage by pretty much then sharing with his/her party “what the deal will be.” We’ll see how this plays out in a few weeks or possibly early January 2009.
While that rule-proposal has been all the talk recently, look out for the possibility of a “On The Record” Rule change being proposed . The question is will it will be window-dressing pushed by status-quo members wanting to look like they support the concept with a watered-down version (ala Earmark Reform Rule passed last year) or will it will be a legitimate rule change presented by Rep. Nikki Haley (Lexington)? Earlier this year Representative Haley sent all 124 members copies of both her bill and her rule change proposal . Those are the legislation we must pass in order to restore accountability and public trust in elected officials.
2) Committee assignments and Committee Chairmanships
The first week of December, the House will hold our Reorganizational Session. At this time you may see rule changes proposed (like the ones above) but it’s also a time where each member receives his/her committee assignment (usually for the next two years, at least). Read more
Secret Service Decoder Rings
November 11, 2008 | Leave a Comment
When I was named a “Taxpayer Hero” by Governor Sanford early in my career, my wife poked fun by asking if I got to wear a cape to work now. Sigh…if only….
Anyway….turns out the Secret Service has now provided the Obama family with their aliases (as is customary for the First Families and others under the watchful eye):
President-Elect Obama: Renegade
First Lady to be Michelle: Renaissance
Sasha and Malia: Rosebud and Radiance
Vice President Elect Biden: Celtic
His wife, Jill: Capri
If you’re wondering about aliases from days gone by (or soon gone by): President Bush (Tumbler) First Lady Laura Bush (Tempo), Barbara (Turquoise) and Jenna (Twinkle).
Bill Clinton (Eagle), Hillary (Evergreen), Al Gore (Sundance)
George H.W. Bush (Timberwolf)
Ronald Reagan (Rawhide)
THANK YOU, VETERANS!
November 11, 2008 | Leave a Comment
I have never served in uniform but my Grandfather (WWII) and my Dad (Vietnam) have. They join thousands of others who have served our country well and who deserve a “Thank You” today from our country.
I regret not asking my grandfather about his service before he passed away but he did leave behind a diary that he kept during those times. I also don’t ask my dad much about his time on the River Boats, but lately, as we both get older, he has shared some stories.
We often take time each Memorial Day to remember those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice; but today, let’s remember those who men (and women) who answered the call as young boys but came back men. Many whose lives changed forever.
While we simply watch the movies “Midway”, “Pearl Harbor”, “Platoon” and “Saving Private Ryan”, there are those among us who lived those events and who should always be held in high esteem.
Thanks, Dad. Thanks veterans. We owe you more than we can ever give.
Boys will be Boys
November 7, 2008 | 16 Comments
So another blog already let the cat out of the bag about the “inside baseball” that went on at the GOP Caucus meeting today but I felt the need to write from my perspective this morning.
Since I’ve got to work with these boys, I better just talk in the “hypothetical sense” or better yet, surely I had to have taken a nap during yesterday’s meeting because how else could a plan this crazy get dreamed up?
The setting…
Let’s say you have a person. Well, I don’t know…hypothetically, let’s say she’s a female legislator.
She oozes pro-business and pro-conservative credentials, serves on a powerful committee, and decides to run for the open chairman position of a powerful,business committee in the House.
Let’s assume (hypothetically, of course) this female legislator has skyrocketed in just four quick years to become a very influential member of the body. Let’s say she was elected by her freshman class as Chairman immediately upon arrival in Columbia, she’s received several pro-business and pro-taxpayer awards, and..oh yes, aggressively pushed conservative, common-sense ideas in Columbia.
Then, because a recent turn of events on Tuesday (election night), she now has enough votes to be elected chairman by the committee (regardless of how the deck could get stacked against her with new appointments to fill committee vacancies next month during the House Reorganizational session).
Oh, and let’s say that this hypothetical female legislator just had the largest margin of victory in a contested race on Tuesday for Republicans - winning 83% to 17%. Hmmm….I’m guessing that might mean her folks (and from what I continue to read in the media - others around the state too) appreciate her work and ideas for the people of Lexington and South Carolina.
Now my question is this: How can the boys keep this girl from being the next chairman of the committee?
If you don’t think like the boys in Columbia, you’d answer “They can’t, can they? She’s got the votes, apparently has the credentials, and is within four weeks of being elected. What could possibly happen to keep her from becoming the first female chairman - ever?” Read more
COMMUNITY UPDATE: November 2008
November 6, 2008 | 2 Comments
If you have events you’d like me to share on the website, please contact me directly through NathansNews and I’ll be happy to see how I can help pass along the news.
STATE HOUSE
In less than an hour, the House Republican Caucus will meet in Columbia to further discuss issues and ideas for next session. I’m hoping my colleagues have been listenting to their constituents and will bring those ideas with them. What I’ve been hearing from you (and also folks around the state) are spending priorities/limits, accountability/transparency , comprehensive look at our tax structure (reassessments, 4% v 6% rates, sales tax on autos, income, cigarette ), educational improvements , infrastructure improvements , and economic development/jobs.
When we return in January there will be two less Republicans than last session in the House. Democrat Anton Gunn won the vacant seat left open by the retirement of Rep. Bill Cotty and Democrat Anne Petterson Hutto won the race against incumbent Wallace Scarborough.
In addition to those Repbulican/Democrat changes, there are going to be several new Republicans who won primaries in June. As I posted earlier this year, change is indeed in the air .
Before I move on, let me say THANK YOU to the voters of House District 71 for sending me back for my third term as your Representative! I was humbled to receive the most votes of any House member in Richland County and this is a testament to our community’s involvement in the political process by turning out in masses.
YOUR MONEY
Last month, I mentioned the Board of Economic Advisors meeting to share revisions to our state revenue projections. Simply put - those revisions weren’t good and just a few weeks ago, the General Assembly returned to Columbia to cut almost a half billion dollars from the budget.
Recently I spoke with a local blogger about those cuts. For an easy to understand perspective, you can click here to see that un-edited interview.
Next session (January - June), I will once again continue to push for more restraint and better stewardship of your tax dollars. I firmly believe elected officials should carefully make decisions where to spend your tax dollars just like we do our own budgets at home. When needed, cut and make sacrifices. But cut by starting with the most non-essential items. At home, we don’t cut groceries before we cut going to the movies. Makes sense, right? Read more
(UPDATED) BREAKING: Rep. Bruce Bannister new Assistant Majority Leader
November 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Barring some unforeseen circumstances when the results come in tonight, the Republican Party will still keep it’s Majority status in the South Carolina House of Representatives.
As I mentioned back in May , there have been several “inside the chamber” races going on these past few months as new leadership emerges in the House of Representatives for next session.
Earlier this week, FITSnews.com shared that Kenny Bingham was the last man standing in the Majority Leader race and tonight I share that Bruce Bannister is the last man standing in the Assistant Majority Leader race.
Both Kenny and Bruce are currently uncontested for their respective positions and with voting set to take place no later than the first week of December, it appears they will lead the new Republican Caucus which is sure to look different than previous years.
Tonight, both Rs and Ds are watching these races closely in the House:
UPDATED (11/5) with winner in bold:
(open seat) David Herndon (R) v. Anton Gunn (D) 54% to 46% (Republicans lose this open seat after retirement of Rep. Bill Cotty)
(open seat) Deborah Long (R) 57-43% (Republicans hold onto this open seat after Rep. Mick Mulvaney moves to SC Senate) v. Fred Thomas (D)
Rep. Wallace Scarborough (R) v. Anne Peterson Hutto (D) 51 to 49%
Rep. Don Bowen (R) 53% to 47% v. Tom Dobbins (D)
Rep. Vida Miller (D) 51% to 49% v. Jill Kelso (R)
Rep. Dennis Moss (D) 53% to 47% v. Danny Stacy (R)
Stay tuned for more updates this evening and tomorrow….
Election Day - Let the Redistribution Begin?
November 3, 2008 | 4 Comments
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 who our new President will be 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)