The state of South Carolina isn’t in that much of a shock, given the recent indictment of Thomas Ravanel on cocaine charges. In fact, it’s basically status quo, when it comes to our elected leaders. Either they’re funneling state funds to personal projects, defying police authority, or under investigation for something illegal. Okay, maybe I exaggerate. Not all the elected officials are corrupt and dirty, but it only takes one straw to break the camels back, and the Ravanel instance may be the straw to break the Republican stronghold in this red state.
After serious deliberation, which amounts to 15 minutes before my first cup of coffee, I’m announcing my decision to throw my hat into the ring. I believe that in 2008, a Democrat can challenge Lindsey Graham’s for the Senate and win. Now all it takes is some help from the DNC.
It has often thought that a Democrat cannot win in this state. It's even been spouted here on DKos, that it won't happen. If Innez couldn't do it, no one can. Not so, Tannebaum had that whole dinner scandal against her that hurt her. All we have to do is point to Fritz Hollings and current US Representatives James Clyburn and John Spratt, to prove that a democrat can win a national election.
It's with this in mind, that I've outlined my whole campaign in 15 minutes and know that I (or a democratic challenger) can win against Lindsey Graham.
The voters of this fine state are tired of the status quo. Our elected officials time and time again are working for special interest groups, passing bills that provide no accountability where the money is going, and holding themselves above the law.
It is in this regards, that I declare to you dear voters, it's time for a change. We need to get past the glitz and glamour of our carerr politicians and those who've made it their lifes ambition to eventually hold a seat in office. It's time to have the common man or woman work for you.
Lindsey Graham cast a yes vote for the Jumpstart Our Business Strength Act in 2004, which ultimately lead to the outsourcing of American jobs overseas. Because of this act and the tax breaks given to businesses, many of our fine citizens in South Carolina found themselves on the unemployment lines when companies closed up to take advantage of this bill.
Although he himself had taken the oath to defend the Constitution, he as in the past supported legislation which has eroded the basic liberties guaranteed us by that very Constitution. Indeed, his support for the Military Commissions Act, opened the door to the establishment of a police state.
Although he states he supports our troops, Graham has been heard to echo the words of Rumsfeld and Bush in staying the course. With approximately 2000 National Guard members from this fine state currently over in the Middle East, and 3500 plus soldiers already having died and countless others maimed or wounded, he offers no alternative but states that we need to keep them there. In fact, he and the honorable Senator DeMint appealled to the citizens of this fine state with a letter to the editor, stating how the supplemental appropriations bill with time limits was a bad idea, but when it came time to cast his vote against it, his vote was not recorded. Indeed, cry out to the people to oppose the bill, but not even bother to cast your disapproval for it, shame on you Senator Graham.
Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for a new course in representation of this state. We need someone who will help support a comprehensive healthcare package; help rebuild an education system that can be strong, if the opponents weren't too busy trying to destroy it; to support a bill that will bring comprehensive birth control and STD education to our young men and women so that abortion will not be an issue, but a rare, and yes accessible option. It's time to bring back jobs to our citizens and quit giving subsidies and tax breaks to those corporations who wish to hire cheap labor overseas. It's time to focus on securing our ports, and stop the campaign of fear that's been allowed to run rampant. If we live our lives in fear, then those who wish to attack our citizens have won. It's time to stop turning back the clock on rights of individuals that have already been won and move forward. It's time to quit paying lip service to our veterans who are in need of healthcare from injuries or conditions acquired while they served, but to actually to uphold our promise to them and ensure they get the care and benefits promised.
Ladies and gentlemen, I've been there, I've done that. I've served in the military, so I have a clue on what is needed to maintaining a strong military. It's not sending our soldiers over time and time again in a war that has no directions. The war in Iraq has depleted our forces, subjected our men and women to not one or two, but now three and four and even five times over there. I've seen the failures in the VA system and how our veterans have been forgotten. I've been a married woman, who gave up her career for her child and then was in the position of being a single parent and had to struggle to provide for my child. I know the frustration and fear that single parents face when they're not able to get healthcare for their children and not able to put food on the table.
Not bad for 15 minutes thought before coffee, huh? Before you get too excited, no, I'm not seriously planning on running. I have a few skeletons in my closet that the opponent can use to eat me alive, thus I stay out of office. That, and my opponent has more money then I can ever hope to get to launch a campaign. But the point of this diary is, that the voters in South Carolina are getting frustrated and angry with the status quo, and political corruption.
South Carolina has a 5.4% unemployment rate as of May 07. May sound good on the books, however, remember that figure does not include individuals who've exhausted their unemployment benefits and are no longer on the books, but who've yet to find a job. It also doesn't include those who are underemployed. This state watched companies up and leave the country and workers lose their jobs. There's a 53% disapproval rating on how the war is being handled. Getting rid of Roe v Wade isn't the primary concern of the majority of the voters. This state has many single and working mothers and the majority of the women do not believe in being barefoot and pregnant is the right option for them and their families.
It's fertile ground for a serious Democratic contender, unfortunately, the DNC has seem to written off this state as viable for a Democratic overthrow. There are moderate Republicans and Independents who are pissed off at the Republican party here and can easily be wooed to switch sides, if they haven't already. The Dems have a very good chance here to win national House, Senate and yes, Presidential seats, so why doesn't the DNC or even the SCDC see that?
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On a note: I apologize for any spelling and/or grammatical errors in this diary. I was advised that both my spelling and grammer left alot to be desired, I won't disagree.
As far as why I won't run. Well, you thought the DC Madam scandal was big, the right would have a field day with me (no I'm not a madam). Also, I'm for the ERA, to an extent that would make the most radical feminist shudder. :)