I live in South Carolina, and I don’t know the answer. Yes, I’m from the land of Jim DeMint, Joe Wilson, and Mark Sanford. Yes, I’m from the state that other Kos commenters constantly ask, “What’s wrong with them?” (oh, and I can tell you, asking that question doesn’t actually help). And yes, I’m from the land where it can feel awfully lonely being a liberal; where people walk over to the Democratic Party booth at town festivals just to make trouble; where running as a Democrat in some parts of the state is the mission of a martyr; where so few Democrats run that our primaries can be commandeered by libertarians (I’m looking at you former senate candidate Bob Conley).
But we’re also a state where there are more liberals than people realize; where we have good Democrats running for statewide office who have a chance to make a real difference; where we have an opportunity to capitalize on the national embarrassments of our politicians and elect a Democratic governor in 2010. And I’m asking for your help.
Yes, we must support our Democratic candidates in VA and NJ.
ActBlue for Deeds: http://www.actblue.com/...
Deeds's Website: http://www.deedsforvirginia.com/
Corzine’s Website: http://www.joncorzine09.com/
Yes, we must be vigilant about marriage in Maine, especially after California last November.
ActBlue for Marriage Equality in Maine: http://www.actblue.com/...
But yes, we must keep an eye on the future, especially in states that are ripe for the picking, which, yes, includes South Carolina. So, I’m asking you to take a moment and contribute a little bit to one of the Democratic Candidates for Governor. Two Republican Candidates have already raised over $1 million (Rep. Gresham Barrett and State Attorney General Henry McMaster) The closest Democrat is State Sen. Vincent Sheheen at $700,000.
I recognize that money isn’t everything in a campaign, but every moment that Democrats have to spend on the phone asking for money is a moment that they can’t be out campaigning, sharing their ideas, and yes, even learning from the people of South Carolina. We learned last year that every little bit helps, and I’m asking you to help turn a red state blue. I’m not asking on behalf of a candidate, but instead, take a minute, check out their websites, and give a little bit if you can (also, you can visit www.thestate.com to check out news about the candidates). I and every other liberal in this state thanks you.
Democratic Candidates for Governor in South Carolina (not listed in any particular order, and the little blurbs are what I have gathered from following the news and hearing them in person)
State Senator Vincent Sheheen
Considered by many to be the frontrunner, he’s already raised $700,000, tops among Democrats. He comes from a family of public servants, and he’s served in both the state house and the senate. His focus is on jobs and education, and he wants to restructure both the tax code and the power structure within the state’s legislative and executive branches. He also sponsored legislation that helped force Gov. Sanford to take the stimulus money.
Website: http://www.vincentsheheen.com
State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex
The only elected Democrat to currently hold statewide office, he’s running based on many of the reforms he has enacted, including increasing school choice among public schools in a given district (NOT vouchers), reducing cumbersome paperwork for teachers, and increasing performance and test scores among South Carolina students. He has the greatest name recognition among the candidates.
Website: http://www.jimrex.com
State Senator Robert Ford
Highly quotable, he’s largely running on a platform to bring back video poker in order to tax it to pay for education reforms. A vocal supporter of the private school voucher system. He also says he wants to bridge the racial divide in the state and forge a new coalition of working class whites and African Americans.
Website: http://www.robertfordforgovernor.com/
Columbia Attorney Dwight Drake
A certified lobbyist, he’s running on the fact that he worked as an attorney on the case that helped force Sanford to take the stimulus money. He also says he wants to make job creation his first priority.
Website: http://www.dwightdrake.com/
Charleston Attorney Mullins McLeod
A political newcomer, although his family does have a history of public service, he’s running on the idea that it will take someone from the private sector to adequately forge the relationships that will help create jobs in the state and forge coalitions in the legislature. He believes that career politicians will be too ineffective to adequately change how things get done in the state. He’s also arguing that Democrats in the state shouldn’t be imitation Republicans.
Website: http://www.mullinsmcleod.com/
West Ashley Pastor Amos Elliott
He hasn’t made many public statements since announcing his run for governor, nor does he have a website.
In the interest of full disclosure, I will say that my preferred candidate is State Sen. Vincent Sheheen.