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Evert’s Electables GOP Primary 06/08/2010

Produced by Evert Headley

GOPMOOSE@Yahoo.com

PLEASE NOTE—

• For candidates already in an office, I have been able to check voting records. My comments reflect their voting records over the course of their tenure.
• For those who have never run for office before, and who claim a position, I will state their claim, but understand I have nothing by which to verify that claim.

This year is different than other years because those who would not typically have a chance of winning as a new face, actually do have a shot at an upset, due to the mindset of the electorate this season. Therefore, it is even more important to vote your conscience at the outset, rather than just “settling for” a candidate. Vote for the candidate that you believe will be the best representative of your viewpoint, rather than who you think has the best chance of winning—because this year, your best choice might pull off the big win.

U.S. Senate

Jim DeMint (Incumbent) www.jimdemint.com

Jim DeMint has been a stalwart conservative and a leader in the conservative movement, actively campaigning for and endorsing conservative candidates across the nation. He was one of the chief opponents of Obama Care, and has fought Obama’s socialist agenda. 100% Pro-Life voting record.  Named a “Defender of Liberty” by the American Conservative Union. Endorsed by Conservatives of America. Strong defender of gun rights.

Susan Gaddy

Has been a Democrat Party activist and party official in the recent past in the Charleston area. No campaign website; not a serious candidate, but one that will draw Democrat cross-over votes.

Evert: Since there is a Democrat running on the Republican ballot, it is imperative that we all vote and support the actual Republican candidate. Just because the Democrat is not a serious candidate, does not mean she won’t still draw Democrat cross-over votes to this race.

I am voting for Jim DeMint. He’s the best Senator in the nation and we need to keep him there.

U.S. House District #4

Jim Lee                      www.jimleeforcongress.com

More than two years ago Jim Lee and I sat down and had a conversation, shortly after Bob Inglis voted against the troop surge. Both of us had become increasingly disturbed that the congressman had reinvented himself as a “new kind of conservative” and we had seen no one willing to step up and challenge him. Because of what has transpired in the last 2 years, Mr. Lee’s concerns about the direction of our country and the future that his children and others’ children would have continued to grow. Since no one else was stepping up to the plate, he made the decision to jump in the race, even though he knew he would likely be a long shot. I have been supporting him exclusively for the last 2 years. I made the decision 2 years ago that we deserved a better conservative leader in this seat.

Only veteran in this race. A thirty year vet, a business consultant, a church elder, a husband, a father, and a life-long conservative Republican. Stands for the core, conservative, constitutional principles and Judeo-Christian values. 100% Pro-Life rating. Member of NRA, with A rating. Strong advocate of gun rights. Strong social and fiscal conservative. Father of five. Authentic conservative who wants to represent “we the people” and who is sick and tired of the career politicians and elitists, and who believes the 4^th district deserves a better kind of representative. Endorsed by Laurens and Union Counties’ Tea Parties, by Russ Cassell, Col. Hunt and by Doug Wavle. Endorsed by Independents’ Caucus (a citizens movement to take government back from “big money” special interests). Voted for Mike Huckabee for president in 2008.

Trey Gowdy www.treygowdy.com. 

Current Solicitor in Spartanburg and Union Counties. Campaign slogan: “hardworking, conservative, outsider.” He gave $1,000 to Senator Fritz Hollings (Democrat) when Bob Inglis was running for that senate seat in 1996. “Outsiders” don’t play both sides of the field like that. However, I will say that I’ve checked the public record and that was the only time that he has given to a Democrat in the last 12 years. Pro-life. Pro gun rights. Pro victim rights. A good man.  Endorsed by Bob Taylor.   Trey Gowdy Endorsed John McCain in the 2008 primary.

Bob Inglis (Incumbent)        www.inglisforcongress.com

Current incumbent. Initially campaigned (many years ago) as an “outsider,” and as one who would do self-imposed term limits (but he’s now running for his 6^th term). Voted against Troop Surge in Iraq, though the generals asked for it. Has publicly stated that he is against a national amendment to define marriage, believing it should be a state issue instead. 100% Pro-Life. He has always been and continues to be a leader in the pro-life community. A look at his voting record, shows that his conservative votes diminish instead of increase over the years. Quite frankly, he’s become a career politician. We need a congressman who’s right on more issues. Voted for the TARP bill. American Conservative Union (ACU) has given Bob Inglis a lifetime rating of 93.5. In his first 3 years Representative Inglis was in the high 90s; in his second term, Representative Inglis was in the low 80s and was steadily dropping until this year when he knew he was in trouble. Endorsed by NRA, National Right to Life, and other conservative groups. Generally speaking, most of these national groups will endorse an incumbent, unless the incumbent has a bad rating. Endorsed Mike Huckabee for president.

David Thomas           www.thomas2010.com

Current state senator from Greenville County. Has been a strong pro-life leader in the past. Supports Fair Tax (replacing income tax with sales tax). Strong social conservative. He is an attorney. Voted to accept stimulus funds. Endorsed Mike Huckabee for president in 2008. Senator Thomas has been a state senator for a very long time and, as such, is seen as a career politician, and has had some disappointing votes recently. Because of this, I don’t see him pulling off an upset in the current environment.

Christina Jeffrey       www.christinajeffrey.com

Calls herself the “tea party candidate.” Helped start the Boiling Springs tea party organization. Worked for and supported Guiliani for president. Believes in the right to keep and bear arms. Very pro-life. Strong pro-gun advocate. Supports Fair Tax. Was hired by Newt Gingrich to be House Historian but was later relieved.

Evert:

Typically, one would predict that any incumbent has a distinct advantage, or another career politician opposing the incumbent would take the lead. However, the mindset of the electorate this year shows a very anti-incumbent mood—as such, it is unpredictable, and in many of these races with new faces, anything can happen. I encourage folks to vote their conscience. I expect it to go to a run-off. The top three are likely Inglis, Gowdy, and Lee. As to who will win, I don’t think anyone can predict that accurately this year.

As you can tell from my comments above, I will be voting for Jim Lee.

Governor

Gresham Barrett       www.greshambarrett.com

Current congressman from 3^rd district. Strong social and fiscal conservative. ACU (American Conservative Union) rating of 97.9% over 11 years in congress. 100% pro-life record and strong leader on that issue, Strong advocate of gun rights. The only Congressman from South Carolina to receive the “Taxpayer’s Friend Award” for 2009 (seventh consecutive year). Helped recruit and support Fred Thompson in 2008. Barrett has been honored as one of the most conservative congressmen in the country. He did vote for the TARP bill and, in my opinion, it was one of the few bad votes in his career. He wants to reform government and restructure the tax code in our state. Gresham has supported a tariff on imports from countries that treat our products unfairly, but the Haley campaign claimed he supported a VAT tax (which essentially is a tax on products here at home rather than on imports). A tariff and the VAT tax are completely different. Endorsed by the National Right to Life Endorsed by Doug Wavle and Bob Taylor.

Nikki Haley                 www.nikkihaley.com

Campaigning as a reformer who wants to bring transparency to government, much like Sanford did—and she is very politically similar. A true fiscal conservative but, in my opinion, is a pragmatist in social issues (I don’t think she’ll expend any political capital on social issues). I am concerned that she will be as ineffective as Mark Sanford was in getting anything actually accomplished because of how she goes about trying to get reform. I have also been disappointed with some of her campaign tactics; see above about the Tariff vs. VAT Tax issue. These are completely different, and as an accountant, she knows better. Overall, my second choice for governor. Endorsed by The Club for Growth. In 2008 she supported Mitt Romney because “I wanted to support a businessman.” She is definitely a fighter and has fought the leadership in the State House and Senate in support of all votes being on the record. It is one of the reasons that Sarah Palin has endorsed her, along with Jenny Sanford.

NOTE: At the very end of compiling this data, a story broke in which someone raised an allegation against Nikki Haley.  As of yet, no one has corroborated the story and she has completely denied the allegations; therefore, until someone comes forward with evidence to back up the allegations, I am compelled to give her the benefit of the doubt.  “Innocent until proven guilty.”

Henry McMaster       www.henrymcmaster.com

Former chairman of SC State Republican Party. Current Attorney General. One of the lead Attorney Generals suing the federal government over “Obama Care.” Strong Pro-Life Record. A+ rating from the NRA. He is the quintessential “good ‘ole boy” politician. When he ran the state party, he left it with over $300,000 in debt. Early supporter of John McCain in the primaries, both in 2000 (against Bush) and in 2008. Endorsed by Sen. John McCain.

Andre Bauer              www.andrebauer.com

Current Lieutenant Governor. Strong Pro-life record. A fiscal conservative who has tried to cut waste in government. Currently last in polls. Jake Knotts, a huge “RINO” from Lexington, is a huge sponsor. (I personally would vote against anyone who has Jake Knotts’ endorsement.) Bauer is running a campaign in which he is being brutally honest, even to the point of possibly alienating some voters; however, some of this is needed in our current environment. In that respect, I give him points for courage, and truthfulness.

Evert:

I expect this race to go to a runoff. Currently, the polls show McMaster in the lead, with Barrett second, and Haley third—although the most recent poll puts Haley First. If this comes down to Barrett and Haley in a runoff, either would be a good choice. Again, with the electorate’s mood, it is entirely possible that someone seen as an “outsider” and a “reformer” could pull off a huge upset.

I am voting for Gresham Barrett because I think he is the best choice for governor.

Lieutenant Governor

Bill Connor                www.voteconnor.com

Professing Christian who is open about his Christian faith. Former Lt. Col. in the army. Strong conservative leader. Both a fiscal and social conservative. Strong pro-life and staunch defender of gun rights. Many of the tea parties throughout the state have endorsed him. Endorsed by Stan Spears (current Adjutant General),

Dr. Bob Jones III, and Dr. Bob Taylor.

Ken Ard                      www.ardforsc.com

Endorsed Guiliani for president in 2008. A businessman who ran for County Party Chairman (Florence County). Some credentials as a fiscal conservative while he was on Florence County Council. Although he did vote to allow the sales tax to be raised by referendum.

Eleanor Kitzman       www.electeleanor.com

Entered the race extremely late. Former state insurance commissioner. I don’t consider her to be a credible candidate because of her late entry (on the last filing day).

Larry Richter             www.votelarryrichter.com

Campaigning on seniors’ rights. Ran for attorney general 8 years ago. A former judge and former South Carolina legislator. Entered the race extremely late. Another candidate that has been endorsed by Jake Knotts. I do not consider him a credible candidate either, because of his late entry.

Evert:

I believe the race will come down to Connor and Ard, and I believe Connor is the better candidate.

I will be voting for Connor.

Attorney General

Robert Bolchoz        www.bolchoz.com

Former Deputy Attorney General under Charlie Condon. Left public service and went into both business and then private practice. Has a strong business and law enforcement background. Wanting to return from private sector because he thinks his country needs him.

Leighton Lord           www.leightonlord.com

Currently managing partner of a large law firm. Worked in D.C. Says he will fight crime and abuse effectively on a tight budget. Wants to serve only one term; does not want to be a career politician––he has a 7 point plan he wants to accomplish in that one term and an agreement with his wife to only run for a second term if those goals are realized in the first term. Endorsed by Doug Wavle.

Alan Wilson                www.wilsonforag.com

Son of U.S. Congressman, Joe Wilson, from 2^nd District. Veteran. Currently in private practice. Has worked with the Deputy Solicitor. Endorsed by Bob Taylor.

Evert:

This is probably the 2^nd most difficult race for me to pick a favorite. All three are well qualified, good candidates and good men. I think the two best choices are Lord and Bolchoz—they have eclipsed Wilson in experience. A vote for any of these men is a good vote. I expect Lord to be the lead vote getter in the primary

Again, a vote for Lord or Bolchoz would be a good vote. I will be voting for Lord.

Secretary of Education

Mick Zais                    www.mickzais.com

Retired Brigadier General. Graduate of West Point and later served as a professor at West Point. Brought in as president of Newberry College and turned the university around from financial ruin. He was brought in as a last ditch effort to avoid the closing of the university—it is now thriving. Because of his background at West Point and his rank of Brigadier General, he knows how to work in a bureaucracy and still be effective in getting things done. Supports parents’ rights to choose a school (does not support vouchers, but does support tax credits and scholarships).

Brent Nelsen             www.brentnelsen.com

Political science professor at Furman University. Unashamed of his Christian faith. Endorsed early by Jim DeMint and Dr. Bob Taylor. Supports school choice among public schools only. Actively encourages volunteer community support in the school system (i.e. mentoring, supply drives, and other ways for the private sector to donate support to their local school districts). Wants to privatize the school bus fleet. Has been in education for his entire career and this is where his passion is. Has served at an administrative level, but with less experience than Zais.

Kelly Payne                www.votekellypayne.com

A high school teacher. Fiscal conservative. Divorced. In an acknowledged current relationship with Richard Eckstrom (who is currently separated from his wife and is the incumbent Comptroller General). Morality matters. Her knowledge level is also only the classroom and I do not consider her qualifications sufficient for the office she seeks. If there weren’t better candidates running, she might have been “acceptable,” barring her personal issues.

Gary Burgess            www.burgessforscsuperintendent.com

Filed on the last day. I do not consider him a credible candidate.

Elizabeth Moffly        www.votemoffly.com

Has run for this office multiple times. She still fails to be a viable candidate and will likely get her usual 3%. Filed on the last day. I do not consider her a credible candidate.

Glenn Price               www.glenncprice.org

A Democrat running as a Republican. Filed on the last day. I do not consider him a credible candidate.

Evert:

In my opinion, Mick Zais is so well qualified for this position that he eclipses all other candidates. Brent Nelsen stepped up to the plate at a time when no one else was willing to run and would have had my vote had Mick Zais not come on the scene. I would be happy to see either Zais or Nelsen get the position—I do not support any of the other candidates.

I will be voting for Mick Zais. In my opinion, he is the most qualified candidate for the office he seeks.

Treasurer

Curtis Loftis             www.curtisloftis.com

Businessman. Served as a staff member in the lieutenant governor’s office. A reformer platform of transparency. Would be a deciding vote on the state budget and control board (which is frankly more powerful than the governor’s office). Claims to be a social and fiscal conservative.

Converse Chellis (Incumbent—by appointment instead of election)   www.treasurerchellis.com

Appointed by the state legislature as a “good ‘ole boy” who would support the legislature against the reformers on the Budget & Control Board. (He was appointed following the resignation of Thomas Ravenel.) He became the deciding vote against much needed reform in this state. The Spartanburg Herald Journal reported that one of his state employees was campaigning for him and with him in violation of state law.

Evert:

Like many in this election cycle, Loftis is a first time candidate. I am voting against Converse Chellis.  Curtis Loftis appears to be a reformer.

I will be voting for Loftis.

Comptroller General

Richard Eckstrom (Incumbent)

Currently a reformer and has tried to support Governor Sanford’s efforts to reform state government. A candidate I have strongly supported in the past but I am extremely disappointed that he is admittedly maintaining a relationship with Kelly Payne while still a married man (though separated). As such, he has lost both my respect and my vote.

Mike Meilinger                      www.mikemeilinger.com

A CPA, businessman. Served in the Marines. Father of five. Wants to bring “private sector perspective” to this position. Strong social and fiscal conservative. His biggest issue to overcome is his late entry to the race, but I intend to support him and vote for him. Endorsed by Doug Wavle.

Evert:

I am voting for Mike Meilinger.

State House District #17

Harry Cato (Incumbent)       www.harrycato.com

Currently the Speaker Pro Tempore, Incumbent who has been there for over 17 years. Received an “F” from the Club for Growth which indicates he is not a fiscal conservative. Strong leader on the school choice issue. A strong Pro-Life leader. Voted to install a former Democrat legislator named Beaty to the State Supreme Court. Legally he has residence in the district, but both he and his wife own a house and live in Columbia. Endorsed by South Carolina Citizens for Life.

Tom Corbin                           www.votecorbin.com

Campaigning as a social and fiscal conservative. Main issues are transparency in government and illegal immigration. Business owner. Lived in the district his entire life. Hunter and lifetime member of NRA; claims to be a strong advocate of gun rights. Claims to be Pro-Life. Member of Clearview Baptist Church.

Nathan Earl

Main campaign issue is to bring transparency to the State House, specifically by requiring both the State House and Senate to record all votes and make them public record (vs. “voice vote” which currently accounts for about 70% of the votes). An attorney. Campaigning as a strong Pro-Life and Pro-Gun advocate.

Evert:

I expect a runoff with Tom Corbin as the lead challenger to the incumbent. Nathan Earl is by far the more passionate about the issues. Again, anything is possible. This is a tough choice for me.

As of this printing, I am still undecided as to whom I will vote for.

State House District #26

Erik Bikas      (no campaign website)

Sounds like a nice fellow. Doesn’t have a campaign website; only a Facebook page with not much on it. Because of this, I do not consider him to be a serious candidate.

Christopher Robin (“Henry”) Wilson www.henrywilsonsc.com

Local businessman. Navy vet. Campaigning as a social and fiscal conservative and to defend gun rights.

Evert:

I would vote for Henry Wilson.

County Council District #28

Fred Payne (Incumbent)      www.payne28.com

Christian man. Believes in sustainable growth; is not strong on personal property rights. Voted for the largest tax increase in Greenville County history.

Harry Kibler                           www.harrykibler.com

Running on a campaign to be a defender of property rights. Advocates transparency, limited government, lower taxes, and property rights. Founder of “RINO Hunt.”

Evert: Fred Payne is a very nice man; but in my opinion, he has been wrong on some important issues including property rights and taxes. It’s time to give the new guy a chance.

I would vote for Harry Kibler.

ADDITIONAL RACES:

For those that live in Congressional District #3, the two best candidates in that race are Jeff Duncan and Richard Cash. Both are running as fiscal and social conservatives. Richard Cash has long been a strong supporter on the Right to Life issue. Jeff Duncan is a State House member who has been a strong advocate on the Right to Life, on Gun Rights, on fiscal issues and Immigration. There are 6 people running in this race, but these are the two I would recommend. I would vote for Jeff Duncan, but Richard Cash would be a very close second. Tough to choose between these two.

May 24, 2010   Posted in: Uncategorized

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