Governor Mark Sanford’s insistence on staying in office has the most direct political effect upon Lt. Governor Andre Bauer, who is seeking the Governor’s post in 2010. Historically, sitting Lt. Governors who have tried to move up the Governor’s Mansion have had a difficult time. Being the sitting Lt. Governor of South Carolina has historically been no asset to winning the Governor’s race. (However, Robert McNair, the last Lt. Governor to assume the office of Governor, was easily elected in his own right for a term.)
Bob Peeler lost his bid to Mark Sanford in 2002. Nick Theodore lost his bid to David Beasley in 1994. Mike Daniel lost his bid to Carroll Campbell in 1986. All three were thought to be capable political forces in their time, but somehow fell short of the Governor’s office.
Indeed, the last sitting Lt. Governor to be elected Governor was nearly forty years ago, when then Lt. Governor John West was elected in 1970. Before West, only two other sitting Lt. Governors had been elected Governor since the current constitution of 1895: Fritz Holllings in 1958 and George Bell Timmerman, Jr. in 1954.
Thus, being the sitting Lt. Governor proves to be no historical advantage. One thing that does stand out as an historical trend is previous service in the South Carolina General Assembly. Only five of the 31 governors under the constitution of 1895 have not had some experience in the South Carolina General Assembly. Current Governor Mark Sanford is one of them. Before Sanford, one has to go back to 1962 when University of South Carolina President Donald Russell was elected Governor. Before Russell was Charleston Mayor Burnet R. Maybank in 1938. The other two are Duncan Heyward in 1902 and William Ellerbe in 1896.
Combined with the previous post about the Third Congressional District, one thing is certain for 2010, there is a good chance for history to be made. Congressman Barrett will defy the Third District Congressional dead end if he wins. Lt. Governor Bauer will defy forty years of bad history for sitting Lt. Governors if he wins. Henry McMaster will become the first sitting Attorney General to be elected Governor if he wins. Nikki Haley will become the first woman Governor of South Carolina if she wins. History is perhaps with State Senator Larry Grooms, for he has the safest historical resume of the field.
The Democrats are yet to reveal their history changing candidate they keep hinting about. State Senator Vincent Sheheen is their best bet in trying to win in November of 2010, but Hollings was younger when he was elected Governor. The Democrats just keep hinting at some game changing candidate. Rumors are it could be Darla Moore, the businesswoman who has been so generous to the University of South Carolina. Nikky Haley versus Darla Moore in the fall of 2010 would certainly make the history books.
Time will tell. VUI will take a look at the other state constitutional offices in the coming days. Stay tuned.
You just seem to be against everyone.
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ReplyDeleteNutcase, I give a lot of freedom on this blog in the comments section. But, I had to pull your comment because you named someone who does not comment on this blog or have anything to do with it. Why you want to take a cheap shot at my little brother is beyond me. But, you need to adjust the meds or something.
ReplyDeleteYour forgot one thing. Robert Ford ain't not Theo Mitchell, cracker.
ReplyDeleteBrotha Ford is going to make history and be the first black Governor of SC.
My President will see to that. Praise God!
As a student of political science and an ardent conservative I must say that Larry Grooms is essentially the embodiment of what conservative principles have to offer, and the candidate South Carolina can most trust.
ReplyDeleteContrary to the opinion of voters in the 2008 presidential election: experience matters, and a candidate’s voting record should be the most vital of data for our consideration. Senator Grooms has a 12 year record of true conservatism and pubic service to the people of South Carolina. He has the most conservative voting record in the Senate, from spending and expansion of government to life issues, his record speaks for itself. It is about time a legislator put his power to use, talking points and promises do nothing for the citizenry, and Senator Grooms has shown that his priority lies with the tax payers.
Perhaps the most captivating aspect of Larry Grooms is his embodiment of the American Dream. His political life was not born of pride or want of glory; he became a public servant after having worked his way from a trailer to the business world where he experienced, first hand, the need for reform. He eventually became the founder and president of his own company. It is this drive, experience, and unwavering principle that can lead this state honestly and efficiently.
In the race for the leadership of South Carolina I choose to put my faith in a man who was not only proven himself to the state, but also stands to remind us what true conservatism is.
If you are interested in the race tune in tonight to the debate and see for yourself. If you are on twitter the hash is #scdebate see you there!