We at VUI were glad to see that someone other than our staff reads campaign finance disclosures and finds interesting stuff. We have been doing it for years. But, when Democratic Party Chairman Dick Hartpootlian and the South Carolina Democratic Party did the homework, the State newspaper ran an article about more problems with Lt. Governor Ard and his campaign finances.
Attorney General Alan Wilson announced he was forming a task force to investigate Ard and other cases of potential public corruption.
So, it does look bad for Lt. Governor Ard. However, unless some major development happens, do not look for Lt. Governor Ard to resign or be booted from office.
After all, former Governor Sanford had more serious allegations and he paid a civil fine and paid that fine with campaign money. Frankly, politicians and political groups in South Carolina play fast and loose with the laws and get away with it. That is the culture of South Carolina politics that gives us all sorts of groups who hide their contributors.
The culture of South Carolina politics is not the biggest reason that Ard is relatively safe. The biggest reason is State Senator Glenn McConnell. McConnell, who as President Pro Tempore of the State Senate, has the most raw power in state government, made clear during the Sanford scandal that he did not want to be Lt. Governor. Some believe that saved Sanford.
Little has changed since the Sanford scandal. McConnell remains a quietly powerful figure. People around the state do not know him by and large, but he rules the State Senate with his wit and his politically iron fist. As President Pro Tempore, he would be elevated to Lt. Governor if Ard resigned, leaving his powerful post to be better known with a lot less power.
During the Sanford scandal, ideas were floated about McConnell resigning his post as President Pro Tempore and letting his replacement become Lt. Governor and then taking back the office after the elevation. That is tricky. Letting Ard stay in office is a sure thing. That is why, again, unless something bigger breaks, Lt. Governor Ard stays.
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You might be right, Mr. McCarty, but Ard and his consultant during the campaign are sleazebags.
ReplyDeleteA distinction between Sanford and Ard is that Sanford was upfront about his ethical issues. Euphemisms abound about Ard's evasiveness -- which is why perjury is an issue, because misleading statements were provided to an official state inquiry.
ReplyDeleteMeantime, some comparisons. Both were represented by Butch Bowers, whom Sanford reimbused from his campaign funds. No word yet how Ard is paying his legal bills. Both paid the largest fines in SC ethics history. Both committed rather innoculous offenses, but each compounded his indiscretion by not being forthcoming. Sanford's issues began by not being truthful with the media. Ard's problem is that while he has media issues, some of his mis-statements were made in an official forum where compliance is a legal requirement.
Put a fork in Ard, he is done. Done. Finished. Selling used cars in Florence finished. Wait and see.
ReplyDeleteHey, Pee Dee, I sell used cars. Don't compare that guy to me. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYeh that scenario about McC resigning
ReplyDeleteThe reclaiming his post after a new LG is seated would be tricky
You k ow McC has pissed off some of those guys
Let's say McC says
Okay guys go ahead and put me back in
And a couple of backbenchers say
Whoa not so fast????????
You are right about McConnell, but wrong on Ard. Ard is a crook. He is gone. Goodbye and good riddance. Now, McConnell, what a mess. I agree with Palin forever, if he steps down, some might let him stay that way, including Kevin Bryant from Anderson. I hope Bryant will not let that gay RINO keep his job.
ReplyDeleteGlenn is gay and its okay.
ReplyDeleteAnon, Ken Ard is in debt. He will never pay you. Forget the all caps shouting stuff. Ken Ard is not gonna pay you. Get in line.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteKen Ard will resign.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. I am still trying to figure out what selling used cars has to do with anything though. Great conversation guys!
ReplyDelete