SC

Robert Ford Scandal: The Report

The abrupt resignation of S.C. Senator Robert Ford (D-Charleston) this week in response to a series of damning (and embarrassing) revelations regarding his campaign finances has put the kibosh on the legislative investigation into his misdeeds. But had Ford not chosen to resign his office (news of which broke exclusively…

The abrupt resignation of S.C. Senator Robert Ford (D-Charleston) this week in response to a series of damning (and embarrassing) revelations regarding his campaign finances has put the kibosh on the legislative investigation into his misdeeds.

But had Ford not chosen to resign his office (news of which broke exclusively here on FITS), “Republicans” in the State Senate were prepared to throw the black Democrat out of office.

According to the final report of the S.C. Senate ethics committee – chaired by liberal “Republican” Luke Rankin – Ford was found guilty of using campaign funds to “defray personal expenses” as well as “converting such funds to personal use.” Additionally Ford was found guilty of failing to disclose numerous contributions, expenses and loans.

Perhaps most damning, Rankin’s committee found Ford guilty of “willfully altering” documents and making “false and misleading descriptive notations” about his campaign finances.

Among the embarrassing revelations uncovered during this investigation? Ford’s use of campaign funds at a pair of adult bookstores (he claims these were legitimate expenditures on “gag gifts” for campaign staffers) – and the purchase of “male enhancement” pills with his campaign debit card (Ford claims this was a “fraudulent” expense he never made).

Yeah …

As a result of these allegations, Rankin’s committee recommended that Ford be expelled from the State Senate. Rather than face that prospect, Ford submitted a letter of resignation to S.C. Senate president John Courson on Friday.

“If I was ten years younger, I would stay and fight,” Ford said in an email accompanying his letter. “But at this point in my life, I feel this is the best decision for everyone concerned.”

DONKEY DISCRIMINATION?
DONKEY DISCRIMINATION?

As we’ve noted previously, Ford’s crimes don’t appear to be much more serious than those committed three years ago by former S.C. Sen. Jakie Knotts (RINO-Lexington). In fact in addition to illegal co-mingling of funds and failure to report numerous contributions, Knotts also took campaign contributions in excess of legal limits.

Apparently one man’s deliberate deception is another’s honest mistake, though … and Knotts received the benefit of numerous doubts from his fellow RINOs.

What did he eventually get for his crimes? A “reprimand.”

Meanwhile S.C. House ways and means chairman Brian White – a “Republican in Name Only” from Anderson, S.C. – was caught red-handed two years ago using campaign funds for personal expenses. What happened to him? Nothing. He has yet to even be publicly investigated.

And who can forget the rigged hearing held last summer in regard to S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley’s illegal lobbying activities. Despite clear and compelling evidence that the governor violated multiple ethics laws during her tenure in the S.C. House, Republicans on that chamber’s “ethics” committee nonetheless voted to dismiss all of the charges against her.

And what about Haley’s gubernatorial predecessor, Mark Sanford? Remember he spent state funds – not campaign funds – setting up a romantic rendezvous with his then-lover in 2008. And he also kept his job.

Then there’s the case of S.C. Speaker Bobby Harrell (RINO-Charleston, S.C.), who is staring down a veritable smorgasbord of ethical violations – including the improper use of campaign funds on personal expenses.

“Just as the Senate investigated Ford, so too should the House look into the mountain of evidence against Speaker Bobby Harrell for similarly using his campaign account for personal expenses,” S.C. Democratic Party chairman Jamie Harrison said in a statement responding to Ford’s resignation. “This culture of corruption in South Carolina has to stop. Elected officials who use their campaign accounts for personal purposes hurt the reputation of our great state and feed into mistrust of the state government. We have to drain the swamp and restore people’s faith once again.”

We agree …

Don’t get us wrong, Ford was right to resign. He did the crime, and he (ultimately) took responsibility for his actions. But the hypocrisy exposed in this process is galling – and further evidence of the abject failure of current “ethics reform” proposals, which fail to strip lawmakers of their “fox guards henhouse” authority to exclusively police themselves.

Bottom line? “Ethics” in South Carolina has become entirely dependent on party label. If you are a “Republican” leader, you can get away with murder. If you’re a Democrat … not so much.

ROBERT FORD FINAL ETHICS REPORT (.pdf)

***

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94 comments

Anti-incumbent June 1, 2013 at 11:58 am

Time to throw all the bums out of office. Vote against all incumbents in 2014.

Reply
T-bone June 1, 2013 at 1:06 pm

Finally, someone else has seen the light!

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Tyrone Butternuts June 3, 2013 at 9:28 am

But please do not replace them with more Republican bums. Crap in, crap out.

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Jim June 3, 2013 at 9:58 am

Showing your rear again Butternut. Wrong district. It’s for a black democrat. Damn can’t teach you anything.

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Anti-incumbent June 1, 2013 at 11:58 am

Time to throw all the bums out of office. Vote against all incumbents in 2014.

Reply
T-bone June 1, 2013 at 1:06 pm

Finally, someone else has seen the light!

Reply
Tyrone Butternuts June 3, 2013 at 9:28 am

But please do not replace them with more Republican bums. Crap in, crap out.

Reply
OK June 3, 2013 at 9:58 am

Showing your rear again Butternut. Wrong district. It’s for a black democrat. Damn can’t teach you anything.

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BillyShumanforSenate June 1, 2013 at 12:13 pm

We can take this seat back. Billy Shuman for Senate!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Billy-Shuman-for-SC-Senate/119525358254017

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Obvious June 1, 2013 at 1:29 pm

Get real!A Republican has less chance of winning the District 42% Senate seat than a Democrat has of winning the First District Congressional seat against a scandal plagued Republican.

What I dont understand is why Ford resigned.He should have riased Hell about all the hypocrisy(Fits article is a pretty good summary), offered to quit if Harrell would too(which,of course, would have been rejected),let the Senate expel him,then run in the special election.

He would be OVERWHELMINGLY returned!

Maybe there was a wink and a nod from “Honest”Al Wilson over at the AGs office that if he would go quietly,then the most that will happen will be some small fine and pobation?

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BillyShumanforSenate June 1, 2013 at 12:13 pm

We can take this seat back. Billy Shuman for Senate!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Billy-Shuman-for-SC-Senate/119525358254017

Reply
Obvious June 1, 2013 at 1:29 pm

Get real!A Republican has less chance of winning the District 42% Senate seat than a Democrat has of winning the First District Congressional seat against a scandal plagued Republican.

What I dont understand is why Ford resigned.He should have riased Hell about all the hypocrisy(Fits article is a pretty good summary), offered to quit if Harrell would too(which,of course, would have been rejected),let the Senate expel him,then run in the special election.

He would be OVERWHELMINGLY returned!

Maybe there was a wink and a nod from “Honest”Al Wilson over at the AGs office that if he would go quietly,then the most that will happen will be some small fine and pobation?

Reply
Disgusted June 1, 2013 at 1:31 pm

… drain the swamp and restore people’s faith once again.

Yes, but the swamp-dwelling parasites would have to find new homes. The parasites are king of the swamp, and make the rules. White, Courson, Leatherman, Harrell, Merrill… don’t smell their own foul odor.

I almost feel sorry for Robert Ford.

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Anti-incumbent June 1, 2013 at 7:15 pm

It’s sad that idiots like Ford and Ard fall hard, and the real corruption is allowed to continue and flourish.

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Elfego June 4, 2013 at 1:53 pm

That is the way it is all the way from DC to the smallest hamlets. Truth and honesty no longer matter.

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Disgusted June 1, 2013 at 1:31 pm

… drain the swamp and restore people’s faith once again.

Yes, but the swamp-dwelling parasites would have to find new homes. The parasites are king of the swamp, and make the rules. White, Courson, Leatherman, Harrell, Merrill… don’t smell their own foul odor.

I almost feel sorry for Robert Ford.

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Anti-incumbent June 1, 2013 at 7:15 pm

It’s sad that idiots like Ford and Ard fall hard, and the real corruption is allowed to continue and flourish.

Reply
Elfego June 4, 2013 at 1:53 pm

That is the way it is all the way from DC to the smallest hamlets. Truth and honesty no longer matter.

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Jim June 1, 2013 at 1:52 pm

Thank you for a great article. Reminds me of a course I took on employee evaluation. This company did final yearly evaluation on just a golf outing. I was told growing up that I do not have to ask you what’s going on because Birds of a feather flock together. My take on this crap is if you are responsible for the well being of others make sure it is very clean around your door step. I have two children and I have do as I say not as I do a couple of times and now I have bites on the ASS.

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OK June 1, 2013 at 1:52 pm

Thank you for a great article. Reminds me of a course I took on employee evaluation. This company did final yearly evaluation on just a golf outing. I was told growing up that I do not have to ask you what’s going on because Birds of a feather flock together. My take on this crap is if you are responsible for the well being of others make sure it is very clean around your door step. I have two children and I have do as I say not as I do a couple of times and now I have bites on the ASS.

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GrandTango June 1, 2013 at 1:56 pm

How much more Damage can the democrat brand take? I think w/ the disaster Obama has been, on top of his corrupt administration, this is just raw gas on a democrat meltdown inferno…

Tough luck party for sure. But I can’t say they don’t deserve every bit of it. Us voters just have to make sure we finished the job in 2014, then in 2016.

Liberals are failure personified……..Good Riddance…

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GrandMomma June 1, 2013 at 3:43 pm

Move your fat ass off that bean bag and mow the fucking grass!

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Big Pappa June 1, 2013 at 3:51 pm

Glad that cocksucker moved in with you. I bet he hasn’t seen the sun since I curbed him out of my mobile home. I can now allow women over…I WILL be using condoms here from here on. Shit kid…

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GrandTango June 1, 2013 at 4:53 pm

You Filthy B@$*@*d $ HATE being reminded of what you are…Don’t you?….LMAO….

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trango towers June 1, 2013 at 6:46 pm

Dude, you are like livin’ in the 1850s My black ass will hurt you and your daughters should you cross my path.

BigT June 1, 2013 at 7:44 pm

BigT used to have some sistas callin da crib every night. Maybe yo’ baby-mama used tit dat???…They say he dispelled some myths…Had those girls trippin. Would not leave BigT alone. How you think he got his nick-name???

Kuyperdog June 1, 2013 at 11:05 pm

Grand Tango-hey, take out the log in your own Party’s eye!
Yes, Ford wrong- no question but Haley/Sanford, they don’t just play with toys!!!!!

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lowcorider June 1, 2013 at 2:51 pm

Just another case of the white man holding the black man down.

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Elfego June 2, 2013 at 8:28 am

Just another case like is happening in DC!

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Lowcorider June 1, 2013 at 2:51 pm

Just another case of the white man holding the black man down.

Reply
Elfego June 2, 2013 at 8:28 am

Just another case like is happening in DC!

Reply
Lewis June 1, 2013 at 3:14 pm

Jean Toal is laughing her drunk ass off. No one is more corrupt than she. Since she is inherited rich, her corruption is not related to $ but to power. She KNOWS how to conduct investigations of herself and get away with it.

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Lewis June 1, 2013 at 3:14 pm

Jean Toal is laughing her drunk ass off. No one is more corrupt than she. Since she is inherited rich, her corruption is not related to $ but to power. She KNOWS how to conduct investigations of herself and get away with it.

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RISEABOVE June 1, 2013 at 3:42 pm

Why do we put up with these bastards. They would have been tarred and feathered years ago. Fuck them.

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RISEABOVE June 1, 2013 at 3:42 pm

Why do we put up with these bastards. They would have been tarred and feathered years ago. Fuck them.

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chester June 1, 2013 at 4:08 pm

Really, only Democrats get dealt with? Remind me again who Ken Ard was?i

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Obvious June 1, 2013 at 5:48 pm

He was a REPUBLICAN.As is Bobby Harrell and Brian White and Jakie Knotts.Unethical behavior? Theres plenty to go around in BOTH parties.

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chester June 1, 2013 at 4:08 pm

Really, only Democrats get dealt with? Remind me again who Ken Ard was?i

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Obvious June 1, 2013 at 5:48 pm

He was a REPUBLICAN.As is Bobby Harrell and Brian White and Jakie Knotts.Unethical behavior? Theres plenty to go around in BOTH parties.

Reply
Wes June 1, 2013 at 6:14 pm

I like gay porn

Reply
Wes June 1, 2013 at 6:14 pm

I like gay porn

Reply
lawzoo June 1, 2013 at 8:10 pm

Very good article that doesn’t invite any plausible arguments against it. I would like to hear what the other perps (Harrell, B. White, etc) say amongst themselves about Ford getting the boot but the (R)s not being touched.

Oh yeah —-the race thing. Damn we almost forgot about that. Actually a non-factor given
the District, I guess.

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sweepin June 1, 2013 at 9:18 pm

Not a Ford admirer. In fact, to the contrary. However, this had nothing to do with race and everything to do with:

1) A defendent if you will, who has no money to hire the lawyers needed to mount a credible defense as have others, namely Sanford and Haley.
2) A Senator who has failed to defend his turf from detractors by selling out his idealogical constituency to the the money changers, i.e. Howie Rich.
3) Without a doubt, there is more than has risen to the surface and cast the shadow of doubt. The only thing that rises to indefensible in the “Bill of Particulars” is that of home improvenments funded from the campaign funds.
4) A man who has few friends and fewer supporters within the ranks of his elected special interest and peer group, the Black community.
5) One who cannot stand to the pressure of the opposition party, including Harrell, RINO’s and the Tea Party “loons.”
6) More is under the surface and exceeds Item 3 above,

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A Friend June 1, 2013 at 11:43 pm

“A Senator who has failed to defend his turf from detractors by selling out his idealogical constituency…”

Hasn’t he defended that turf for 20 years?

“The only thing that rises to indefensible in the “Bill of Particulars”
is that of home improvements funded from the campaign funds.”

I’d say that the car payments, purchases from two different sex shops, and cash withdrawals from his campaign account in excess of what the law allows would also rise to the level of indefensible.

I agree with points 1 & 5, though.

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lawzoo June 1, 2013 at 8:10 pm

Very good article that doesn’t invite any plausible arguments against it. I would like to hear what the other perps (Harrell, B. White, etc) say amongst themselves about Ford getting the boot but the (R)s not being touched.

Oh yeah —-the race thing. Damn we almost forgot about that. Actually a non-factor given
the District, I guess.

Reply
sweepin June 1, 2013 at 9:18 pm

Not a Ford admirer. In fact, to the contrary. However, this had nothing to do with race and everything to do with:

1) A defendent if you will, who has no money to hire the lawyers needed to mount a credible defense as have others, namely Sanford and Haley.
2) A Senator who has failed to defend his turf from detractors by selling out his idealogical constituency to the the money changers, i.e. Howie Rich.
3) Without a doubt, there is more than has risen to the surface and cast the shadow of doubt. The only thing that rises to indefensible in the “Bill of Particulars” is that of home improvenments funded from the campaign funds.
4) A man who has few friends and fewer supporters within the ranks of his elected special interest and peer group, the Black community.
5) One who cannot stand to the pressure of the opposition party, including Harrell, RINO’s and the Tea Party “loons.”
6) More is under the surface and exceeds Item 3 above,

Reply
A Friend June 1, 2013 at 11:43 pm

“A Senator who has failed to defend his turf from detractors by selling out his idealogical constituency…”

Hasn’t he defended that turf for 20 years?

“The only thing that rises to indefensible in the “Bill of Particulars”
is that of home improvements funded from the campaign funds.”

I’d say that the car payments, purchases from two different sex shops, and cash withdrawals from his campaign account in excess of what the law allows would also rise to the level of indefensible.

I agree with points 1 & 5, though.

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bogart June 1, 2013 at 8:47 pm

Ford was a fool for shopping locally…..he should have flown to Argentina to buy his fun stuff so that he could have gotten a promotion…..United States Congressman.

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bogart June 1, 2013 at 8:47 pm

Ford was a fool for shopping locally…..he should have flown to Argentina to buy his fun stuff so that he could have gotten a promotion…..United States Congressman.

Reply
David B. Pyoas June 1, 2013 at 9:30 pm

A famous quotation by Benjamin Disraeli: “I have climbed to the top of the greasy pole”.

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David B. Pyoas June 1, 2013 at 9:30 pm

A famous quotation by Benjamin Disraeli: “I have climbed to the top of the greasy pole”.

Reply
Kuyperdog June 1, 2013 at 11:01 pm

Can someone with the press, please stick a mike up (in) Sanford’s………FACE and ask him if he thinks Ford should resign?

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Kuyperdog June 1, 2013 at 11:01 pm

Can someone with the press, please stick a mike up (in) Sanford’s………FACE and ask him if he thinks Ford should resign?

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I See U June 2, 2013 at 2:05 am

For Robert Ford not to be charged, criminally prosecuted and sent to prison for many years, it would speak volumes to just how criminally corrupt SC Government actually is. This one is not going to die so easily.

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I See U June 2, 2013 at 2:05 am

For Robert Ford not to be charged, criminally prosecuted and sent to prison for many years, it would speak volumes to just how criminally corrupt SC Government actually is. This one is not going to die so easily.

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I See U June 2, 2013 at 2:06 am

Make an example out of Bobby Harrell. He must be sent to prison for the rest of his life!

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GrandTango June 2, 2013 at 10:44 am

Just for not being a democrat…kinda stupid ain’t it???

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Watching A Republican Lie June 2, 2013 at 11:57 am

No .For being stupid.Like,well, you

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I See U June 2, 2013 at 2:06 am

Make an example out of Bobby Harrell. He must be sent to prison for the rest of his life!

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larry June 2, 2013 at 9:31 am

Sen Ford was low hanging fruit.

There is real corruption in SC. Corruption where privileged persons and groups walk off with millions every year.

With rare exception no one in the “public square” actually cares.

Until that changes sacrificial lambs like Ford and Ard will be used to amuse the masses.

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GrandTango June 2, 2013 at 10:44 am

Are you talking Sheheen or Clyburn????
With all the corruption in the democrat party, that is where I would look. And I could see the media trying to cover it up…So I hope it is exposed before the Election of 2014.

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Watching a Republican Lie June 2, 2013 at 12:14 pm

Yeh lets look at Vince Sheheen.A State Senator of the minority party in that body,chairman of no committees,cant really do anything but sit on the floor of the Senate and vote.

Yeh,lets look at him for all the corruption that pervades the REPUBLICAN controlled Legislature,the REPUBLICAN controlled Governors office,the state agencies ,all led by REPUBLICAN appointees,the state courts,whose Judges are all appointed by the REPUBLICAN controlled legislature.

But the Hell with all that!It must be Vince Sheheens fault!

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EJB June 3, 2013 at 7:10 am

That there are corrupt Democrats in this state does not surprise me but one has to admit that of all the corrupt politicians in this state odds are they will be Republican. Corruption must be investigated regardless of party and when all is tolled at the conclusion of such investigation it should be no surprise that the lion’s share of the indictments will be on Republicans.

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larry June 2, 2013 at 9:31 am

Sen Ford was low hanging fruit.

There is real corruption in SC. Corruption where privileged persons and groups walk off with millions every year.

With rare exception no one in the “public square” actually cares.

Until that changes sacrificial lambs like Ford and Ard will be used to amuse the masses.

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Smirks June 2, 2013 at 10:56 am

Silly Knotts, you can’t take contributions in excess of state limits unless Howie is doing it via multiple non-descript organizations to skirt around the limits.

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Smirks June 2, 2013 at 10:56 am

Silly Knotts, you can’t take contributions in excess of state limits unless Howie is doing it via multiple non-descript organizations to skirt around the limits.

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Tyrone Butternuts June 2, 2013 at 11:18 am

Whites have always hated Robert Ford. This is political racism by conservatives.

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Jim June 2, 2013 at 3:56 pm

Grow up ButterNut. Feel sorry for you. That’s life in US.

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Tyrone Butternuts June 2, 2013 at 11:18 am

Whites have always hated Robert Ford. This is political racism by conservatives.

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OK June 2, 2013 at 3:56 pm

Grow up ButterNut. Feel sorry for you. That’s life in US.

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Elfego June 2, 2013 at 5:07 pm

I despise the Democrats and will never vote for another on a Statewide or National Level because I truly believe they are evil and will do anything,even steal to win. But the so called Republicans in South Carolina are no different. It is time for a Third Party.

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Simple Simon June 2, 2013 at 5:21 pm

Oh go home and twiddle your thumbs dumb dumb.That pox on both your houses is a bunch of BS The two party system is ingrained in this country and aint going anywhere.

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Elfego June 2, 2013 at 7:13 pm

I will leave the twiddling of thumbs and booing of God to you liberals!

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Simple Simon June 3, 2013 at 9:36 am

Ah yes I knew you would give yourself away REPUBLICAN.Always easy when messing with your species.Razz em a little and theyll come back with that “damn librul” line.Now cut the corny “so called Republican”line and go pull that REPUBLICAN lever!

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Elfego June 3, 2013 at 12:49 pm

In South Carolina your only choice is Republican. Voting Democrat has killed America. I have more regards for a dead dog than most any Democrat!

Elfego June 2, 2013 at 5:07 pm

I despise the Democrats and will never vote for another on a Statewide or National Level because I truly believe they are evil and will do anything,even steal to win. But the so called Republicans in South Carolina are no different. It is time for a Third Party.

Reply
Simple Simon June 2, 2013 at 5:21 pm

Oh go home and twiddle your thumbs dumb dumb.That pox on both your houses is a bunch of BS The two party system is ingrained in this country and aint going anywhere.

Reply
Elfego June 2, 2013 at 7:13 pm

I will leave the twiddling of thumbs and booing of God to you liberals!

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Simple Simon June 3, 2013 at 9:36 am

Ah yes I knew you would give yourself away REPUBLICAN.Always easy when messing with your species.Razz em a little and theyll come back with that “damn librul” line.Now cut the corny “so called Republican”line and go pull that REPUBLICAN lever!

Reply
Elfego June 3, 2013 at 12:49 pm

In South Carolina your only choice is Republican. Voting Democrat has killed America. I have more regards for a dead dog than most any Democrat!

Sad June 3, 2013 at 8:09 am

The saddest part of this entire issue is that ten state senators signed off on the Ethics Report without catching the glaring typographical error on page three: “REMAINEDER.”

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Sad June 3, 2013 at 8:09 am

The saddest part of this entire issue is that ten state senators signed off on the Ethics Report without catching the glaring typographical error on page three: “REMAINEDER.”

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Jan June 3, 2013 at 4:12 pm

Did we ever find out if the money Howie Rich paid to Mr.Ford to in his effort to stick the SC Taxpayers with the cost of private schools was part of the money not reported.

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Jan June 3, 2013 at 4:12 pm

Did we ever find out if the money Howie Rich paid to Mr.Ford to in his effort to stick the SC Taxpayers with the cost of private schools was part of the money not reported.

Reply
Long time observer July 2, 2013 at 2:49 pm

This was not the first time during his political tenure he has been
involved in a questionable position. When he worked for Charleston Lincoln at
the beginning of his political career a problem surfaced.

Reply
Long time observer July 2, 2013 at 2:49 pm

This was not the first time during his political tenure he has been
involved in a questionable position. When he worked for Charleston Lincoln at
the beginning of his political career a problem surfaced.

Reply

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