Stoeln Elections

(This post was written at 9:02pm on Monday, November 20th, 3 minutes after I was notified of Karen Floyd’s intention to drop out of the race for Superintendant of Education at 12:oo Noon on Tuesday, November 21st.)

Right now I am depressed. One of the greatest ladies, and biggest political masterminds in SC is conceding the race for Supt. of Education. A political unknown outside of her Spartanburg County, she worked for just under 2 years to become the next Supt. of Education. She won in a 5 person primary, to a well financed, RINO, Status Quo candidate with 50% of the vote, and she lost by the closest margin in South Carolina General Election history to a Status Quo, Education attack dog.

Jim Rex is a man with zero class. He brought false ads into millions of homes across South Carolina. He used school email addresses to send his propoganda into the business email accounts of teachers across South Carolina. He relentlessly attacked Karen Floyd at every chance he could. On election day, he sent his people to put out 16 signs around Karen Floyd’s sons who were waving at their school for their mom.
These are not the winings of a sore loser…these are the opinings of a SC Public School student who is outdone allready with the new leader of schools in SC.

I have been passionately invovled with Karen Floyd’s race since September of 2005. That is when, as Chairman of the South Carolina Teenage Republicans, I scheduled her as a speaker at our convention, and she immediately wowed all the PUBLIC school students (we had no private school contingent represented) who were there. From there I wanted to volunteer to help out Karen Floyd every chance I got. I traveled around on a bus with her, I got to see the inner workings of a campaign. I was at a rally for her at 2am in the pouring rain when she ran across South Carolina, and brought 22 more than an hour away for it. I spent the entire election day with her, and as a South Carolina Public School student, it saddens me that she did not win this election. I know her heart. I consider her a friend. I know she could have improved education in South Carolina.

So it is with a sad heart that I admit to myself that she will not be the next Super of Education.  Jim Rex was endorsed by Inez Tenebaum…that is reason enough to vote against him. The Voters of SC have narrowly picked a status quo leader, and I relish the day when I will be able to say “I told you so.”

 Karen Floyd could have fought this, but for the sake of the people of South Carolina she has chosen not to.  However, Voter Fraud must be ended in South Carolina. 800 people should not be allowed to vote in Charleston County, when there is no record of them voting. Karen had class to bow out, and SERIOUS reform of elections in SC are needed.

And Karen, when I graduate from my PUBLIC High School, and I see my PUBLIC school teacher MOM sitting in the teacher section on the field with me, and I shake my PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE’s hand(the same man who happens to be m father) when I walk across the stage to recieve my diploma, I will be thinking of you. And you, Karen, can count on seeing me in May, because I will be coming to you to sign my diploma.

Teachers, and voters of SC–don’t come crying to me when we the headlines continue to read “last, last, last.”

(Please keep all comments respectful, otherwise comments will be removed for this post)

Mr. Chairman

We saw the successes of the SCGOP this past election, and it goes without saying that the SCGOP is in a much better fix than our national party.

And why is this? Its due to the efforts of our State Chairman, Katon Dawson.

I don’t know much about Kevin Hall, but I have heard some other names being tossed around as running for Chairman. And truthfully, I am not positively sure that Mr. Dawson will be seeking that office again. But if he does, I will support him. Some of the other names that are being tossed around are a reason that I have decided to support Katon.  Some of our local party leaders of South Carolina failed in their GOTV efforts, and to these people that are rumored to be running for state chairman I offer this stern warning; get your own party working before you try to run the State Party.

Other names that have been mentioned are people very well thought of.  I adore these people as well. But one thing that you have to have as State Party Chairman is fluff extreme charisma and most of these people just don’t have at.

You also have to have good candidate recruitment. You have to know the people with money, the people who have the charisma to run, and the people that will win offices. The Republican Party of a decade ago was good on alot of stuff, and I am not one to bash Att. Gen. McMaster’s leadership–contrary, I think he did an excellent job, and made the SCGOP one of the most premire in the country–but candidate recruitment is much better today than it was then.

These are the reasons that I am for Katon Dawson for State GOP Chairman. He has built our state GOP, and done a good job at GOTV. Katon also has the fluff to be a great party leader: in fact, his fluff was so strong had me doubting that he could have any uumph, however, I have actually been able to see that his sharp-political genius behind closed doors. Katon Dawson can also recruit great candidates. Mark Sanford, Andre Bauer, Thomas Ravenel, Hugh Weathers, Karen Floyd et. al. Our field was one of the best ever in 06 because of Chairman Dawson’s success in recruiting.

08 can be even better for Republicans in SC, if we keep Katon Dawson as our Chairman.

This race is going to be heating up soon, and the SCGOP needs Katon Dawson.

Post Election Pepto Bismol

I have written 2 other blog posts before the election but word-press interface error deleted them, so sorry for the long absence.

Thank goodness for this great stuff called Pepto Bismol. 

From Sunday, November 5 until Wednesday, November 8th, I got a total of maybe ten hours of sleep. The 72 hour push leading up to the election and then the longest day of my life(Tuesday, November 8th) made me physically ill, and truthfully, I still haven’t recovered from it. But Pepto Bismol is helping.

I spent Tuesday at Karen Floyd’s Victory Party, and as I said earlier, it was easily one of the longest days of my life, but I was happy to be spending it with one of the greatest people in SC: Karen Floyd. The longest day was ended not on a happy note, but rather on a sad one. Karen Floyd had not won. However, she had not lost either. It was too close to call.

I completely missed this one. I predicted that she would have huge numbers across the state, and figured she would at-least get 54% of the vote. However, it was much closer than that. 502 votes currently down. Why did this happen. I blame 4 different outlets: the GOTV efforts in TWO MAJOR Counties, The State Newspaper, Jim Rex’s untruthful ads and the teachers unions/SCSBA.

The recounting of the votes will begin soon, and I am praying that Karen Floyd wins. As a current public school student, I know that she can bring about needed change in SC. I needed the pepto-bismol when I got home after the party(wednesday morning) because of the sickness I had with those outlets possibly costing us the race.

I again needed the pepto when I read on Wednesday Night that there was no way that George Allen could win the Senate Race. Here was one of the greatest senators, one of the greatest governors, and a top-tier presidential candidate ruined by countless attacks of being a racist and denying his heritage.

Not only was I sick over the fact that the Republicans had(rightfully) lost the Senate and the house, no no no, I was sick over the fact that such a great American could be ruined by baseless attacks. This is what America is turning to. What happened to the political ideologies of the past? All it is now, is personal attacks.

My argument on Pepto Bismol leads to this; we are at a crossroads here in America. Our hatred of each other, rather than the disagreement of ideals, has the chance to split our country even greater. When we will come back to the days of Tip O’Neill and Ronald Reagan, of Strom Thurmond and Joe Biden, of Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter?

Lets rekindle the old flames of civility in politics. We can start it here, otherwise we are gonna need a lot more pepto bismol down the road.

Rex-o-ween

*SCARY IMAGE WARNING*

SCARY JIM REX
“COUNT STATUS QUO-RACULA”

Halloween is a time for Tricks and Treats
For costumes and parties and candy - how sweet.  

But there’s a person out there who’s spells trouble you know

For the children of this state, it’s Jim Rex the Ole Liberal Pinocchio

In each of his ads, appearances and debates he’s tried,

But the liberal in Jim Rex is something he cannot ever hide.

He supports Tommy Moore, Inez Tennenbaum and the education status quo

So it’s no wonder that the education in our state continues to rank so low.

Karen continues to push for and promote her positive plans

So that our children’s education will be the best in all the land.

Karen supports discipline, empowering parents and reforming the PACT.

She values children not the system, finally, someone who knows how to act.

Throwing more money at the problem she would NEVER support,

“Let’s get more return on investment” that’s her rallying retort.

 

Her opponent is different, you know, being a liberal and all,

He opposes zero tolerance, wants big government and higher taxes y’all.

Jim Rex, the politician, offers nothing but false ads and tricks.

He knows he’s going to lose and that’s something none of his lies can fix.

 With every lie and untruth Jim Rex refuses to stop spouting

His nose will keep growing, he’ll lose the election and be left pouting!
In order to bring real education reform to our state
We must elect Karen Floyd, she’ll help make education GREAT!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN Y’ALL!

Liveblogging the WPDE Debate for the Governor’s Race

Here we go…the link

How important is this part of the state?
MS: Contributes mightily…competitive advantage…tourism mecca of our state…sales tax, accomodation, gas tax advantage
Took you a long time to get here governor…
MS: This notion of governing gets in the notion of campaigning…fits with what this administration…put a person from the coach as head as PRT(parks, recreation and tourism) have increased tourism marketing…400 million dollars in investment with Hard Rock… 
Is tourism important to SC?
TM: helpful to others…the golden egg…
Some of those critics also say you have a 25+ legislative record
TM: Working with your local delegation…Horry County stepped up to the plate and said they would provide ample amounts of money…take a look at the convention center…
Sen. Moore, are you a tax and spend liberal?
TM: Neal Thigpen said “that won’t work”…when you can’t defend the last 4 years you always try to blame someone else.
Governor, Tax Increases?
MS: We stand by that ad…let me say this first…school start date helps the season here on the coast…my opponent proposed the largest tax increase in our history…he has had 16 different occasions to vote for or against taxes…voted for 7 increases, and against 9 decreases…thats why hillary clinton would send a 3500 check is way.
TM: The Governor has been dishonest…the largest tax increase was this year…the governor vetoed the department of education..disingenous…to invoke the name of Hillary Clinton…I respect Hillary Clinton and anyone else who gives me money…the contributions I have recieved are nothing more than a chance to have a voice…all of those out of state
Would you support HIllary Clinton for President Sen. Moore?
TM: Barack Obama is really catching, I don’t know who is gonna be the nominee…
There are some repubicans who are here tonight that have seen Republicans for Tommy Moore. What is it with the Mark Sanford administration that has angered so many Republicans…Lois Ergle is in the audience?
MS: It goes with change…the well worn decisions that we are comfortable with arent going to work in SC…charter school legislation…tort reform…I could come with a long list of changes…serious debate in the republican tent on if we should be the party of spending…if you look at the last two increases 25% increase in state spending…we increased 13% versus the national average of 7%…that goes to the impact of SOIL CONDITIONS(hahaha)
Does the buck stop with you? Average Unemployment is largest its been in over 30 years. Does the buck stop with you?
MS: Absolutely…everything in politics is relative…we had lost 20,000 jobs…we have gained 134,000 jobs in the last 4 years….we have gained 2500 small business…we are improving the business conditions…we have had the best years in 15 years in bringing industry to the state…the person who calculates the rate says that half of our employment rate is the population growth…we have gained jobs and gained people
TM: (I couldn’t blog this because he made no sense)
MS: This isn’t what I have said. Until the last person standing has the job opportunity we will not be satisfied…whether it is poly america in Chester, or Mohawk here in the PeeDee….we are gaining jobs.
TM: You are out of touch, you just don’t get it.
Offshore Drilling off of our Grand Strand?
TM: Opposed…tourism is our #1 energy, we don’t need to jepordize that…
MS: We agree on this…14 Million People a year come to Myrtle Beach…one oil spill would stop attracting tourists to this part….
Why did you go to Georgia to the NAACP debate?
MS: I don’t have the ability to end the boycott. They have to make that decision…I have been elected governor to represent all people in SC…whenever a group like the NAACP decides to meet…the boycott is ineffective and would be better placed in education and healthcare…
You did not go, are you taking votes for granted?
TM: When I found out this was gonna be in Augusta, GA I did not think it proper for a candidate governor to be apart of the economic boycott of SC…I respect their decision…
Sen. Moore…you and the governor would like to see the state tax system overhauled…how would you increase spending for roads while promising tax breaks for people?
TM: We don’t agree on Cigarette Tax…we want to talk about everything…
MS: The bottom line is that he is for a 100million dollar tax increase…it is important that there is a pattern of voting for tax increases, or proposing the largest tax increase in our states history..
The federal government has paid for projects…81 Millions to I-73…are you willing to push for progress on money for I-73?
MS: This road is important for business as well as in the event of a hurricane…in congress I helped change I-73 to go to Myrtle Beach instead of Charleston..
TM: Look at the state infrastructure bank and look at tolling…work with congressional delegation to get more federal funds…when you are always calling stuff a cost instead of an investment there is a problem
Why do you oppose Tuition Tax Credits, Sen. Moore?
TM: Product of Public Education. I believe in PublicEd…it is the cornerstone of Democracy(what in the world is he talking about?)
MS: We have long endorsed TTC because we don’t believe money is the only key…Teacher pay is above the SouthEastern Average…Top 5 States in allocating more money…how can more money get to the classroom? We have seen in 11 other states that more choices for education has helped with Public Education. We opperate on this system in SC. We give money for students to go to private schools like furman instead of Clemson
TM: We have heard about all these 11 states. There are targeted areas and not a one is statewide and none have said if it works or not.
You have accused of many different things…many of these have been met with strong oppostion…will you continue with this way of governing?
MS: We have to change the opperating mode in SC…we are the only state in the usa with a budget and control board…the executive branch controls 16% of state government…wait times at the DMV have decreased because of a change in government
TM: Carroll Campbell helped restructure…thats what real leaders do…I don’t favor the status quo…I will work with the GA to bring together restructuring…you have to build coalitions…
MS: First sitting Governor to ever come to a subcommittee to speak about government restructuring…you have to plow the field before you plant it, and grow the field before you harvest it…it took 7 years for Carroll Campbell to restructure…Governor Riley had after 7 years the penny sales tax went through
TM: Restructuring can and will work…the governor says that if you give me more power and I will get things done..
How will you help lower coastal insurance rates?
TM: We have to sit down and talk…I went to a condo board meeting…they had begged the governors office and department of insurance to answer their questions…we need to know more about it, have hearings on it…what are NC and GA doing differently?
MS: I would say 1 we have been working on this issue for quite sometime…this has impacted not just SC but all the coastal areas around the US…the easiest thing in the world would be able to take care of the issue during the election…rates will be reset in January, so we can reset it…and set up individual accounts…
Should insurance commissioner be elected?
TM: I don’t know. GA and NC do elect.
MS: I think its important to be responsive…if you go elected it would be a mistake in the long-run…
What are your reasons for supporting the policy of giving all money for education equally across SC?
MS: Where you are born in SC shouldn’t choose your destiny…its not fair if you don’t get the same amount of money depending on where you live…the money is attached to the backpack and the money goes with the kid, wherever they choose to go.
TM: We are willing to do that, but not to the demise of school districts who currently get more money. Going private is not the answer.
Governor, will you serve out a full term?
MS: Unless the good lord strikes me down, I will be here.(laughter in the audience)
I was saying if John McCain was elected president and put you on a cabinet?
MS: I am running for Governor because of what type of SC will my kids inherit…we have problems in SC that will take 4 years and I commit to solving those problems.
Your ad says “Sanford is like a rooster that takes credit for everything” What does that mean?
TM: The governor vetoed the entire budget…he has taken credit for things that he didnt work for.
MS: Bill Richardson from New Mexico, and the Governor of Oklahoma proposed the same thing that we did in SC. (Tax Breaks etc. for small businesses)
TM: I don’t think Mark Sanford is a rooster
Financing and ethics reform?
TM: You think I enjoyed having to raise money? I would welcome the opportunity to reform financing…
MS: I have gotten contributions out of state. I was in congress for 6 years, I worked in New York got friends up there…voted with Governor Hodges’ veto on campaign finance reform…
TM: I heard the broken record stuff…I chaired the conference committee that got your campaign finance reform through. You thanked me in your state of the state address?
Are you going to seek revenge on Republicans who are not supporting you?
MS: You know thats how I don’t operate.
Who do you most admire in a politician past or present?
MS: Teddy Roosevelt…struck a great balance between corporate corruption…stood up for environment…strong on defense and a fiscal conservative
TM: Harry Truman…inherited hard times but willing to say this is how we are gonna do it.
What is the best thing about Senator Moore?
MS: He truly cares about people.
Best thing about Governor Sanford?
TM: He cares for his kids.
Closing Statements:
TM: Working experiences have helped me…bringing people together…people over policy…real progress over out of state interests…they see numbers, I see people.
MS: Apologize to any clemson fans over all this talk of roosters…We have to change in SC…My opponent is a decent man, and an example of the way things have been done in SC. Continuing this course of Restructuring.

Thoughts?
Follow up to come soon.

Liveblogging the Lt. Governors debae.

Is that time again y’all. Lt. Governor Andre Bauer vs. Former State Rep. Robert Barber in ETV/The State Debates. Be sure to tune in tomorrow night at 7 for our liveblogging of the Gubernatorial Debate.

Its 7:00 and here it comes…
Initial thoughs:
Does Andrew Gobiel wear the same tie each night?
Andre looks confused.
Robert Barber looks ruffed up.

Andre Bauer:
“Opponent is for bigger government…is a liberal democrat.”

Robert Barber:
His voice sounds odd. Like his throat is stopped up.
Not very exciting.

1st Question:
Experience to become Governor
AB: “Map commission, run cabinet agency, cut budget and grew programs. Served with Tommy Moore and we would have no problem getting along.”
RB: “I know what it takes to run a business. I have been a lobbyist. Bring an element of maturity.” He didn’t answer the question.
AB: “Put discipline back in schools” “Substitute teacher”(hahahahaha) ”We pay too much money for stuff”
RB: “Yes Sir”
Is it just me, or does Robert Barber look like an idio. I am not saying he is: he attended one of the most prestigious colleges in the South: Wofford. He attended Duke Divinity School. But the first word out of his mouth after every question has been “Yes sir.”

Robert Barber just took a cheap shot at Andre about Lexington County and Andre’s support of the Governor.

Look at the asst. moderators HAIR. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Looks like an old man reverse mohawk.

Robert Barber “Don’t mislead these folks like you mislead the troopers.”
Andre Bauer “Robert Barber is a great lobbyist.”
Andre Bauer “Lobbyist double talk”

This is one of the nasiest debates I have seen. They are making personal attacks at each other. Andre is such a nice guy while being really nasty. He puts things in laymans terms.

AB: “Why are members of your own party supporting me? Why are they trying to add additional duties to the Lt. Governors office?”
RB: “I can’t tell you that.”
AB: “I can…{I am} an enthusiastic supporter…” and hard worker

Break: Andre is winning the debate. Its almost too hard to liveblog this debate. Its not very civil.

AB: “Who has paid you? How much have they paid you? Driving doesn’t affect this job. Who has paid you does.”

Take a breath Andre.

Andrew Gobeil has lost all control on this situation and Robert Barber refuses to answer the question. Have you taken money from the Cock Fighting Industry Mr. Barber?  That is the simple question. You will not answer.

RB “I don’t approve of the vouchers. All children need a good education…good teachers, good pay…children ready to learn…learning at home…children to be prepared for more sophisticated jobs…”
AB “Highest funding since 1960. 33% goes to classroom 66% goes to administration. More discipline. More money to classroom. Involving seniors…stop giving coin phrases…parental involvement…bricks and mortar don’t educate kids…”
Andrew Gobeil just brought Karen Floyd’s name into the debate about the Camera in Classrooms
AB: We have to fund somewhere were students go…we gotta get tougher…not throw more money…
RB: We need accountability…good principals…more teacher pay…

Why does anyone want to be Lt. Governor
AB: What it is doing. We have them there now….I want to help seniors….reduce government
RB: Andre has spent majority of adult life in politics…improve seniors lives…great position to be able to address critical issues…want grandchildren to remain South Carolinians…areas in our state are suffering…

Does anyone else HATE that background? Its a throw-up-magenta….ETV needs a better background than that…. and better chairs as well..wow..

Thats the end! Thoughts?

The Jim Rex Drinking Game

UPDATE: WPDE IS NOT LIVE-CASTING THE DEBATE. I CALLED WPDE AND THEY SAID THE DEBATE WILL BE ONLINE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, SO WHEN IT BECOMES AVAIL. I WILL LIVE BLOG IT AND TAKE PART IN THE JIM REX DRINKING GAME~STAY TUNED!(8:18PM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26)
 Ok y’all. This is a family-safe drinking game. Diet Coke is the perferred drink of choice, but be willing to have fun with, and if you are legal, mix some alcohol into the equation. It will make the debate much more fun.

So get your drink of choice, and join me for the debate tonight, and play the Jim Rex Drinking game!

EVENT	# of Drinks
Every time Jim Rex says(or does)
Licks his lips(watch for it! He does it a lot)	1
Tax Credit	small 1
Private Schools	1
Public Education	1
“I was a coach”	small 1
Mistankely calls Karen Floyd “Howard Rich”	5
he says South Caro-LIE-uh(the correct way of saying it)	3
he says South Caro-l-i-nah(the yankee way)	2
he mentions he was a public school teacher	1
Everytime he mentions that Karen Floyd is not qualified	1
“Teacher Cadet” or some form	Small 1
“Unqualified”	2
Attacks Karen over vouchers/tax credit	Small 1
Mentions how much money PPIC would have cost	2 (+1 if followed by angry look)
“her kids don’t ride the bus”	3
evil	wait a really long time to get a drink you really need
Out-of-state	1
“I sleep with a special ed teacher every night”	3
Every time the camera shows….
The moderator trying to interrupt one of the candidates	2
Karen Floyd smiling	Small 1(be prepared to take a lot of these drinks)
Jim pointing at Karen	2

Very interesting…

A commenter on Faith in the Sound’s post on Karen Floyd. Sums up the Dem’s attacks. 

“Mr. Folks…

The Floyd/Rex race is supposed to be about education. It, theoretically, is of interest to the more educated and intellectually inclined people in SC. Perhaps even the more culturally enlightened among us.

But please notice that the anti Floyd people are red faced and virulent in their personal attacks against Floyd, Sanford and anyone else that stands for meaningful change in education.

They have attacked Mrs. Floyd, her mother, her adopted sons, her contributors and those that agree with her plans to invigorate education in SC. There is nothing academic about their attacks…it is personal. The harshness and bitterness of their personal screeds shows that the Floyd/Sanford plan has hit these dead beat/failure oriented “education professionals” right where it hurts them most…their pocketbooks. Take away their gravy trains of “pay for failure” and they go wild…not just polling day wild but post office melee wild.

All data shows that Mrs. Floyd will win this race…and I only hope that when she does she arrives at the bloated, loser filled offices of the Education Department…with a van full of pink slips. “
Amen.

Supt. of Education Debate, Live from Conway

I will be liveblogging the Supt. of Education Debate tonight, and have a game for all of you to try out. So tune in around 2pm for the game, and then tune in tonight for the debate liveblogging.

Post Debate