SCHotline Press Releases

Columbia - The SC New Democrats announced today they will host the “Next Generation New Democrats’ Presidential Conversation” for the Democratic presidential candidates to be held at the University of South Carolina in Columbia at 2pm on Friday April 27, 2007. “This will be a unique event to bring together the presidential candidates with college students and other young people from all across the state,” said SC New Democrats Co-chair Mayor Floyd Nicholson of Greenwood. “Over half of the audience and the question and answer time with the candidates will be reserved for those under 25.” The SC New Democrats are working with the Young Democrats and College Democrats to have a big turn out with special recognition and events for students from college campus all across the state. This effort is being led by New Democrats Rep. Bakari Sellers and Peter Tecklenburg. The Conversation will be held the day after the nationally televised candidates’ debate on Thur 26^th in Orangeburg and before the other Friday events in Columbia including the Jefferson Jackson Dinner, Jim Clyburn’s Fish Fry and the Saturday State Democratic Convention. “We will have an informal setting to encourage a real conversation and not a formal debate,” said Co-chair Bob Coble, Mayor of Columbia. “Too often we have candidates throwing around scripted sound bites with no real discussion.” Cong. John Spratt has been invited to help guide the Conversation so that it will be fair for all the participants and ensure that there is a real substantive discussion with the candidates and not just empty political rhetoric. There will be a “Meet the Candidates” reception immediately following the Conversation at a contiguous location so that the candidates can meet and talk with the young people. “Too often in the past young people have been shut out of the political process, often intentionally, and that’s just wrong,” said Phil Noble, Director of the New Democrats. “We believe in the type of new politics where new ideas are heard and new people have a real voice. That’s what this is all about.” All the event production and logistical arrangements will be donated by Chernoff Newman, the state’s leading communications firm. “We are happy to help,” said Lee Bussell, President of the firm. “We have long been committed to improving civic participation in our state and this is a great opportunity to continue this long and proud tradition of public service.” The event will be offered live to all media outlets and will also be Web cast with several interactive features to involve South Carolinians that can not be in Columbia for the events.Details about the location of the event at USC and ticket distribution information will be announced at a later date.

Long time South Carolina political operatives pledge support for Richardson for President 

CHARLESTON, SC -Today, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson named Lachlan McIntosh, a seasoned political campaign operative , South Carolina Statewide Director and Crawford Cook, an over 40 year veteran of South Carolina politics, Senior Advisor for the Richardson for President team. 

“I am thrilled to have Lachlan and Crawford joining my team,” said Governor Richardson.  “Crawford Cook is one of my oldest friends and my closest political advisors.  I am honored and proud to have two of the most respected campaign veterans in South Carolina politics on board, building support throughout South Carolina for my campaign.”

Heading Richardson’s statewide efforts is Summerville native Lachlan McIntosh.  McIntosh has worked in South Carolina politics for the past 15 years.  Most recently, McIntosh served as Executive Director of the South Carolina Democratic Party and was the Campaign Manager for the Barber for Lt. Governor Campaign.  Previously, McIntosh was the Lowcountry Director for the Edwards for President Campaign, an Aide to Governor Jim Hodges, and the Lowcountry Field Coordinator for Hollings for U.S Senate.

“I believe that Governor Richardson is the right man for the job,” said Lachlan McIntosh “He has the proven experience and record to solve the problems we are facing in America today and I am excited to be joining the team.”

Joining McIntosh in building support and creating a strong campaign for Richardson in the state will be Crawford Cook.  Cook has served as a Senior Advisor to Governor Richardson for over 15 years.  Cook was the Founder and President of a successful advertising and communications firm that did work in South Carolina and across the world.  Additionally, Cook has held senior positions in several Democratic Governors administrations in the state of South Carolina.

“I am very positive about the support we have and will further develop here in South Carolina for Richardson,” said Crawford Cook,”  “Bill’s record of creating jobs, cutting taxes, supporting public education, and balancing budgets will make him a competitive Presidential candidate in South Carolina.”

Earlier this year, Governor Richardson was the keynote speaker at the South Carolina Democratic Party Governors Appreciation Dinner, where he helped honor the former Democratic Governors of South Carolina.

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COLUMBIA, SC – (Thursday, February 22, 2007)  Members of the Constitutional Laws Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee voted favorably today on the Ultrasound law, H3355, that requires an abortionist to verify the unborn child’s age by ultrasound and review the results with the mother.

The legislation would improve the informed consent law or Woman’s Right to Know Act of 1994 that only requires the abortion facility to give the pregnant woman written information about fetal development one hour before the abortion is to take place.

Carla Harvey, a surgical nurse and volunteer ultrasonographer for the Lowcountry Crisis Pregnancy Center in Charleston, gave key testimony in support of the legislaton.  She told the panel of her abortion when she was 18 and said she was given no information before the procedure.  “I suffered a lot of consequences,” she said.  She told the panel that when a pregnant girl or woman sees an ultrasound she “bonds with her baby.”   In 81 percent of the cases, the mother decides against abortion.

Rep. J. Michael “Mick” Mulvaney, R-Lancaster, a sponsor of the bill, told the panel the purpose of the bill is not political but to reduce the number of abortions occuring in South Carolina.  No one spoke against the bill.

Members of the subcommittee who voted favorably on the bill were subcommittee chairman and bill sponsor Rep. Greg Delleney, R-Chester; Rep. Jim Harrison, R-Richland (chairman of the Judiciary Committee); and Rep. Thad Viers, R-Horry.  The two Democrats on the subcommittee were not present to vote.

The Ultrasound bill is strongly supported by South Carolina Citizens for Life, Palmetto Family Council, the SC Baptist Convention; the Catholic Diocese of Charleston, and crisis pregnancy centers.  The bill now goes to the full Judiciary Committee.

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney released a letter sent to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli urging that he pursue “a policy of strategic disinvestment from companies linked to the Iranian regime.”  Letters urging support for this policy were also sent to New York Governor Eliot Spitzer and United States Senators Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer.

In his letter, Governor Romney wrote:

“With your new responsibilities overseeing one of America’s largest pension funds, you have a unique opportunity to lead an effort to isolate Iran as it pursues nuclear armament. I request that you immediately launch a policy of strategic disinvestment from companies linked to the Iranian regime.  Screening pension investments and divesting from companies providing financial support to the Iranian regime or linked to Iran’s weapons programs and terrorist activities could have a powerful impact.  New investments should be scrutinized as long as Iran’s regime continues its current, dangerous course.” 

Governor Romney believes that for the United States, there are few more urgent priorities than standing up to the Iranian government’s dangerous actions.  Eliminating financial support for this regime is a critical first step and will support future efforts.

Today’s letters build on the five-point strategy to prevent a nuclear Iran that Governor Romney laid out earlier this year at the annual Herzliya Conference in Israel.  As part of that strategy, Governor Romney called for further economic isolation of Iran by pursuing, in part, pension fund divestment.  In January 2007, Governor Romney also helped arrange a meeting between former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Massachusetts State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill to discuss divestment of pension funds. 

Governor Romney’s Letters On Iran:

Letter To New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli:  http://www.mittromney.com/img/pdf/Comptroller_DiNapoli_Letter.pdf

Letter To New York Governor Eliot Spitzer:  http://www.mittromney.com/img/pdf/Spitzer_Letter.pdf

Letter To Senator Hillary Clinton:  http://www.mittromney.com/img/pdf/Clinton_Letter.pdf

Letter To Senator Chuck Schumer:  http://www.mittromney.com/img/pdf/Schumer_Letter.pdf

February 21, 2007
FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY

The Richland County Circuit Court issued an order today in the Layman v. South Carolina Retirement System case (the TERI lawsuit) granting attorney fees to the plaintiffs’ attorneys in the stunning amount of $8,6665,297.50. This award of attorney fees should “shock the conscience” of every taxpayer in SC. The Judge said in his order that the plaintiffs’ law firms expended about 1,400 hours on this case, translating into an hourly fee for these lawyers and their support staff of more than $6,000 per hour. This is unprecedented.

The Judge also ruled that this outrageous level of attorney fees won’t cause any undue financial burden on the state’s public pension plan. He reached his conclusion on the basis that the pension plan had total assets of $24 billion dollars in 2005. What he completely overlooked was the fact that the plan currently has financial liabilities far in excess of amounts on hand. In fact, some plan officials have identified a financial shortfall of more than $9 billion. To say that awarding these lavish attorney fees won’t cause financial stress to a system that is already at the breaking point is, at best, ignoring the facts.

If this court order is not reversed or substantially modified by a higher court, it will further threaten the financial stability of the state’s Retirement System. What’s more, it directly threatens the ability of the Retirement System to pay Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) to retirees. These attorney fees, if reason prevails, should be reduced by a higher court and based on a reasonable hourly rate. Doing so will serve the public interest and the interest of state employees and retirees.

While justice should be blind, in this instance it should not be blind to the financial facts.

Washington D.C. - Congressman Henry E. Brown Jr. (R-SC), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, welcomed today’s announcement that low-fare carrier AirTran Airways will begin service between Charleston and Atlanta beginning May 24, and issued the following statement:   

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the names of his County Chairs in South Carolina.  These County Chairs will build the Romney campaign infrastructure in South Carolina and will lead the grassroots effort in the state.

“I am honored by the commitment these men and women are giving to our campaign,” Governor Romney said. “We are making great progress in building an impressive organization in South Carolina.  I am grateful to have them on our team and humbled by their support.”

Governor Romney’s South Carolina County Chairs:

Aiken County
June Cannon
Rick Osbon
Betty Ryberg

Allendale County
Julie Strong

Anderson County
Jane Jones

Bamberg County
Susan Rhoden

Barnwell County
Dan Ross

Beaufort County
Bob Holtzmacher

Berkeley County
Cheryl Ludlam
Senator Bill Mescher
Wayland Moody
Steve  Querry
Bill Willcox

Calhoun County
Richard Sweatt
Ruby Sweatt

Charleston County
Daniel Dukes
Councilman Henry Fishburne

Cherokee County
Dr. Sam Swad

Chester County
Tot Kennedy
Alex Stroman

Clarendon County
Moye Graham

Colleton County
Joe Murrary

Darlington County
Scott Anderson

Dillon County
Nevell  Rogers

Dorchester County
Tianna Keener
Elizabeth Miller

Edgefield County
Frank Mauer

Fairfield County
Coy Richardson

Florence County
Mary Tepper

Georgetown County
Paul Hogan
Ricky Horne
Glen O’Connell

Greenville County
Dr. Robert Barnes
Marjorie Barnes
Councilman Joe Dill
Joe Haynes

Greenwood County
James Gardner
Michelle Oxner
Randy Oxner

Horry County
Representative Alan Clemmons

Jasper County
Keith Dubose

Kershaw County
James D’Alessio

Lancaster County
Sara Fleming
Al Simpson

Laurens County
Patrick Garrison

Lee County
Charlene Privette

Lexington County
Dr. Scott Andersen
Representative Nikki Haley
Representative Chip Huggins
Tim Miller
Representative Ted Pitts
Robert Schaeffer
Irby Schultz
Bill Shealy
Verona Shealy
Shirley Smith
Ottis Smith

McCormick County
Mid Self

Newberry County
Margaret Brackett
Senator Ronnie Cromer
Betty Dominick
Alan Gardner
Charles Simmons

Oconee County
Steve Sokol

Orangeburg County
Roy Lindsey
Chester Palmer
Barbara Strickland

Pickens County
Senator Larry Martin
Johnathan Strange

Richland County
Representative Nathan Ballentine
Denise Jones
Wanda Forbes
Grace Rentiers

Saluda County
Brandy Shealy

Spartanburg County
June Bond
Marlene Saad

Sumter County
Jimmy Byrd

Union County
Les Anderson

York County
Rod Benefield

Office of the Speaker
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Greg Foster
February 22, 2007
(803) 734-3125
fosterg@scstatehouse.net

Legislation adds accountability to vital state agency

(Columbia, S.C.) - Today the House introduced a bill based on the work
by the House DOT Study Committee.  The bill brings sweeping reform to a
broken agency, making for accountability and changes in how the agency
is governed.

Speaker Harrell added, “The work this agency does is crucial to our
state and we need to give them the funds needed to provide this service.
However, we do not support raising taxes, new funding needs to come
from existing revenue.  This legislation provides for that funding
without putting any additional burden on our state’s taxpayers.”

The committee began work on this legislation soon after Thanksgiving,
meeting many times twice a week.

“I must thank all of my fellow committee members for their hard work
throughout the Christmas season and the first month of session,” said
Rep. Annette Young of Summerville, the committee’s chairwoman.  “This
legislation reforms a system that is vital to our state and our economy.
I hope the House and Senate move swiftly to approve this bill and fix
the many problems that have been uncovered.”

The legislation (H. 3575) introduced today makes five major proposals:

Board. A new DOT board will consist of seven members, be required to
have five years of experience or a four year degree in a related field,
and must also live in the district they represent. A new Secretary of
Transportation will be appointed by the governor. New board districts,
modeled after the existing engineering districts, were created so
counties are not split and the needs of the state’s rural counties are
better represented.

Oversight. An internal auditor will report directly to the commission.
The State Auditor will perform follow-up audits as needed.  A financial
audit will be preformed every year.

Project Rankings. The DOT will establish objective measures for ranking
road projects to include: safety, economic development concerns, traffic
volume, and pavement quality.

Project Approval. The entire DOT board will approve all contracts over
$500,000.

Funding.  The reformed DOT will be funded $200 million over the next
five years from existing revenue streams of the general fund.

Speaker Harrell added, “Our members have been working tirelessly over
the past several months to help fix a broken system.  It is important we
bring accountability into the reforms we make to DOT, and that is
exactly what this committee has done. I applaud them on their work.”

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GREENVILLE, SC: The First Monday in Greenville Club will meet at the Poinsett Club for its monthly luncheon meeting on March 5, 2007 at 12:00 noon.   

Republican candidate for President, Kansas Senator Sam Brownback will be our speaker.

First Monday is a Republican Political Forum. Its format is that of a forum, allowing members of the club to participate in discussions with the speakers. It provides Greenville County and Upstate Republicans an opportunity to become acquainted with state and local party candidates. It also provides an opportunity for input with the individuals who govern our community. Lunch begins at 12:00 noon and ends promptly at 1:00pm.

            The public is welcome; reservations are required for this meeting. Cost of the lunch is $15.00 for members and $18.00 for non-members. For more information or reservations, call 244-5770 or click our web link @      http://tinyurl.com/36v3ef