THURSDAY - Nov 01

Greenville Office Grand Opening

402 North Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC

4:00 PM ET

THURSDAY - Nov 01

Spartanburg GOP Meeting

County Council Chambers, County Administrative Office Building,

366 N. Church Street, Spartanburg, SC

7:00 PM ET

FRIDAY - Nov 02

Clemson University Rally

Strom Thurmond Institute Bldg

1:00 PM ET

FRIDAY - Nov 02

Downtown Columbia Rally

TBA

7:00 PM ET

Saturday - Nov 03

Columbia Office Grand Opening

1911 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC

8:30 AM ET

Saturday - Nov 03

Embassy Suites, 200 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC
Student Legislators 10:00 AM ET

GREENVILLE – Tim Carnes, the Republican hopeful for United States Senate who is running for the seat currently held by Lindsey Graham, today invited Graham to participate in a series of public debates, with the stated purpose of revealing key policy differences between the two candidates. The content of the invitation, which was sent to both of Senator Graham’s offices, is available below.

Senator Lindsey Graham
P.O. Box 1801
Columbia, SC 29202

Tim Carnes
P.O. Box 1162
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
http://www.CarnesforSenate.com

How Mayor Giuliani Sued For Increased Government Spending

“This guy is no judicial conservative. … what’s more troubling is that he went to court to get the policy he wanted each and every time. He says he’s a ’strict constructionist’ now, but again and again he has invited judges to be activist.” – National Review’s Ramesh Ponnuru (Ramesh Ponnuru, “Giuliani On The Line-Item Veto,” National Review’s The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/, Posted on 10/9/07)

Mayor Giuliani Claims He Sued To Kill The Line-Item Veto Because He’s “A Strict Constructionist”:

Mayor Giuliani: “The Line Item Veto Was Unconstitutional. … What The Heck Can You Do About That, If You’re A Strict Constructionist?” (CNBC, Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Dearborn, MI, 10/9/07)

But Mayor Giuliani Is No Strict Constructionist:

National Review’s Ramesh Ponnuru: Mayor Giuliani “Is No Judicial Conservative.” “Giuliani on the Line-Item Veto… This guy is no judicial conservative. I don’t agree with him on gun control or the commuter tax or the 1996 welfare reform, but what’s more troubling is that he went to court to get the policy he wanted each and every time. He says he’s a ’strict constructionist’ now, but again and again he has invited judges to be activist. And he hasn’t repudiated any of that record.” (Ramesh Ponnuru, “Giuliani On The Line-Item Veto,” National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 10/9/07)

And Conservatives Agree That Mayor Giuliani Defeated Republicans And Conservatives:

The Weekly Standard’s Terry Eastland: Giuliani “Fought And Defeated The Republican Congress” On The Line-Item Veto.  “… [Giuliani] also fought and defeated the Republican Congress: the Line Item Veto Act was one of only two items in the Contract with America that it actually passed.” (Terry Eastland, “Giuliani And Judicial Supremacy,” The Weekly Standard’s Campaign Standard Blog, www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs, Posted 10/10/07)

Power Line’s Paul Mirengoff: “Giuliani’s Argument That The Court’s Decision Absolves Him Of Any Blame Strikes Me As Specious.” (Paul Mirengoff, “The Line-Item Veto Debate, Who Got It Right,” Power Line Blog, www.powerlineblog.com, Posted 10/10/07)

Club For Growth’s Pat Toomey: The Line-Item Veto Is A “Chink In Giuliani’s Armor.” “It’s understandable that Romney would look for something [like the line-item veto] that would cut against that. It suggests a little chink in Giuliani’s armor.” (Janet Hook, “Republicans Draw Line On Veto Power,” Los Angeles Times, 10/11/07)

National Review’s John Hood Said He Was “Flabbergasted” At Giuliani For Attacking The Line-Item Veto, A Traditionally Conservative Ideal. “I am flabbergasted that Giuliani devoted so much energy at a GOP debate to attacking an idea traditionally associated with Republican fiscal conservatism, and personally with Reagan.” (John Hood, “Re: Giuliani’s Puzzling Mistake,” National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com/, Posted 10/11/07)

“I had the line-item veto. We ought to have that in Washington. It allows you to pick out the pork and pick out the waste and to zero in on it.” – Governor Romney (Fox News’ “Hannity & Colmes,” 4/4/07)

VETO #1: More Than 800 Budget Line-Items:

For All Four Of The Fiscal-Year Budgets That Crossed His Desk, Governor Romney Used The Line-Item Veto Power More Than 800 Times. Over the course of four budgets, Governor Romney made over 300 line-item reductions, 350 line-item eliminations and struck language 150 times. (Chapter 26 Of The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts Acts Of 2003, Governor’s Veto Message, 6/30/03; Chapter 149 Of The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts Acts Of 2004, Governor’s Veto Message, 6/25/04; Chapter 45 Of The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts Acts Of 2005, Governor’s Veto Message, 6/30/05; Governor Mitt Romney, Memo To The Senate And House Of Representatives Of The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts; Fiscal Year 2007 General Appropriations Act Veto Items: Line Item Accounts, 7/8/06)

• Beacon Hill Institute Executive Director David Terck: “He Vetoed Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars In Spending.” WALL STREET JOURNAL’S PAUL GIGOT: “Was Governor Romney willing to use his veto pen to do that in Massachusetts?” BEACON HILL INSTITUTE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAVID TERCK: “He most certainly was. He vetoed hundreds of millions of dollars in spending.” (Fox News’ “Journal Editorial Report,” 3/31/07)

VETO #2: In-State Tuition For Illegal Immigrants:

In 2004, Governor Romney Line-Item Vetoed In-State Tuition For Illegal Immigrants. “Romney also vetoed a number of outside sections of the budget, including: … A plan that would have permitted illegal aliens to pay the same in-state tuition rate at our public colleges and universities as Massachusetts citizens.” (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, “Romney Signs $22.402B Fiscal Year 2005 ‘No New Tax’ Budget,” Press Release, 6/25/04)

VETO #3: A Moratorium On Charter Schools:

In 2004, Governor Romney Line-Item Vetoed A Moratorium On Opening New Charter Schools. “Romney also vetoed a number of outside sections of the budget, including: … A moratorium on the opening of five new charter schools in North Adams, Lynn, Salem, Marlborough and Cambridge.” (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, “Romney Signs $22.402B Fiscal Year 2005 ‘No New Tax’ Budget,” Press Release, 6/25/04)

VETO #4: A Tax On Prescription Drugs:

In 2003, Governor Romney Line-Item Vetoed A Provision That Would Have Renewed A Prescription Drug Tax. “Specific vetoes include language that would have: … Renewed the ill-conceived $1.30 pharmacy tax levied on every prescription filled, which has a disproportionate impact on senior citizens and others who live on fixed incomes. This tax was scheduled to be reduced to 65 cents on July 1, 2004, but with Romney’s veto will no longer be imposed.” (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, “Romney Signs No New Tax Budget In Time For New Fiscal Year,” Press Release, 6/30/03)

VETO #5: A Provision That Would Have Weakened Massachusetts’ English Immersion Program:

In 2003, Governor Romney Line-Item Vetoed A Provision That Would Have Created “A Major Loophole” In Massachusetts’ English Immersion Law. “Specific vetoes include language that would have: … Changed the English immersion ballot initiative to permit ‘two-way’ bilingual programs, creating a major loophole in the new law.” (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, “Romney Signs No New Tax Budget In Time For New Fiscal Year,” Press Release, 6/30/03)

VETO #6: $150,000 To Study The Winter Moth:

In 2006, Governor Romney Line-Item Vetoed $150,000 For The University Of Massachusetts To Study The Winter Moth. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, “Romney Vetoes Wasteful Spending, Cites Need To Maintain Fiscal Discipline,” Press Release, 6/24/06)

VETO #7: $4 Million To Research The Efficiency Of The Internal Combustion Engine:

In 2006, Governor Romney Line-Item Vetoed $4 Million To Research The Efficiency Of The Internal Combustion Engine. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, “Romney Vetoes Wasteful Spending, Cites Need To Maintain Fiscal Discipline,” Press Release, 6/24/06)

VETO #8: $100,000 To Build A Gazebo In Braintree:

In 2006, Governor Romney Line-Item Vetoed $100,000 For A Gazebo On Sunset Lake In Braintree. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, “Romney Vetoes Wasteful Spending, Cites Need To Maintain Fiscal Discipline,” Press Release, 6/24/06)

VETO #9: A Provision Watering Down The Welfare Work Requirement:

In 2003, Governor Romney Line-Item Vetoed A Provision That Would Have Weakened The Work Requirement For Welfare Recipients. “Specific vetoes include language that would have: … Allowed education and training to substitute for the 20-hour per week work requirement for able-bodied welfare recipients. This veto saves $8 million and preserves the cornerstone of welfare reform, which has been the work requirement. Romney signed into law a provision expanding the work requirement to recipients who have children between the ages of two and five.” (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, “Romney Signs No New Tax Budget In Time For New Fiscal Year,” Press Release, 6/30/03)

VETO #10: Retroactive Pay Increases For State Employees:

In 2004, Governor Romney Line-Item Vetoed Retroactive Pay Increases For State Employees. “The largest veto was $32 million to pay for retroactive pay raises for state employees at public colleges and universities. Romney noted the labor contracts are funded on a going forward basis, but said: ‘Taxpayers who are trying to make ends meet, and who have been denied the tax cut they voted for in 2000, should not be asked to pay for retroactive salary increases for state employees.’” (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, “Romney Signs $439 Million Supplemental Budget Bill,” Press Release, 9/17/04)

SCGOP Chairman says Democrats were never prepared to lead

COLUMBIA, S.C. – President George W. Bush today told the American people, “Congress is not getting its work done.”  The President addressed the American people from the White House after meeting with the Republican leadership of the U.S.  House of Representatives.

South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Katon Dawson today released the following statement on the failure of the Democrat-led Congress:

“When Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Jim Clyburn, John Spratt and the Washington Democrats took control of Congress in January, they assured the American people they were ‘ready to lead.’  But just 10 months later, their empty rhetoric of reform has resulted in a regrettable record of failure.

“Democrat inaction has left our troops without the resources they need to win the war on terror, and our children have been left without the tools they need to grow up healthy in safe homes and schools .  Clearly, the Democrats were never ‘ready to lead,’ and there’s no doubt that the Democrats’ abysmal record of failure will result in buyers’ remorse for American voters in 2008.”

Columbia, SC –   College students from across South Carolina will use the House and Senate chambers in the State House to present, debate, amend, and vote on policies they and other students have drafted. From October 31 until November 3, 2007, the South Carolina Student Legislature, an organization comprised of students from 17 colleges and universities, will meet in Columbia to hold its annual Fall Session.

This year, Republican presidential primary candidate Ron Paul will speak to the SCSL on Saturday, November 3 at 10 a.m. in the Embassy Suites Conference Center.   Paul will provide the students with an opportunity to discuss their hopes of future policies with a seasoned politician.

Also speaking during the students’ stay in Columbia will be S.C. Sen. Ronnie Cromer, receiving the organization’s Legislature of the Year Award, and Jim Rex, S.C. Superintendent of Education.

Along with hearing from the above mentioned men, members of SCSL will be busy debating their pieces of legislation.  The bills and resolutions that are passed by both the House and Senate chambers and are signed by SCSL’s governor are placed into a Journal of Acts and Resolutions.  The students then hand deliver the journal to the actual State Representatives, ensuring that the voice of South Carolina’s youngest generation of policy makers is heard. 

The South Carolina Student Legislature was founded in 1956 by Dr. Douglas Carlisle and is the oldest model legislature in the country.  Although college students now, members will be the future business leaders, law makers and active citizens of South Carolina, using their experiences in this organization to embark on bright futures.

###

Two-day swing will include stops in Cheraw, Lancaster and Rock Hill and Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina – On Friday, November 2nd Senator John Edwards will return to his native state for a two-day campaign swing with stops in Cheraw, Lancaster, Rock Hill and Columbia. On Friday, November 2nd, Senator Edwards will hold a town hall meeting on the Town Green in Cheraw. He will then meet with former employees of the Springs textile mill in Lancaster before touring the Blackmon Road Community in Rock Hill. On Saturday, November 3rd, Senator Edwards will host a fundraiser for State Senate candidate and Edwards endorser Representative Bill Clyburn.

Friday, November 2nd, 2007

10:45 AM
Senator Edwards to hold a Town Hall meeting
Town Green
Market Street
Cheraw, South Carolina
** Press Avail to follow

1:00 PM
Senator Edwards to hold roundtable discussion with former employees of Springs textile mills
Location TBD
Lancaster, South Carolina
**Press Avail to follow

2:45 PM
Senator Edwards and actor Danny Glover to tour the Blackmon Road Community and A Place for Hope
1020 Archer Drive
Rock Hill, South Carolina
**Press Avail to follow

Saturday, November 3rd

10:00 AM
Eggs and bacon with Edwards and Clyburn
Senator Edwards to host a fundraiser for Representative Bill Clyburn
Doors open at 9:30 AM
Mac’s on Main
1710 Main Street
Columbia, South Carolina
**Press avail to follow

John McCain will begin a three day swing through South Carolina this Thursday, November 1^st and ending Saturday, November 3^rd. Feel free to bring your friends and family to one of the many campaign stops listed below. We look forward to seeing you there!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2007

MRYTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA

TOWN HALL MEETING
11:45 A.M.
Coastal Carolina University
Wall Auditorium
119 Chanticlear Drive
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
To RSVP, click here or
Call 888.440.5448
FREE FOOD AND DOOR PRIZE DRAWING!

GOOSE CREEK, SOUTH CAROLINA

ADDRESS CHARLESTON AREA COMBINED ROTARY
3:00 P.M.
Oaks Country Club
130 Oaks Avenue
Goose Creek, South Carolina
To RSVP, click here or
Call 888.440.5448
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2007

LEXINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

ADDRESS “TAILGATING FOR TORRENCE”
6:00 P.M.
White Knoll High School
Cafeteria
5643 Platt Springs Road
Lexington, South Carolina
To RSVP, click here or
Call 888.440.5448

ABOUT TAILGATING FOR TORRENCE: There is a $10 admission fee to attend this event. All proceeds will go to the dedication of the Joshua L. Torrence Fieldhouse at White Knoll High School. Joshua Torrence was a graduate of White Knoll High School. In April of 2004, he joined the Marine Corps. Later that year, while serving in Fallujah, Joshua made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

PRE-GAME CEREMONY HONORING JOSHUA L. TORRENCE AND VETERANS
7:10 P.M.
White Knoll High School
Football Stadium
5643 Platt Springs Road
Lexington, South Carolina
To RSVP, click here or
Call 888.440.5448
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2007

IRMO, SOUTH CAROLINA

MEET AND GREET
8:45 A.M.
Hot Dog Heaven
7444 Broad River Road
Irmo, South Carolina
To RSVP, click here or
Call 888.440.5448
FREE FOOD AND DOOR PRIZE DRAWING!

SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

MEET AND GREET
11:15 A.M.
The Garden House Bed and Breakfast
302 South Main Street
Simpsonville, South Carolina
To RSVP, click here or
Call 888.440.5448
FREE FOOD AND DOOR PRIZE DRAWING!

Riverboats and barges have been used for trade for many centuries. “The inland waterways of this country carried over 630 million tons of cargo at a value of 73 billion dollars last year. This cargo moves at an average savings of $10.67 per ton over the cost of shipping by alternative modes. This translates into over $7 billion annually in transportation savings to America’s economy. Virtually all American consumers benefit from these lower transportation costs.” (US Army Corps of Engineers article titled “Inland waterway Navigation - Value to the Nation“, 2000). Riverboats plied the Congaree and Santee Rivers from Columbia to Georgetown until the Lakes were built.The State still wanted to use the water for transportation to carry commerce when Lakes Marion and Moultrie were built, but they wanted to go to Charleston instead of Georgetown. That is why they dredged the diversion canal and the tailrace canal to the Cooper River. The State constructed the Pinopolis lock at Jefferies Hydroelectric Station. It was the highest single-lift lock in the world at the time of construction. “Jefferies Generating Station - Hydro 1,2,3,4,6 — These units marked the foundation of the Santee Cooper generating system, the nation’s first state-owned hydroelectric and navigation project. The units are part of the first hydroelectric project constructed in a tidal area, and the first diversion in the U.S. of one river (Santee) to another (Cooper) for power generation and navigation.” (stated in an article on the Santee - Cooper website). Right after this project was completed, trucks started hauling cargo. The trucks were faster, fuel cheaper, and the roads not crowded. Now the trucks crowd the roads and bridges, tear them up by being overweight, and fuel costs are rapidly rising. The river and lakes are not crowded, there are no weight limits, and you can not wear them out.

Why does South Carolina need a barge service?

Barges pushed by a tugboat use 88% less fuel per ton of cargo than a truck and 55% less than a train. One barge replaces about 60 trucks. It would take truck traffic off our roads and would have 88% less pollution. The barges would move containers of cargo from the Port of Charleston to near Santee, South Carolina. The port of Charleston handled 1.8 million containers and a lot of bulk cargo (grain, wood products, textiles and paper products). (S.C. State Ports Authority website). The tugboats would push barges back down with containers filled with South Carolina products, bulk (forest products, paper products, textiles, scrap metal and farm products). These savings would be passed on to consumers. The shipping costs for South Carolina producers would be reduced, making our exports cheaper to foreign customers. Plants, mills and other companies would locate along the barge route with cheaper freight costs for their raw materials. Some existing companies and starting companies are showing interest in cheaper freight cost.

There are some people who live on the lakes that don’t want barges on them. The lakes are managed by Santee-Cooper, which are owned by The State of South Carolina. As previously stated, every thing that was done in the construction of the lakes and rivers were for power generation, navigation and now recreation. The barge company would help create a lot of jobs for the counties around the lakes and river. The manufacturing plants would pay property taxes for the schools and other needs in some of our state’s poorest areas. Our homes would not be taxed as much. Greenville County has a lot of industry and their property taxes are less on their homes and vehicles. These lakes and the river can be used by everyone and no one particular use would interfere with another ones’ use. The Corps of Engineers would maintain a higher water level for safe navigation. There would not be much noise from the tugboats as their engines are below the water line. A barge does not make a wake at 4 knots. It would not bother the fish, wildlife or the environment. The sewage on the tugboats would have to be disposed of at an approved dump station. It is against the law to dump sewage in our lakes and rivers.

The only negative thing is that barges are slower than trucks. A truck can be at Santee in ½ day, a barge would take two days. The time frame should not matter very much as the containers have been on a ship for several weeks. Everyone that would be effected by this should work together to make it happen for the good of all South Carolinians.

David R. Whetsell

Lexington, S.C.29073

Boston, MA – Today, Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) announced his endorsement of Governor Mitt Romney for President of the United States.  Senator Gregg is New Hampshire’s Senior Senator, and in 2004, he received the highest number of votes in any election in the state’s history.  He will be joining Governor Romney as he campaigns throughout New Hampshire today and in the coming weeks and months.

“I am proud to stand alongside Governor Romney as he campaigns to build a stronger America.  For months, the people of New Hampshire have had the opportunity to meet Governor Romney all over the state and listen to his ideas for bringing change to Washington.  Mitt Romney embodies New Hampshire’s values – values that stress government living within its means, lower taxes, a stronger military and stronger families,” said Senator Gregg.  “Governor Romney is the strong leader we need to lead America forward.  He has the experience, vision and values needed to be our next President.”

Making today’s announcement, Governor Romney said, “For nearly thirty years, Judd Gregg has served the citizens of New Hampshire with distinction, championing our shared conservative values.  As New Hampshire’s Senior Senator, he has always fought to do what is right for the people of his state, and he is one of the most respected fiscal watchdogs in Congress.  Judd Gregg’s leadership and support is a significant addition to our campaign to build a stronger America.  As we head into New Hampshire’s First in the Nation Primary, I am proud to have Judd Gregg and grassroots supporters from all across the state at my side.” 

Background On Senator Judd Gregg:

Senator Judd Gregg Is Serving His Third Term In The United States Senate.  Senator Gregg holds a number of key leadership and committee positions, including serving as both the Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee and as Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Agencies.  Senator Gregg also sits on the Senate HELP Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee.  With these positions, Senator Gregg has been a prominent voice in the national debate on such vital issues as overseeing the federal budget, homeland security, national defense, education, international affairs, law enforcement, Social Security, and health care.

During his service in the Senate, Senator Gregg has worked to secure our homeland and to defend our nation against terrorism locally and nationally; to promote responsible federal spending; to increase America’s energy independence; to support pro-economic growth policies in New Hampshire and the nation; and to protect New Hampshire’s environment.  Senator Gregg has especially focused on reducing the federal budget deficit and addressing the growth of entitlements.

Senator Gregg has the unique honor of being the first elected official in state history to serve in each of the following positions:  three terms as United States Senator, 1993-present; two terms as Governor of New Hampshire, 1989-1993; four terms as United States Representative for New Hampshire’s Second Congressional District, 1981-1989; and one term as Executive Councilor for New Hampshire’s Council District 5, 1979-1981.

He is a New Hampshire native and is married to Kathleen MacLellan Gregg.  They have two daughters, Molly and Sarah, and a son, Joshua.  Senator and Mrs. Gregg are residents of Rye Beach, New Hampshire.