GOP Lt. Governor candidates stump in Berkeley
Grits, eggs and politics were served up a'plenty in Goose Creek this morning when three of the four Republicans seeking the Lt. Governor's office visited the Berkeley County Republican Breakfast Club - Ken Ard, Bill Connor, and Tim Scott. This group, like many other GOP events and groups, has been seeing rapidly-increasing turnout this year, and the American Legion was close to standing-room only.
To make sure I behaved today, my priest, Father Titus, came along (who really doesn't get paid enough for his work in keeping me out of trouble).
All three candidates gave robust and polished stump speeches and spent much of their time taking questions from the audience- no stumbling, rambling, or running over time (they'd all have gotten good marks in one of my public speaking classes). Several months on the campaign trail has clearly refined their speaking abilities and focused their messages.
Economic development was the biggest issue for all three candidates. Tim Scott promised to work towards making South Carolina "Motor City South", building on the state's successes in attracting BMW, ICAR, and various automotive suppliers, as well as his involvement with regional economic recrutiment events. Ken Ard talked about how per capita income growth in Florence County has continued in spite of the economic downturn and Florence County had become known as one of the most business-friendly counties in the country. While Bill Connor's comments were vague, due to his stated lack of experience, he hit on an essential truth - government does NOT create jobs and government spending takes money that would otherwise have created jobs from individuals and businesses.
Seniors were also an issue. While Connor continued to push his costly "rich seniors bring jobs" proposal, his promise to end the tax burden upon military veterans and retirees shares a cause taken up here in the Blogland. Scott warned that Democratic health care proposals threatened funding for senior health care, and promised to use the Lt. Governor's Office on Aging to become a strong advocate for seniors issues.
Taxes and spending were discussed plenty. Ard talked about the "ripple effect" caused by taxes and government regulations, pointing out the absurdity of going into debt to spend our way out of a recession caused by excessive borrowing and spending. Scott pointed to a record of budgets without tax increases, while Connor reiterated his support for the Fair Tax folks, who were there in large numbers.
All in all, the candidates held their own, stayed upbeat and positive and gave the crowd a pretty good show. Thanks also goes to Charles Schuster and Nancy Corbin, who did the usual good job of running the show today.
To make sure I behaved today, my priest, Father Titus, came along (who really doesn't get paid enough for his work in keeping me out of trouble).
All three candidates gave robust and polished stump speeches and spent much of their time taking questions from the audience- no stumbling, rambling, or running over time (they'd all have gotten good marks in one of my public speaking classes). Several months on the campaign trail has clearly refined their speaking abilities and focused their messages.
Economic development was the biggest issue for all three candidates. Tim Scott promised to work towards making South Carolina "Motor City South", building on the state's successes in attracting BMW, ICAR, and various automotive suppliers, as well as his involvement with regional economic recrutiment events. Ken Ard talked about how per capita income growth in Florence County has continued in spite of the economic downturn and Florence County had become known as one of the most business-friendly counties in the country. While Bill Connor's comments were vague, due to his stated lack of experience, he hit on an essential truth - government does NOT create jobs and government spending takes money that would otherwise have created jobs from individuals and businesses.
Seniors were also an issue. While Connor continued to push his costly "rich seniors bring jobs" proposal, his promise to end the tax burden upon military veterans and retirees shares a cause taken up here in the Blogland. Scott warned that Democratic health care proposals threatened funding for senior health care, and promised to use the Lt. Governor's Office on Aging to become a strong advocate for seniors issues.
Taxes and spending were discussed plenty. Ard talked about the "ripple effect" caused by taxes and government regulations, pointing out the absurdity of going into debt to spend our way out of a recession caused by excessive borrowing and spending. Scott pointed to a record of budgets without tax increases, while Connor reiterated his support for the Fair Tax folks, who were there in large numbers.
All in all, the candidates held their own, stayed upbeat and positive and gave the crowd a pretty good show. Thanks also goes to Charles Schuster and Nancy Corbin, who did the usual good job of running the show today.
It seems that Connor needs to get back to the basics of his reason for running. Connor didn't do a bad job- he has some great ideas. But it is obvious that the others in this race are here to play ball.
I was pleased to see all of these candidates yesterday in our neck of the woods. What a great crowd!
Running for office is a big decision... I hope they made it wisely.
Oh, I almost forgot - Ard/Scott Bitch !!!
Anyway it seems to me that Ard and Connor are running very active and visible campaigns right now, generating the most buzz. I am beginning to start hearing a little more about Tim Scott but he needs to step it up and start getting around the state.