Statewide endorsements: Democratic primary for Governor
While the Blogland fully expects to endorse the Republican gubernatorial nominee this fall, it is going to exercise a little editorial discretion and recommend a candidate in the Democratic primary for Governor:
The Blogland encourages Democrats who turn out on June 8 to 1) stay on their side of the ballot and 2) vote for Robert Ford for the Democratic nomination.
You can stop laughing now. Ok, maybe you can't, but in any event, we'll discuss our impressions of the candidates.
Jim Rex is an absolute joke. He's been criticized numerous times, such as when he used state email to announce his candidacy, and conducted political operations out of his state office and payroll. Oh, let's not forget our public schools suck - that's important as well.
Either Rex is profoundly clueless or totally dishonest, but in any event, the state would be ill served by electing him Governor, but Republicans may find him an excellent target in the fall if he is the nominee.
We've met State Senator Vincent Sheheen and we like him. He's thoughtful, friendly, and not abrasively partisan. We believe that if he remains in the Senate, he will continue to be a thoughtful bridge-builder. For the time being, that's where he should stay.
State Senator Robert Ford is our pick for the most basic reason: his record of service is unmatched by many Democrats. He's held office since the early 1970s, first on Charleston City Council, and then in the Senate since 1992.
On the issues, Robert Ford offers something other Democrats don't always do good at: honesty. Whatever he is, he is honest about it, especially his support for legalized gambling (which we oppose) and allowing parents to choose which schools their children attend (which we support). He's also not afraid to work with Republicans, such as helping forge a compromise on the Confederate flag issue, as well as coming out for school choice.
Democrats who want someone who has experience and isn't a defender of the status quo should give Robert Ford a chance. He's certainly more experienced and candid, as well as more entertaining, than some of their past nominees.
One one side of this is the fact that, if elected, Robert would bring a burr under the saddle of the Dems to make his administration successful and offer Robert to make it successful inspite of the state party. Robert, though often outspoken IS a shrewd bridge builder, which one of his opponents as you note needs to stay put and work on in the upper house.
Earl, you fellow commie pinko acid rocker... you got this one right.
Mark it down: Sheheen takes the Democratic nod AND takes the general.