Another report that several factors could make the upcoming reapportionment very favorable to Republicans' congressional candidates in 2012:

Redistricting projections indicate a bright future for the Republican Party.

GOP-leaning states such as Arizona, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Utah are poised to reap the benefits of a population shift and gain a House seat each after the 2010 census, according to a new report from Election Data Services (EDS). Republican-friendly Texas could gain as many as four seats.

Meanwhile, Democratic-leaning states such as Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan and New Jersey are poised to lose one congressional seat apiece, if the projections hold true, while New York and Ohio could lose two seats each.

Meanwhile, the DCCC is beefing up its ad buy in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., which could go to help Reps. Chris Carney (D-Pa.) and Kanjorski. It has already reserved more than $750,000 in the media market but has doubled that to $1.5 million, according to a GOP strategist.

The committee also has yet to spend in districts represented by several longtime Democratic incumbents who face real challenges this fall, including Reps. John Spratt (S.C.), Ike Skelton (Mo.), Chet Edwards (Texas) and Pomeroy.

It’s canceled two ad buys in North Dakota for Pomeroy.

The NRCC has spent close to half a million dollars targeting those incumbents

Already deep in trouble with the feds on drug charges, former Lee County Sheriff E.J Melvin, who was forced out of the office in May when initially charged by the feds, has been indicted on nearly fifty federal charges:

Former Lee County Sheriff E.J. Melvin has been indicted on 47 new charges, including racketeering and money laundering, and prosecutors said Wednesday the allegations represent more layers of a complex drug conspiracy case.

They said Melvin's cooperation with drug dealers dates to early 2001, the year he was sworn in as sheriff. That year, prosecutors said in the 45-page indictment, Melvin began soliciting bribes from dealers in return for his protection.

Melvin also trafficked drugs himself, prosecutors allege, "describing himself to an associate as 'untouchable.' "

We're the Blogland and we approve this message:

We subconsciously interpret this mosque as a symbol of our own spiritual anemia, and fear the challenge it presents.

The real question is not what we're against, but what, if anything, we're for.

The tragedy is not that Muslims want to worship their god, but that we've become a stranger to ours.

Recently, the Post and Courier sounded off on the issue of higher ed construction spending:

Over the last four years, construction costs at our state's colleges have totalled about $1 billion, according to a recent report in The Greenville News. Since the recession began, building projects valued at $60 million have been approved.

College officials cite the necessity of keeping up with the demands for program improvements and growth. And they make the point that building expenses don't come from the same pot of money that colleges depend on for operating expenses.

Nevertheless, it is still reasonable to question whether a building boom is warranted during these tough economic times.

We're always looking for new ways to inform and entertain our readers. The newest effort is Blogland in the Field, which will give our readers short video interviews with candidates, public officials and newsmakers in the Palmetto State.

Episode 1 was recorded recently in Neeses, South Carolina with Congressman Joe Wilson:

• Jim Rex, the current Superintendent, is leaving after one term after a failed attempt to use the office as a stepping stone to run for Governor. His political consultant, Zeke Stokes, has been paid $122,236 since Fiscal Year 2007-2008. (S.C. Comptroller General’s Transparency Website, https://ssl.sc.gov/SpendingTransparency/VendorIndex.aspx, Accessed 9/8/2010, Vendor Search Term “Zeke Stokes”).
• Inez Tennenbaum, his predecessor, ran for U.S. Senate in 2004, losing to GOP Senator Jim DeMint. Like Rex, she left office following her failure to move up the ladder.

• Chicken Rule #1:  When facing a tough election year, don't pass a budget to avoid fueling critics of waste and spending.

• Chicken Rule #2:  Don't ever let people record what you're saying in front of an audience.

Mulvaney told reporters that he wants to hold debates in each of the 14 counties in the 5th Congressional District. Spratt signaled he's open to more meetings - including an upcoming debate on S.C. ETV - but did not specify dates or locations.

"There will be, I'm sure, a number of different forums," Spratt said.

Spratt's handlers informed the Lions Club membership they would agree to let print media cover the event, but insisted that no television media be allowed inside and the event cannot be recorded. It was reported to us that many of the members resented Spratt's ultimatum, but agreed in order to get the event to happen.

We encourage our readers to test Spratt's resolve to cover his rhetorical tracks by attending this event with video recording devices.

• 
  
  Keith Blandford, Libertarian
• 
  
  Robert Dobbs, Green
• 
  
  Ben Frasier, Democratic
• 
  
  Rob Groce, Working Families
• 
  
  M E Mac McCullough, United Citizens
• 
  
  Jimmy Wood, Independence

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.. but if he doesn't yet, he soon will.

As I traveled South Carolina during the campaign, I met many concerned citizens that wanted change and accountability to come from their elected officials. On the stump, I spoke candidly about my plans to reform state government by eradicating fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars. I made friends with many local, state, and federal candidates along the way. I wanted to share my thoughts on two of my new friends with you today.

Yesterday afternoon, FITSNews, always one to spot a good story in the making, followed up on a blog posting which discussed bloggers, sex and gubernatorial candidates.

FITS just received the following text from Earl Capps in response to rumors about him and S.C. Rep. Nikki Haley. “I’m not going to admit or deny that one,” Capps said. Asked specifically if he had ever been romantically involved with Haley, Capps said “I am not going to address those allegations at this time until I figure out what someone has gotten a hold of. That is my official position.”