Race on for Florence GOP State Committeeman
With the resignation of Florence GOP state Executive Committeeman Julian Young, the race is on to replace him. Four potential candidates have offered their names for the race:
- Susan Minck was recently disqualified from her intended bid for Florence County Council but was expected to lose that bid handily. When visiting that area before she was disqualified, we counted at least fifty in-yard sign placements for the GOP nominee, but only one for her. She recently moved to Florence, but starting at the top isn't a way to learn the ropes.
- Tommy Phillips, a past Florence GOP leader, who recently lost his bid for Seventh GOP District Vice-Chair handily.
- Mike Reino, a past GOP contender for the Sixth Congressional District seat and former Sixth District GOP Vice-Chair. He's also the well-known author of the SC6 political blog who has developed a state-wide political following between his blog and involvement with the Four Horsemen, a power circle of four long-time GOP activists.
- Renee Woodberry is a relatively new face in the regional GOP circles. A hard-working local GOP volunteer, she was recently named campaign coordinator for a rural State House candidate.
Of these four names, Reino has considerable experience in statewide politics, a key to being able to serve on the state GOP executive committee. His proven work ethic and willingness to burn up the miles will be crucial to success in this role. A political free-agent, he's not closely linked either to the current faction in charge of the Florence GOP or past leadership, allowing him to work freely to bridge local political divides and follow an agenda based on doing what's right, instead of what gets along with a particular faction.
Minck, Woodberry and Phillips all have strong ties with some of the Florence GOP factions and may carry liabilities because of these associations. Minck and Woodberry have short political resumes and no record of working with Republicans statewide. Woodberry will also have schedule conflicts between being in Columbia for Saturday meetings and being in the district where she will be responsible for a campaign for much of the eight months of the Committeeman term.
Florence Republicans have floundered since electing a slate of political newcomers to party offices, blowing opportunities presented by number of key races. The need for experienced leadership that Reino can provide is crucial.
Florence Republicans have floundered since electing a slate of political newcomers to party offices, blowing opportunities presented by number of key races. The need for experienced leadership that Reino can provide is crucial.
In our view, both the arguments for Reino and against others narrow the choices down to just one candidate. We hope Florence Republicans see things our way and make the right decision to fill this vacancy.
Rawlinson's mouth and the solicitor race was remembered by Marion County, where Grimes got all but one vote. Ditto for the other counties surrounding Florence.
But they've got friends in Georgetown County. I guess that impressess someone. But if she's elected, she'd be best not even going to state EC meetings. Nobody likes her or her bunch and it would be a waste of their time to attend.
Renee I love to death. Super lady who is doing a fantastic job raising her boys and juggling her responsibilities with Richie Yow. The question I've here is how is she going to handle Florence's business and candidate Yow's? How would she handle being in Columbia on a Sat when it's the busiest day for campaigning in his district? That's the next 4 to 5 months out of the remainder of the term.I don't think that benefits us at all.
Tommy Phillips. I respect the man and how he's help the FCGOP in the past. BUT I think it's time he allowed others their chance to grow and reach for the respect he's earned. Tommy, Let others have a chance to make a difference. Just like you were given.
That leaves Mike. I've know Mike but a few years. In those years I've found that he know everyone around the state. He knows the rocks and trees that they hide under and on. He has connections throughout the state and is well respected across this state. He did it the hard way. He earned it. It wasn't given to him. He's paid in sweat and tears.He has traveled across our old district and earn their trust. That's why he is well respected and why he should be our committeeman.
P.S. IF you can't use your name to post your thoughts you should keep them to yourself.
It appears that active members are down. If there were 30 fcgop members there I would be surprised.That's including candidates, officers and their SCGOP guests. That's 13 people out of the generous 30. It seriously may have been a 50/50 split.
Moral in our county party is very low. Many members feel like they aren't being listened to nor respected.People are voting with their absence. Members have been called names and have had our opinions deleted. People are actually scared to voice their opinions or use their voices. Why? It's our party. Leadership is supposed to lead NOT dictate. Our voices are important and need to be heard.
We were told that things would get better and that this meeting was supposed to address these issues. it amounted to another waste of time.
I want to know why we're acting like Chicago Democrats? We're not. We're Republicans. Leadership start acting like it. Address our concerns and act upon them. We don't have a lot of time before the election ramp up has to start. LETS FIX OUR PROBLEMS so we can fight Democrats and not one another.
My goals are to make the Republican Party better for all of us not just the fold. You make our party weak. I'm one of the few that actually supported BOTH sides in the run-off. I supported the Republican Party. I supported the ideals of my party and my country.
I stayed away for 2 years. I watched as the party divided and conquered it's own members. We are a house divided simply anon because you want a little bit of power.
Anon, I'm a nobody. I hold no power nor do I crave it. I know the risks I take by standing up. I am scared to death because I know the damage that will be done to me and my family. I will not deserve it simply for wanting more out of our leaders. I will be beat down like a nail with a sledge hammer. BUT the rejoicing will be short lived. For another nail will take my place. Then another and the end game is the sledge hammer will break before the nails run out.
Anon that is the nature our my country and my freedom loving people. See anon the Republican Party has more nails than you have sledge hammers or wicked arms to wield them. In the end you will no longer be anonymous and you will be despised by true Republicans. A true sadness is that you've become what you've always have hated. Power hungry and a control freak. You've forgotten that what you are doing to others was once done to you and how it made you feel.
I will pray for you. I will pray that you are able to overcome the darkness that has premeditated your soul.I pray that you review your treatment of people and turn your back upon the past. I pray that you reflect upon the pain and tears that you, personally have caused by your actions. As you reflect ask yourself what have I gain at others expense? I hope you are able to reconcile the cost to you and understand that it wasn't in you favor no matter what you gained. What you lost was greater. Ask yourself this "Is this what GOD put me on earth to do?"
I will leave you to your devices and nature.
Tonight's trivia: when Stephanie worked for Ken Ard, was she a scheduler, like she told the grand jury, or the campaign manager, like she told everyone else? Can't wait to see the answer - or her in prison jumpsuits. Maybe Kenny will give her a cozy cell?
The success of leadership is based upon winning elections. This leadership group got our candidates thrown off the ballot. Now there is no chance to win an election without candidates on a ballot.
pluvlaw, Are they actually your people that you planted in the Republican party? Because you couldn't have done a better job of planting people to destroy an election or a party. Manchurian leadership! I think I see the strings pluvlaw! Get your hands off!
I wouldn't call them losers, but hey, everyone's got different standards.