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Gay Marriage & the Tone-Deaf California Legislature
2008-06-12 18:45:00 Taking issue yesterday with Patrick Range McDonald’s criticism of the current campaign to defeat this fall’s California ballot proposition which would amend the state constitution to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman, Alex Blaze of the Bilerico Project suggests that Golden State LGBT activists are neither tone deaf nor political ...
By: GayPatriot
Nanney forged e-mail used to attack opponent (UPDATED)
2008-06-09 02:15:00 ORIGINAL E-MAIL SHOWS HASKINS NEVER MADE STATEMENT An e-mail sent by State Rep. Gloria Haskins to an irritant in May 2007 in which the Greenville legislator allegedly made a racially-charged remark was forged by her opponent’s campaign in an attempt to mislead voters, The Palmetto Scoop has learned. In the e-mail, Haskins supposedly wrote, “I don’t represent ,[sic]you or your kind. I represent my people ,[sic]the hispanic[sic] caucas[sic]!” Wendy Nanney, who is challenging Haskins, used those two sentences in a piece of direct mail attacking the incumbent and has posted what she claims to be a copy on her campaign website. But an original, unedited copy of the full e-mail thread between Haskins and a Mr. John Gaines shows the lines were inserted after the fact into a May 10, 2007 communiqué. The Palmetto Scoop has confirmed with sources close to the situation that a SLED investigation is ongoing and that the manipulation of a statehouse e-mail may constitute...
South Korea opposition to boycott legislature
2008-06-04 15:52:00 South Korea opposition to boycott legislature
Video: By all means, let the legislature weigh in!
2008-06-03 17:54:00 We already showed you one clip from last week's FRC press conference, in which Mat Staver blatantly lied about the possibility of the CA ruling leading to legalized polygamy. Now check out this clip, wherein FRC head Tony Perkins has...
By: Good As You
Funny adult jokes-Candidate in Legislature
2008-06-01 09:04:00 A husband and wife are campaigning for a friend who is contesting the local elections. They both become so busy that they do not think of anything else but about the elections - so much so that they communicate about everything in political language.One night the husband wants to have sex desperately, but seeing the wife busy doing some work, goes to her and says, "I would like to put my candidate in your legislature. "The wife, not realizing this was meant for something else, without raising her head says, "Our party is not going to accept this."The husband is disappointed but he goes to sleep.After some time the wife realizes what the husband meant, so she wakes him up and tells him, "Darling, now you can put your candidate in my legislature. "The husband replied, "Sorry, I cannot do that. My candidate stood independent and lost his deposit!"
Three strikes for new watchdog group
2008-05-29 17:25:00 DOCUMENTS REVEAL SOUTH CAROLINIANS FOR TRUTH AND DISCLOSURE IN VIOLATION OF ETHICS LAW A new third party group established to combat the half truths and lies that arise during the course of an election appears to have fallen into its own trap after records show they coordinated with campaign consultants and failed to file proper disclosure statements. An e-mail obtained exclusively by The Palmetto Scoop contains communication between political consultant Terry Sullivan and South Carolinians for Truth and Disclosure Chairman Bill Cotty outlining the mission statement for the newly-formed group. “The ultimate goal of the organization is to demand new laws requiring issue advocacy groups that mention an elected official by name to follow the same laws of disclosure that candidates and party organizations are required to follow,” Sullivan wrote in the e-mail (full letter posted below). “We also plan to serve as a watchdog group setting the record straight whenever the...
Gotta Love NY's Legislature
2008-05-26 16:50:00 While Albany worried about cell phone coverage on the Adirondack Northway (I-87,) local residents were taxed out of their homes. Folks had to sell because of the lack of means to pay the continual increase in property taxes. Albany ensured warning signs were been placed on the north end of the park while the famous welcome sign still stands in Lake George. I can see why people flock north into Lake George. That Welcome sign is inviting. But, why would anyone from the North be happy to visit the park after looking at those awful looking, warning signs between Exits 35 & 34 on the southbound lanes? Instead of fixing the problem about New York's tax system, the legislature has found a new way to tax NY residents and companies such as Overstock.com and others are pulling out. Here is a notice from Amazon.com: Due to a new law recently passed by the State of New York we are required to collect NY sales taxes on taxable items sold by Amazon.com on or after June 1st, 2008. If ...
Talley supporters are friendly, mysterious
2008-05-25 22:49:00 SENATE CANDIDATE SENDS BOATERS TO INTERRUPT OPPONENT’S DINNER A campaign event for State Senate candidate Lee Bright turned into a bit of a spectacle when his opposition, Rep. Scott Talley, sent a boat carrying a four-foot-by-eight-foot road sign to crash the party. In the above video cleverly set to the theme song from the movie Jaws, you can see a motorboat (ed: Wedding Crashers, baby) with the offending “Talley for Senate” sign attempt to interrupt a May 15 Bright dinner at the Twin Lakes Clubhouse in Spartanburg. I think it’s safe to say I haven’t seen such a masterfully executed political move since the fourth grade student president elections when Betsy Sue Carter threw mashed potatoes at Bobby Smith, saying “you’re a stinky head.” I’m told that there were two people in boat, one was a younger individual and the other was none other than Sen. John Hawkins, who is currently supporting Talley to take over his seat. But, then...
Pro-Gun Bills Finding Difficulty in South Carolina Legislature
2008-05-24 18:46:00 The 2008 legislative session is winding down in South Carolina and while the session was productive, there are two key provisions that have yet to be passed.
By: Gun News
Pro-Gun Bills Finding Difficulty in South Carolina Legislature
2008-05-23 21:33:00 The 2008 legislative session is winding down in South Carolina and while the session was productive, there are two key provisions that have yet to be passed.
By: Gun News
Homeschool graduate running for CT legislature
2008-05-22 05:15:00 And that graduate would be none other than Judy Aron’s son, David. David Aron doesn?t let the stats get in his way. Such as he?s one of about 4,000 registered Republicans in Hamden versus about 14,000 Democrats. Such as he just moved to town about 18 months ago and is not very well known. Such as ...
Lying isn?t a family value
2008-05-22 03:24:00 REP. TALLEY’S TOUCHING, UNTRUTHFUL AD TOUTING HIS ‘IMPORTANT WORK’ The heated bid to win the open Senate District 12 seat in Spartanburg has hit the television airwaves as Rep. Scott Talley unleashed a new 30-second tearjerker. The spot brags that “every day, Talley makes the drive” 92 miles from his house to the Statehouse “instead of spending the night in Columbia like many other legislators.” You know, because he’s a family man and all that stuff. But FITSNews has found the ad to be more than a little hyperbolic in nature. [T]he ad is so good it?ll make you want to cry ? well, until you examine the economic interest statements that Talley has filed with the State Ethics Commission. Those documents show Talley attending 45 legislative receptions in 2006 alone - including 29 dinners at swanky Columbia restaurants and private clubs which were paid for by the likes of R.J. Reynolds, the S.C. Trial Lawyers Association (and the Defense ...
Election 2008: Legislature
2008-05-19 14:44:00 The Associated Press looks at the primary election defeats of six incumbent House Democrats, including some in leadership, and sets the stage for November.MetroNews talks to Mike Ross, one of several former lawmakers seeking to rejoin the Legislature this year. The Randolph County Democrat is heading toward a rematch with Sen. Clark Barnes, the Republican who beat him in 2004. With audio.
REPORT: Illegal immigrants working at SC Statehouse
2008-05-15 22:35:00 OUT OF STATE FIRM HIRED FOR REPAIRS TO STATE CAPITOL BUILDING ALLEGEDLY USING ILLEGAL LABOR FOR JOB Less than a day after the South Carolina Legislature failed to pass a comprehensive immigration reform plan, The Palmetto Scoop has discovered that an out of state firm contracted to make repairs to the statehouse may be using illegal immigrants. The pictures I have obtained show what appears to be at least three Hispanic men identified as employees of Salem Contracting, a North Carolina-based company. The firm’s truck, parked directly in front of the statehouse steps, had North Carolina license plates. When asked if they were legal U.S. residents, the men reportedly shook their head side-to-side indicating “no.” Further attempts to communicate with the men in English were allegedly unsuccessful. I am told that a number of Statehouse officials have become aware of the situation and have attempted to contact immigration enforcement officials. I am investigating this...
Harrell?s out
2008-05-13 18:03:00 HOUSE SPEAKER WILL NOT RUN FOR GOVERNOR IN 2010 The list of possible successors to Gov. Mark Sanford got shorter today as House Speaker Bobby Harrell has reportedly been calling numerous South Carolina politicos to inform them that he will not be running in two years. Numerous sources have confirmed that Harrell has been calling supporters today informing them that, after much thought and prayer and consulting with his family, he has made the decision to withhold his candidacy for the 2010 gubernatorial election. The speaker — along with Attorney General Henry McMaster, Congressman Gresham Barrett and a few other folks — was widely speculated to make a strong run for the governor’s mansion. This will almost certainly clear the way for a McMaster v. Barrett showdown, although it is possible a few other candidates could sneak in there. More to come… __________ UPDATE: In case you ever doubted that news travels fast in this state, Warren Tompkins and company be...
Election 2008: Legislature
2008-05-12 19:37:00 The Associated Press finds that "general election isn't for nearly six months, but dozens of West Virginia legislative candidates can relax after Tuesday.""That's because nearly half the races for the House of Delegates won't have major party opposition, along with about a third of Senate races," the article continues, citing records from the secretary of state's office.AP also reports on legislative candidate spending in advance of the primary: about $1.6 million spent after $3.2 million was contributed or loaned to House and Senate campaigns.The top Senate spender: Mike Ross, who "had plowed more than $97,654 into his effort... Unopposed in his party's primary, the Randolph County Democrat seeks a rematch with Republican Sen. Clark Barnes, who unseated him in 2004."As for the House races, "Sally Susman tops the list...at $72,563 as she and nine other Democrats compete for five seats in the 27th District. The veteran Raleigh County politico had left the House in 2006 for an un...
SC could get more ?ultimater?
2008-05-12 18:51:00 STATE SENATE TO FIGHT OVER BILL LEGALIZING MMA BOUTS The only place more brutal than an Ultimate Fighting — also known as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) — ring is the South Carolina legislature. So it is only fitting that the Senate will debate a bill Wednesday that would lift South Carolina’s ban on the sport, which mixes kickboxing with karate, judo and jujitsu, and direct the State Athletic Commission to regulate all fighting events. Why is this a good idea? Because we’re missing out on a boatload of cash from what has become a billion-dollar industry, duh. “You’re having events all around you, and no revenue’s coming into your state,” said Marc Ratner, a vice president of Las Vegas-based Ultimate Fighting Championship, which has looked at Columbia as a possible venue if legalized. Ratner said the sport is no more violent than boxing and attracts younger audiences. “It’s just a different form of combat sport,” said Rat...
This kid has a bright future in the SC legislature
2008-05-07 01:23:00 TODDLER DEMONSTRATES SKILLS NECESSARY FOR SUCCESSFUL LIFE AS STATE LEGISLATOR If you’ve ever wondered what some of our current lawmakers were like as children, I think this video might give you a good idea. The mohawk-sporting sprout above was taped by a local television reporter at a Chattanooga (Tenn.) Lookouts game sipping on an empty beer bottle. Sure it was empty, but once they get that first sweet taste for beer, infants never look back. I don’t think it’s too far fetched to envision folks like Sens. Hugh Leatherman and Jim Ritchie or Reps. Harry Cato and Dan Cooper or numerous others who control this state’s code of laws having a similarly “smashing” start to their lives. I’m not saying their drunkards — although most people in politics are — but just that they have a tendency to act like it. And now we see where it may have all began. Although, they threw up a pretty good smokescreen Tuesday a House panel approved a bi...
Louisiana: State Legislature Faces Important Decisions in Coming Days!
2008-05-03 01:10:00 This past week, the Louisiana state legislature discussed three important pro-gun bills.
By: Gun News
Louisiana: State Legislature Faces Important Decisions in Coming Days!
2008-05-03 01:10:00 This past week, the Louisiana state legislature discussed three important pro-gun bills.
By: Gun News
Obama and Leatherman sharing talking points?
2008-05-01 19:25:00 RNC VIDEO HITS OBAMA ON GAS TAX FLIP-FLOP, ILLINOIS SEN.’S RHETORIC SAME AS THAT OF FLORENCE COUNTY SEN. The Republican National Committee released a new Web video today titled “Barack Obama?s Gas Tax Hypocrisy.” The video hits the Democratic presidential candidate for changing positions on a gas tax relief plan supported by Sen. John McCain that the USA Today said “could save motorists $6.8 billion in taxes during the summer.” While serving in the Illinois state legislature, the video claims, Obama supported a gas tax holiday. But that record is inconsistent with his current stance. “A three-month tax holiday is a bad idea,” Obama says in the video. “It?s a gimmick that?s been tried before.” The RNC counters saying that, “as Americans are paying record-high gas prices nationwide, Obama has changed his position on providing hardworking Americans with much-needed gas tax relief this summer.” Most noteworthy for me i...
A few Wednesday scoops
2008-04-30 23:01:00 LEATHERMAN, LICENSE PLATES, VOTER ID AND HOME RULE I’ve been pretty busy lately so I haven’t been posting the usual absurd number of stories, but even if I had been around, there really isn’t anything going on in South Carolina. At least not much worthy of its own post. So here are a few stories to tide you over until something scandalous takes place, which should be any minute now: ? WHAT A SURPRISE, LEATHERMAN LIKES HIGH GAS TAXES — It’s probably not much of an exaggeration to say that State Sen. Hugh Leatherman has added a few trillion bucks in pork projects to the state budget over his career. But even he realizes that someone has to pay for his greed — taxpayers! So what better way for the entire state to fund Green Bean Museums and performing arts centers and festivals and all the wonderful things that benefit a few dozen people in Florence County than to keep paying high gas prices. Leatherman justified this by telling WLTX-TV that the s...
Ritchie gets schooled at debate
2008-04-29 23:48:00 MARTIN, HYDE TAKE INCUMBENT TO TASK ON SPECIAL INTEREST DONATIONS, ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION I wasn’t at last night’s Senate District 13 debate between Sen. Jim Ritchie and challengers Shane Martin and Max Hyde because I try to stay as far away from Spartanburg as possible, but the Herald-Journal was and they said it was basically a mud fight that left the incumbent looking like a fool. From his opening statement, Hyde came out swinging at Ritchie, trying to paint the two-term incumbent as a servant of special interest groups. While Hyde and Ritchie sparred, Shane Martin stayed out of the fracas and focused on the issues. About 100 people - mostly supporters of one candidate or another - attended the debate at Rock Water Tavern. The Palmetto House Republican Women sponsored the event. From what I hear up there, Hyde is having a good bit of success getting the special interest tag to stick on Ritchie. Which isn’t that hard when Ritchie has received $7,000 in total contri...
UPDATE: Speaker sends Senate a message
2008-04-25 19:28:00 HIGH NOON SHOOTOUT TO BE HELD AT STATEHOUSE OVER ‘DEM DAMN ILLEGALS The latest boring “he said, she said” showdown between the two chambers of South Carolina’s General Assembly might actually be getting interesting. As you can see in the footage above obtained exclusively by The Palmetto Scoop, there’s a battle a-brewin’ at the Statehouse after two members of the Senate tried to kill the much-needed Illegal Immigration Reform Bill in a conference committee meeting Wednesday. In response, House Speaker Bobby Harrell has sent a pretty stern letter to Sen. Jim Ritchie and his gaggle of conferees who are currently holding up negotiations to resolve the differences between the House and Senate bills. “Based on the events of yesterday afternoon, when the Senate refused to vote on this issue until the House obtains free conference powers, it is obvious the Senators do not understand that the House does not need free conference powers for this matte...
China story spawns legislation
2008-04-25 17:58:00 HASKINS CREATES BILL TO GIVE SC FIRMS EVEN PLAYING FIELD The Palmetto Scoop’s story about the University of South Carolina’s $36.5 million contract with the communist Chinese government has spurred legislation in the State House to give U.S. companies a better shot at winning the competitive bidding process for publicly-funded contracts. Rep. Gloria Haskins (R-Greenville) introduced H. 5088 that would make it illegal to give foreign companies a contract without first allowing U.S.-based firms an opportunity to be awarded the project. “I am shocked that state officials would send out tax dollars to communist China at a time when thousands of South Carolinians have lost their jobs,” Haskins said in press release Thursday. “It’s bad enough the federal government forces American companies to compete on an uneven playing field with China and other third world countries. But we can stop South Carolina from doing the same thing.” Critics of Hask...
These three aren?t helping
2008-04-24 22:36:00 COLEMAN, RUTHERFORD, SCOTT SIDE WITH FELONS, PERVERTS OVER CITIZENS A trio of Democrat state legislators staged an impromptu “walk out” Wednesday that may have killed Attorney General Henry McMaster’s much-needed plan to abolish parole and establish truth in sentencing. Reps. Creighton Coleman, Todd Rutherford and John Scott reportedly left the House Judiciary Committee meeting just prior to voting on six bills aiming to keep South Carolina safer from violent criminals. That action created an absence of quorum which meant members could no longer vote on the legislation. ?It is an outrage to see these three Democrat legislators walking out on these important public safety bills that our attorney general and Republican legislators have worked so hard on,” said SCGOP Chairman Katon Dawson. “The careless actions of these Democrats endanger our families and our communities because they are essentially giving criminals and sex offenders free passes out of p...
A Look at the Michigan Ballot for 2008: Proposals: Marijuana, Stem Cells, t
2008-04-23 18:46:00 Originally, I was just going to do this in one blog post, but I realized that my views on one proposal alone are going to be incredibly long, so today, I am just going to introduce the proposals that might be on the ballot this November. The following document was put out by the Secretary of ...
Michigan Legislature to Vote on Making It Harder to Raise Taxes
2008-04-19 01:15:00 On April 15th, the Michigan Senate voted down Senate Joint Resolution L, “A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state constitution of 1963, by amending section 26 of article IV, to provide for concurrence of 2/3 of the members of each house to make certain modifications to certain taxes.” There bill was defeated 24-12, with ...
Bubba Cromer has issues
2008-04-18 21:30:00 FORMER SC LEGISLATOR A LITTLE TOO INTO BIGFOOT MYTH I generally don’t care what people do in their free time, but I think former House of Representatives member and current reading clerk Bubba Cromer’s obsession with Bigfoot is starting to spiral out of control. It was cool when he won an award for his independent film about the wild, shaggy creature’s possible presence in South Carolina. But in the video above, which was posted on YouTube late last week, it’s clear that he may actually be off his rocker. Unless of course he’s pulling a Yale and his claims that Bigfoot left 18 inch footprints and ripped the bumper off “a big Chevy van” are all a joke. Because, I’m pretty sure there are a few dozen other creatures (ever heard of a bear?) that can also destroy stuff. Or it could always be the Lizard Man. Of course maybe I’m the one who’s wrong here because, Bubba does have the “experts” on his side. SHARETHIS.ad...
Elections are all about contrast
2008-04-17 17:39:00 SCOTT V. ROSE RACE PROVES IT I don’t know State Sen. Randy Scott from a hole in the wall. I’m sure he’s a nice guy and all, but after watching the above video I’m wondering how on God’s green earth this guy ever won an election. Granted the video was put together by former Sen. Mike Rose, who is challenging Scott in the June primary. And granted it only presents a few out-of-context excerpts from Scott’s “speech.” But it’s incredible that someone could say pretty much nothing and do much pretty much nothing and still get elected to two terms. The video is about three minutes longer than it needs to be and has way too many text cutaways, but it hits on the point that Scott might just be a moron. To see what I mean, go to the 1:06 mark of the video. Watch that for about 25 seconds and then go to the 2:09 mark for another 40 seconds or so. And I’m not completely sure, but I think fellow blogger Earl Capps has a cameo in the...
Kentucky Legislature Runs Out Of Time -- Again.
2008-04-16 15:30:00 The Kentucky Legislature adjourned Sine Die yesterday after "running out of time", according to Speaker Jody Richards. This running out of time is in spite of the 60 days the Lawmakers had to pass... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
By: Osi Speaks!
Thanks for the robbery, Uncle Sam!
2008-04-16 04:21:00 TAX DAY SUCKS If you’re like me and you work for a living, then every April 15 is a reminder that the federal government is probably the largest racketeer in the history of man. Seriously, can’t a guy just try to earn a mostly-honest living without enduring an astronomical shakedown courtesy of Uncle Sam? Don’t get me wrong, I completely agree that we should all pay our fair share. But it’s hard not to get pissed off when the kids charged with collecting our cash break the piggy bank every time a sweet pork project comes across their desk. Sure it’s just nickels and dimes at a time, but that stuff adds up fast. And if it wasn’t enough that millions of dollars are wasted on special interest spending every year, we have to fork over another $200 to $500 to pay someone else who understands the incredibly complex tax codes to file our taxes for us. That’s worse than a freaking racket. But I’m not the only one ranting today. Gov. Mark Sa...
Meadors makes memory miscue
2008-04-15 17:51:00 SENATE CANDIDATE SEEMINGLY SUFFERS AMNESIA WHILE FILING ECONOMIC INTERESTS STATEMENT… GOOD THING HE HAS MEDICAID CONTRACT In his bid to unseat State Sen. Kevin Bryant in the November election, Democrat candidate Marshall L. Meadors III — not to be confused with Marshall B. Mathers III a.k.a. Eminem a.k.a. the “Real Slim Shady” — is apparently having a bit of difficulty adhering to the state’s ethics laws. That’s because Meadors, who is a practicing physician at Primary Care Associates in Anderson, did not report a pair of government contracts on his statement of economic interests form, The Palmetto Scoop has learned. “Meadors should immediately amend his statement of economic interests form to honestly and accurately reflect his dealings with government agencies,” GOP Chairman Katon Dawson told TPS. “If voters can’t trust Meadors to be forthright in financial disclosures, they certainly can’t trust him to repr...
I never saw this coming
2008-04-14 17:18:00 SANFORD TO ENDORSE FORMER CHIEF OF STAFF’S SENATE BID Gov. Mark Sanford’s diabolical scheme to pick off numerous legislative opponents with a slate of loyal cronies never really reached fruition. There was chatter all over the state that Sanford supporters would rise up and oust the “status quo” politicians from Columbia, but when the filing deadline came and passed, little materialized. One race that has, however, is the already-dirty showdown in State Senate District 46 between incumbent Catherine Ceips and the governor’s former top aide, Tom Davis. And get this: Sanford will be endorsing him today in Beaufort. Sanford backed Ceips’ opponent in last year’s special election following the resignation of Scott Richardson to become director of the state Department of Insurance. I think Sanford supporting Davis is about as shocking as when I endorsed Sen. John McCain before the South Carolina GOP primary. McCain went on to victory and I̵...
With The Kentucky Legislature Meeting For The Last Two Days, A Special Sess
2008-04-13 22:02:00 You gotta laugh sometimes. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
By: Osi Speaks!
Shane Martin has the coolest events ever
2008-04-12 02:42:00 SENATE CANDIDATE SHOWING OFF NASCAR CHAMP’S CAR AT SATURDAY MEET AND GREET With a Dale Earnhardt-like mustache and a personality that exudes a blue-collar wrapped around a red neck, it’s no wonder that State Senate District 13 candidate Shane Martin (above left next to Rusty Wallace) manages the NASCAR Busch Nationwide Series and oversees the Craftsman Truck Aerodynamic Program for Chevrolet. Which means that while other candidates are holding events in stuffy old houses, rec centers, retirement homes and other lame places, Martin gets to raise money the awesome way. By “awesome way” I mean he gets to have NASCAR show cars at his fundraisers. And not crappy washed-up drivers or guys who barely qualify. He gets the real deal. Like on Saturday when back-to-back Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson will lend a replica of his No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet to Martin’s campaign from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a meet and greet at the Lowe?s and Tractor Supply park...
Kay Patterson is grumpy, ready to rumble
2008-04-11 05:38:00 REPORTEDLY CALLS CONSTITUENT A ‘SMART ASS’ I don’t know Sen. Kay Patterson (D-Richland) — pictured above responding to voters’ mail — personally, but I’ve always heard he is a very nice guy. Of course, when you’re somewhat older than time itself, are on your way out of office and have been dealing with whiny constituents for nearly four decades, I suppose even the nicest folks are subject to the occasional temper tantrum. So when Kenny Rowland of Blythewood sent Patterson a letter complaining that he wanted “the same retirement plan the legislature is voting for themselves” because “I will work my a** off untill [sic] God knows when to pay for health insurance and a retirement I can live on,” he was just asking for a verbal brow-beating. And just to make sure he fully pissed Patterson off, Rowland added, “It is no wonder you guys try so hard to keep getting elected.” The State’s Brad Warthen ...
Government knows best
2008-04-09 17:54:00 HOUSE SEEKS TO BAN MOON PIES, FRIES, PIZZA, FROM SCHOOLS In a sure sign that state legislators have become way too obsessed with luring Hollywood to South Carolina, Rep. Bakari Sellers introduced a bill that could best be described as a tribute to the Eddie Murphy movie “Daddy Day Care.” Actually, I have no idea if it’s anything like Murphy’s Daddy Day Care because that movie sucked. You could put me on Ipanema Beach with endless margaritas and my own personal drop-dead-gorgeous Brazilian masseuse and I would still leave if I so much as thought that film would start playing anywhere near me. But Sellers’ proposal to get rid of Moon Pies, french fries, pizza and other foods from public schools certainly sounds like the government is playing “Daddy Day Care.” The legislation would ban high-fat foods from school lunch programs and remove calorie-loaded snacks and soft drinks from school vending machines. That means granola bars could replace h...
Mixed martial arts legalization approved by Maryland legislature
2008-04-08 23:54:00 A measure that would legalize paid mixed martial arts competitions in Maryland under the regulation of the state athletic commission has received final approval from the legislature. The Baltimore Sun reports that the House of Delegates passed the bill late Monday in the final night of the session. After the expected signing by Governor O'Malley of the bill into law, the athletic commission will begin the process of drafting rules and training state referees. The Sun reports that MMA events would likely start taking place in the state next year.----The hysterical crying of critics who blast so-called "ultimate fighting" notwithstanding, state politicians have acted rationally in voting for legalization. Mixed martial arts has mainstreamed itself in recent years, moving away from the early bloodsport image that had all but annihilated the endeavor in earlier years.There was no good reason left for Maryland not to allow MMA under the same reasonable controls adopted successfully in ...
By: DCABloob
A few Tuesday scoops
2008-04-08 18:29:00 I’ve read through a few small stories so far today, but since I’m resorting to a “scoops” post, you can assume that none are really worth their own post. So here are a few scoops for this partly cloudy, not very warm, and mostly uneventful Tuesday: ? GO GREEN, GET A TAX BREAK — As regressive as South Carolina can be at times, we’ve been pretty good about environmental issues. Which is unfortunate, because all the Earth has ever done is try to kill us (see: earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, floods, etc.). So why shouldn’t we return the favor? Not everyone agrees with me on that though, because some people just like being wrong. In this case, we call those wrong people “environmentalists.”-; And part of being an “environmentalist”- is taking things that are seen as bad for the Earth and adding the word “green” to them. But that costs a lot of money so only the really hardcore (rich) “env...
Legislature 2008: Epilogue
2008-04-02 18:28:00 At last count, Gov. Joe Manchin had vetoed 12 (corrected figure) of the 246 bills passed by the House and Senate during their recent 60-day regular session:HB 4010 - Removing the limitation on terms for board of library directors;HB 4307 - Relating to bona fide residents wholly or solely owning greyhounds;HB 4407 - Requiring automatic tire chains as standard equipment on all new school buses;HB 4554 - Testing school bus operators every other year; SB 207 - Relating to Deputy Sheriff Retirement System Act;SB 227 - Relating to State Teachers Retirement System (added);SB 242 - Allowing point deduction for certain licensees attending defensive driving class; SB 337 - Eliminating obsolete language concerning Supreme Court clerk; SB 477 - Increasing conservation officers' salaries and length of service; SB 606 - Requiring hiring preference for summer school program positions; SB 638 - Requiring information collection from catalytic converter purchasers; SB 696 - Providing appraisal met...
Sanford: No Real ID extension (UPDATED)
2008-04-01 01:07:00 GET YOUR PASSPORTS READY Gov. Mark Sanford just announced that he will not ask for an extension to implement the federally-mandated Real ID program. He had until today to file for more time and, according to the Associated Press, he chose not to do so. The decision means South Carolinians may not be allowed to board airplanes or enter some federal facilities using only their state-issued driver’s licenses. They’d have to use a passport or go through more rigorous screening. Sanford’s decision came on the deadline to ask for more time to comply with the law. The state Legislature last year passed a measure that bars South Carolina from complying. Sanford and other governors have complained the Real ID measure costs too much. The Real ID law calls for more secure identification cards in the wake of the 2001 terror attacks. Sanford says South Carolina already meets all but a couple of the standards. [AP] This issue has been used by both Sanford and the General Assemb...
Can?t we have fun anymore?
2008-03-31 23:39:00 GRIDIRON BASH, STRIP CLUBS TARGETED BY PARTY POOPERS I’m not sure what’s been going on lately, but it seems like there are a lot of people trying to rain on parades around. Not like the literal rain that came down at the Carolina Cup Saturday and ruined an otherwise good time, but metaphorical showers that threaten two totally different things. The first set of storm clouds came courtesy of Rep. Scott Talley, who apparently prefers playing nanny government with nonsense issues to actually solving the plethora of problems faced by our state. Talley re-introduced legislation late last week that would ban lap dances in strip clubs and require patrons to be at least six feet away from strippers at all times. The bill?s aim, Talley says, is to reduce the ?secondary effects? associated with such clubs. Illegal drugs and prostitution are common in clubs? private rooms, said Tennessee-based attorney Scott Bergthold, who drafted the legislation on behalf of the Palmetto Family ...
Geography, Constitution could be problematic for candidates
2008-03-27 17:02:00 SOMEBODY PLEASE GET THESE GUYS A MAP The hectic two-week filing period for candidates seeking their party’s nomination in this year’s election is almost at a close. With less than four days to file official paperwork and pay a fee as a contender in the June 10 primary elections, rumors are still abound about who will and who won’t be running for a legislative seat. But for some of those candidates face a possible defeat not at the hands of their primary opponent, but rather by the State Constitution. Jeffrey Sewell at SC Hotline noted Wednesday that Article III, Section 7 of the South Carolina Constitution requires, “A candidate for the Senate or House of Representatives must be a legal resident of the district in which he is a candidate at the time he files for the office.” And for at least four potential legislative contenders, this could be a problem. Outgoing president and CEO of the state Chamber of Commerce Hunter Howard announced that he would ...
Legislators REALLY aren?t helping themselves
2008-03-26 23:04:00 DO THEY EVEN READ THIS STUFF BEFORE THEY PASS IT? The Real ID dilemma is a real problem. With only five days left to either comply with a federally-mandated program that requires states to impose new, tougher standards for getting identification or ask for an extension, Gov. Mark Sanford must make a very difficult decision. If Sanford does nothing, South Carolinians would no longer use their driver?s license to board an airplane. And we have already passed the point of being able to comply. So the only option left is to ask the Department of Homeland Security for more time. But if Sanford were to do that, he would be breaking the law. That’s because the wonderful South Carolina General Assembly passed a bill last year that said the state would not in any way comply with the Real ID program. Sanford argues that asking for extra time implies that the state plans to comply with the current set of guidelines, and legally, he’s probably right. The only way the governor ca...
Supreme Court: Texas Law Trumps International Court of Justice and Presiden
2008-03-25 23:51:00 Today the Supreme Court ruled in MEDELLIN v. TEXAS that Texas (and all the other states) do not need not provide new hearings to Mexican citizens on death row who were not told they could obtain consular help when arrested, as is required by the “Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (Vienna Convention or Convention).” Here’s the ...
Shealy up to old tricks, ese
2008-03-25 22:42:00 CEIPS CAMPAIGN SENDS OUT PHOTOS OF ‘ILLEGAL ALIEN’ ALLEGEDLY HIRED BY SENATE OPPONENT To call the District 46 South Carolina Senate primary race between incumbent Catherine Ceips and Tom Davis, the former top aide to Gov. Mark Sanford, a choice between the lesser of two evils would be an understatement. Add in the fact that infamous bad boy consultant Rod Shealy is running Ceips’ campaign, it’s not only a lose-lose for voters, but it’s sure to have some nasty bloodletting as well. And that first volley of gunfire came today, when Shealy “leaked” a photo (above) to the Associated Press and the Beaufort Gazette that he said shows an illegal immigrant hired by Davis to paint his Scott Street home. In the photo, a man identified as Josias Misale Ayala is seen standing in front of Davis’ front door. Shealy, who ran Ceips’ Senate campaign last year and said he plans on running her re-election bid, said Randy Bates, a Ceips staffer an...
A few Monday scoops
2008-03-24 16:07:00 PORT DEAL, CENSORED SPEECH, DEBATING AND GOOD GOLF There are a number of small stories going around today, but nothing yet that’s really worthy of its own post. So here are a few scoops for your otherwise bland Monday morning: ? SANFORD LIVES IN OWN MAGICAL WORLD — I think Gov. Mark Sanford is spending too much time reading celebrity gossip sites and taking on the persona of disgraced former pop star Britney Spears. It appears that, rather than dealing with the mess he created when he got involved in the Port Royal deal, the governor has chosen to create an alternate reality where he was the hero. Sanford said he wasn’t surprised that the deal fell through because the developer who won the bidding process was shady; which is, of course, why he went around behind the guy’s back telling that to everyone on the Ports Authority Board. Of course, now that the port sale isn’t going to happen, Sanford can say, “I told you so.” Except, that woul...
It?s Official - No Revote for Michigan Democrats
2008-03-22 23:41:00 Well, the Michigan Legislature met for the last time for 2 weeks on Thursday. It had been said that if the discussion of a revote were to be proposed, it would be brought up there, but everybody was pretty sure that it wasn’t going to be. Since they won’t meet for 2 weeks, that was ...
Senate agrees with House on Real ID
2008-03-21 17:42:00 LATEST LEGISLATIVE SHOWDOWN WITH GOVERNOR IMMINENT With only 10 days left to file for an extension in complying with the federally-mandated Real ID program, the South Carolina Senate has joined with the House in demanding Gov. Mark Sanford submit the necessary paperwork by the March 31 deadline. The Senate passed a resolution Thursday calling on Sanford to join with the majority of other states and ask for more time in applying the program, which requires states to impose new, tougher standards for getting identification. Failure to comply or seek an extension with the law would mean residents of that state could no longer use their driver?s license to board an airplane. People would instead be forced to use a passport, a military ID or undergo secondary security screening before they could travel on an airline. Sanford, who is one of four governors to neither seek an extension nor implement the program, said he hasn’t made up his mind about whether or not to act. The Assoc... |
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