South Carolina state elections, 2006
Encyclopedia
The 2006 South Carolina
State Elections took place on November 7, 2006, and included the gubernatorial election
. South Carolina is unique in having nine popularly elected constitutional officers, including the United States' only elected Adjutant General
, all of whom will be up for reelection. The entire South Carolina House of Representatives
, one state senator and six state circuit solicitor
s will also take part in the election. Several constitutional amendments were also on the ballot.
Filing for the major parties closed on March 28, 2006, and filing for minor parties closed on August 15. The primaries for both parties were held on June 13, and run-offs were held June 27. All results are taken from the South Carolina Election Commission's official results. Percentages may not add up to 100 because of rounding.
, cigarette tax, and school vouchers. However, the race has had surprisingly low visibility, with the only major issue being the governor's combative relationship with the legislature. Job creation and public school investment have been minor issues in the campaign. Sanford leads in the polls against Tommy Moore by around 5-10 points, according to SurveyUSA
and Rasmussen
polls, despite being named one of the worst Governors in the country by Time Magazine http://www.time.com/time/press_releases/article/0,8599,1129509,00.html a year before the election and generally being seen as ineffective.
State Senator Jake Knotts considered mounting an independent
candidacy for governor, and collected enough petition signatures to theoretically qualify for the ballot, but decided not to run.
Lovelace's candidacy was largely quixotic, although it did garner some interest from disaffected Republicans and Democrats. The Prosperity doctor ran what might be called a centrist campaign, emphasizing working across party lines, health care reform
, opposition to vouchers and job creation. Sanford largely ignored Lovelace's campaign, even refusing to attend an South Carolina Educational Television
(SCETV) debate with his opponent. Although Lovelace made a stronger than expected showing in the primary, his loss was not surprising.
The Democratic primary was also a relatively uneventful affair. Moore had obtained the support of much of the state party months in advance, having declared his candidacy early. The Senator stressed his experience in state government and consensus-building politics in his campaign. Willis largely self-financed his run, highlighting his history fighting crime in Florence and bringing economic development to the PeeDee. Aughtry was a late entrant in the race, and based almost his entire campaign off the idea of legalizing casino gambling in the state to boost revenues. Holland briefly entered the race, but left when it became apparent he could not raise enough money to be an effective candidate.
account http://www.myspace.com/ltgovernorandrebauer and for his unusually young age upon taking office. Most recently, in late May, a two-passenger plane which Bauer was piloting crashed in the Upstate. Bauer's ankle was shattered, but otherwise he and the passenger in the plane survived with minimal injuries. Since, the plane crash has been determined to have been caused by faulty bolts in the plane's construction. Thus far, Barber's campaign has made far less of a public impact than the incumbent's. However, Barber's restaurant, Bowen's Island, garnered a James Beard Foundation
award for cultural contributions to the Lowcountry, an accolade which landed him in the media in several states, including Florida
and Texas
, as well as South Carolina. Additionally, Barber has achieved surprisingly good fundraising results which allowed him to air television ads nearly four weeks before the general election, earlier than any other Democratic candidate. Both an independent SurveyUSA poll and a poll from the Barber campaign show the race a statistical dead-heat, while a poll commissioned by the Bauer campaign shows Bauer with a strong lead.
The Republican primary was expected to be messy and close between Bauer and Campbell, but the former's plane crash and resulting public sympathy late in the race stymied negative campaigning. Campbell relied upon a base of support in the Upstate, where support for his father was strong, while Bauer made stops all across the state in a traditional face-to-face campaign. Campbell received an endorsements from former president George H. W. Bush
, support that was the basis of one of his television ads. Jordan, a late entrant, went negative against both camps in radio and internet ads, but never gained traction outside of Anderson
. No candidate received 50% of the votes in the primary, and thus Campbell and Bauer faced each other in a run-off.
Barber's early entry in the race and fundraising acumen dissuaded any other Democratic candidates from joining the race. Barber has remained comparatively strong going into November, and some see him as the Democrat most likely to win.
race remains a largely quiet affair, garnering little interest. The incumbent's natural tendency to avoid major public campaigning also mutes the race.
Hammond initially faced little opposition from Flynn and McKown and far out fundraised both. However, Flynn withdrew from the race and endorsed McKown, whose campaign picked up traction based on questioning Hammond's conservatism and support for the governor. McKown's attacks did not stick, however, and Hammond turned back his challenge. Although Flynn received 6.5% of the vote in the primary, his withdrawal from the race prevented those votes from being officially tallied.
Footman's late entry into the race, low profile, lack of experience and the Republican leanings of the state make it unlikely she will make any more than token opposition. In a rather bizarre moment in the race, Footman attempted to burst into patriotic song at the end of her SCETV debate with Hammond, but was quickly cut off by the moderator.
, a young millionaire and emerging politician, against Grady Patterson
, a nine-term incumbent. The race was largely fought over the state of South Carolina's employee pension fund, with Ravenel taking issue with the state's projected unfunded liability
and its failure to invest the fund in equity
funds, which he claims would boost returns. Patterson retorted by pointing out Ravenel's inexperience and accusing Ravenel of using the race as a platform to run against incumbent Senator Lindsey Graham
, which Ravenel denied was his intention. Thomas Ravenel won the election, but was indicted on June 19, 2007 on cocaine
charges, and has been suspended as Treasurer.
The Republican treasurer's race was a hotly contested one. Ryberg and Quinn were initially seen to be the front-runners, and Ryberg made a splash early by putting $2 million into his campaign. Ravenel's late filing threw the race into disarray, with most pundits projecting an upset by the young developer. Ultimately, Ravenel defeated his opponents in the primary just short of the necessary 50 percent total to prevent a run-off.
and GOP state chairman Katon Dawson called for the losing candidates to withdraw, allowing Ravenel to win without a run-off. Ryberg withdrew from the race, and initially there was some speculation as to whether Quinn would take his place in the run-off. Ryberg's campaign manager angrily referred to Ravenel's entry as "screwing us over", and alluded to Ravenel's promises that he would quit the job in two years to run for the US Senate. He then referred to Dawson as "an idiot." Ravenel responded to questions about the fracas by stating he was "above all that", calling himself "gracious and classy", and noting that "That's not how I roll. That's not how Thomas Ravenel rolls." The State newspaper reported on the imbroglio http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/14821302.htm. Ultimately, Quinn also withdrew, leaving a defiant Willis to race Ravenel in a run-off, which Ravenel handily won.
The 82-year-old Patterson was in office for 36 years, and was one of only two Democrats to win statewide office in the 2002 elections. His venerable position in the party and decision to run again precluded a Democratic primary. Questions were raised about Patterson's effectiveness and ability, considering his relatively advanced age.
The popular and effective McMaster has not attracted any opposition from either party, but continues to operate a campaign site.
aired a sketch September 30, lampooning President Bush's
low popularity by portraying Eckstrom as the only Republican running for office who was willing to be seen campaigning with the president.
has also shown himself to be an apt fundraiser, however, and has gained the financial support of large segments of the education community.
The crowded Republican primary was dominated by Floyd's campaign from the start. Floyd was able to gain the endorsements of the governor, both Senators, Republican Congressmen and state legislators early in the race, when it was presumed that she would be running against incumbent Inez Tenenbaum
. When Tenenbaum announced she would not be running, more serious candidates began eyeing the race, and Bob Staton eventually entered to become the major "Not Floyd" candidate. His race emphasized an opposition to school vouchers and support for existing aspects of public education. The other, more minor candidates, were largely united in an anti-voucher position. Ryan, perhaps the most credible of the three other candidates, distinguished himself by straying from attacks on the state's standardized test regime, the PACT, instead supporting the idea of standardized testing as a way to create standards in education. Just before the election, Wood withdrew from the race and endorsed Staton, but despite this his votes were officially tallied after the race. Floyd won the primary, barely surpassing the 50 percent tally to dodge a run-off.
Although Tenenbaum began preparing for a campaign in 2005, she eventually decided against running and withdrew from the race. Cecil Taliaferro and Ed Murray, two Democrats, then entered the race. Frank Holleman, Tenenbaum's campaign manager in her 2004 Senate run and former Deputy Secretary of Education, considered a run but did not enter the race. When Rex announced his candidacy, he received wide acclaim from the party, and Taliaferro and Murray withdrew before filing. Since, Tenenbaum, Holleman, Murray and Elizabeth Moffly have endorsed Rex's candidacy.
Tim Moultrie won the nomination of the Libertarian Party at their Lowcountry convention, fending off Rebekah Sutherland, the Libertarian Party's 2004 candidate for US Senate. Karr has received the endorsement of the South Carolina AFL-CIO and affiliated unions. His campaign is stressing the independence of the Superintendent's Office from that of the Governor, empowerment of public educators, and funding equity for all school districts in the state. He has proposed using SC lottery proceeds to subsidize poorer districts until the General Assembly enacts a permanent funding plan. Lindblad has pledged to dissolve the SC Department of Education if elected and eliminate the office of Superintendent entirely, claiming that bureaucracy is the biggest impediment to effective education. Fayyazi believes that the state superintendent should be an educator with knowledge of how public education works on the ground
campaign, the only one of its kind in the nation, was interesting not only for its novelty but also because of the entrance of an Iraq War veteran as a Democratic challenger to the incumbent. Lindmann was critical of the decreasing size of the state's national guard contingent over Spears' time in office, and also wanted to make the position an appointed one instead of an elected one. Spears countered that the size decrease is due to a national policy decision, not a state one, and said the position should remain elected. Lindman said Spears ducked an SCETV debate with Lindman in October when in fact Spears was summoned to Washington, DC on official business. The day after the debate when Spears returned from Washington, DC it was announced that the South Carolina Air National Guard
was on the table to receive new F-35 fighters. Spears was endorsed by many members of the opposing party (Democratic) as being the clear choice for the office.
One of the major issues in the Republican primary was whether the commissioner should be elected or appointed. Bell was an advocate for election, while Weathers supported appointment.
DeFelice has stressed a platform he calls "Put your state on your plate", which would promote South Carolina's agriculture industry by raising consumption of locally grown foods over food from other states or countries. He has also adopted an anti-subsidy platform that would limit direct subsidies to South Carolina farmers.
Many Republican candidates up for reelection have been targeted by the aforementioned group Conservatives in Action. CIA has engaged in a mailing campaign meant to descredit Republicans seen as "Republicans in name only" or RINO
s. Commentators have remarked that most of those Republicans attacked are opponents of a school voucher scheme, and thus suspect that CIA is somehow linked to SCRG.
) died after a long illness, leaving open House District 64, which encompassed parts of Williamsburg and Clarendon counties. A special election for the remainder of his term was called for February 13, 2006, with a primary date of January 3 if necessary.
Harvin's widow, Cathy Harvin, filed for the seat and faced Mitch Ellerby, Charles Harvin's 2004 opponent for the Democratic nomination, in the Democratic primary. She defeated him by a landslide.
Harvin ran unopposed in the special election.
Initially several Republicans filed to run for Smith's seat. Most prominent was Lewis Vaughn, 72, a state representative from Greenville
. Vaughn had previously announced his retirement from the House, and therefore had not been engaged in a reelection campaign until that point. Bill McKown, who had lost in the Republican primary for Secretary of State to Mark Hammond, announced his candidacy but quickly withdrew in favor of Mike Meilinger, a Greer
CPA
. Also in the race were Kathleen Jennings Gresham, a disbarred attorney, and Tim Macko, a former New Mexico state legislator. Vaughn and Meilinger advanced to a run-off after the September 19 special primary.
There were no major issues in the run-off aside from Vaughn's advanced age compared to Meilinger's lack of legislative experience. Vaughn, the favorite to win, cruised to victory in the October 3rd special run-off.
Frank L. Eppes, attorney and son of Judge Frank Eppes, former Democratic gubernatorial candidate, was the heavy favorite against Charles Winfield, a former employee of the Greenville County School District
who had earlier in the summer lost a Republican primary for a Greenville County Council seat. The race was given light publicity, and Eppes defeated Winfield in a landslide.
elected every four years to serve as the state's chief prosecutor
in each circuit. In 2006, there will be seven solicitor elections. In all but one, the incumbent is running unopposed. In the seventh race, a Democrat is running unopposed.
In the 6th Circuit (Chester
, Lancaster and Fairfield counties), two Democrats faced off in a primary for an open solicitor's seat after the death of long-time incumbent John Justice. Doug Barfield beat Tyre Lee in a lopsided victory, therefore becoming the solicitor-elect.
Supreme Court case, in which the Supreme Court backed the power of governments to seize land for the use of private development projects. The amendment would prevent governments in South Carolina from doing so, as well as eliminate constitutional clauses that give certain counties slum-clearing and redevelopment power.
. County, school board and municipal elections will also be held across the state.
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
State Elections took place on November 7, 2006, and included the gubernatorial election
South Carolina gubernatorial election, 2006
The 2006 South Carolina gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 2006. Incumbent Republican Governor Mark Sanford was running for re-election against Democratic State Senator Tommy Moore and became only the third Republican governor in South Carolina to win a second term...
. South Carolina is unique in having nine popularly elected constitutional officers, including the United States' only elected Adjutant General
Adjutant general
An Adjutant General is a military chief administrative officer.-Imperial Russia:In Imperial Russia, the General-Adjutant was a Court officer, who was usually an army general. He served as a personal aide to the Tsar and hence was a member of the H. I. M. Retinue...
, all of whom will be up for reelection. The entire South Carolina House of Representatives
South Carolina House of Representatives
The South Carolina House of Representatives is the lower house of the South Carolina General Assembly, the upper house being the South Carolina Senate. It consists of 124 Representatives elected to two year terms at the same time as US Congressional elections...
, one state senator and six state circuit solicitor
Solicitor
Solicitors are lawyers who traditionally deal with any legal matter including conducting proceedings in courts. In the United Kingdom, a few Australian states and the Republic of Ireland, the legal profession is split between solicitors and barristers , and a lawyer will usually only hold one title...
s will also take part in the election. Several constitutional amendments were also on the ballot.
Filing for the major parties closed on March 28, 2006, and filing for minor parties closed on August 15. The primaries for both parties were held on June 13, and run-offs were held June 27. All results are taken from the South Carolina Election Commission's official results. Percentages may not add up to 100 because of rounding.
Governor
Before the general election campaign, major issues in the race were expected to likely be South Carolina's property taxProperty tax
A property tax is an ad valorem levy on the value of property that the owner is required to pay. The tax is levied by the governing authority of the jurisdiction in which the property is located; it may be paid to a national government, a federated state or a municipality...
, cigarette tax, and school vouchers. However, the race has had surprisingly low visibility, with the only major issue being the governor's combative relationship with the legislature. Job creation and public school investment have been minor issues in the campaign. Sanford leads in the polls against Tommy Moore by around 5-10 points, according to SurveyUSA
SurveyUSA
SurveyUSA is a polling firm in the United States. It conducts market research for corporations and interest groups, but is best known for conducting opinion polls for various political offices and questions...
and Rasmussen
Rasmussen Reports
Rasmussen Reports is an American media company that publishes and distributes information based on public opinion polling. Founded by pollster Scott Rasmussen in 2003, the company updates daily indexes including the President's job approval rating, and provides public opinion data, analysis, and...
polls, despite being named one of the worst Governors in the country by Time Magazine http://www.time.com/time/press_releases/article/0,8599,1129509,00.html a year before the election and generally being seen as ineffective.
State Senator Jake Knotts considered mounting an independent
Independent (politician)
In politics, an independent or non-party politician is an individual not affiliated to any political party. Independents may hold a centrist viewpoint between those of major political parties, a viewpoint more extreme than any major party, or they may have a viewpoint based on issues that they do...
candidacy for governor, and collected enough petition signatures to theoretically qualify for the ballot, but decided not to run.
Republican primary
- Mark SanfordMark SanfordMarshall Clement "Mark" Sanford Jr. is an American politician from South Carolina, who was the 115th Governor of South Carolina from 2003 to 2011....
- incumbent Governor, former Realtor and U.S. RepresentativeUnited States House of RepresentativesThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution... - Oscar LovelaceOscar LovelaceOscar Fred Lovelace is a physician in Prosperity, South Carolina. He was a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor of South Carolina. In the primary, scheduled for June 13, 2006, he sought to unseat the incumbent Republican governor, Mark Sanford...
- physician
Lovelace's candidacy was largely quixotic, although it did garner some interest from disaffected Republicans and Democrats. The Prosperity doctor ran what might be called a centrist campaign, emphasizing working across party lines, health care reform
Health care reform
Health care reform is a general rubric used for discussing major health policy creation or changes—for the most part, governmental policy that affects health care delivery in a given place...
, opposition to vouchers and job creation. Sanford largely ignored Lovelace's campaign, even refusing to attend an South Carolina Educational Television
South Carolina Educational Television
South Carolina Educational Television is the statewide public television and public radio network in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It consists of all the Public Broadcasting Service member [television stations and National Public Radio member radio stations in the state...
(SCETV) debate with his opponent. Although Lovelace made a stronger than expected showing in the primary, his loss was not surprising.
| Governor - Republican Primary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | % |
Democratic primary
- Tommy MooreTommy Moore (politician)Tommy L. Moore is a South Carolina businessman and former state politician who is now an executive of a payday lending association in Washington, D.C...
- State Senator from Aiken CountyAiken County, South CarolinaAiken County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. In 2000, its population was 142,552; in 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that its population had reached 160,099...
and businessman - Frank Willis - mayor of FlorenceFlorence, South Carolina-Municipal government and politics:The City of Florence has a council-manager form of government. The mayor and city council are elected every four years, with no term limits...
- C. Dennis Aughtry - attorney
- Kenneth Lamar HollandKenneth Lamar HollandKenneth Lamar Holland is a Democratic former member of the United States House of Representatives from South Carolina.Holland was born in Hickory, North Carolina on November 24, 1934. He attended public schools in Gaffney, South Carolina. Holland served in the National Guard from 1952 to 1959. ...
(withdrew) - former U.S. Representative
The Democratic primary was also a relatively uneventful affair. Moore had obtained the support of much of the state party months in advance, having declared his candidacy early. The Senator stressed his experience in state government and consensus-building politics in his campaign. Willis largely self-financed his run, highlighting his history fighting crime in Florence and bringing economic development to the PeeDee. Aughtry was a late entrant in the race, and based almost his entire campaign off the idea of legalizing casino gambling in the state to boost revenues. Holland briefly entered the race, but left when it became apparent he could not raise enough money to be an effective candidate.
| Governor - Democratic Primary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | % |
Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor's race has been dominated by the missteps of André Bauer, who has been stopped by police officers for speeding - once going 101 miles an hour - repeatedly since taking office. Bauer has also been derided for his personal MySpaceMySpace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
account http://www.myspace.com/ltgovernorandrebauer and for his unusually young age upon taking office. Most recently, in late May, a two-passenger plane which Bauer was piloting crashed in the Upstate. Bauer's ankle was shattered, but otherwise he and the passenger in the plane survived with minimal injuries. Since, the plane crash has been determined to have been caused by faulty bolts in the plane's construction. Thus far, Barber's campaign has made far less of a public impact than the incumbent's. However, Barber's restaurant, Bowen's Island, garnered a James Beard Foundation
James Beard Foundation
The James Beard Foundation is a New York-based national professional non-profit organization named in honor of James Beard that serves to promote the culinary arts by honoring chefs, wine professionals, journalists, and cookbook authors at annual award ceremonies and providing scholarships and...
award for cultural contributions to the Lowcountry, an accolade which landed him in the media in several states, including Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
and Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, as well as South Carolina. Additionally, Barber has achieved surprisingly good fundraising results which allowed him to air television ads nearly four weeks before the general election, earlier than any other Democratic candidate. Both an independent SurveyUSA poll and a poll from the Barber campaign show the race a statistical dead-heat, while a poll commissioned by the Bauer campaign shows Bauer with a strong lead.
Republican primary
- André BauerAndré BauerRudolph Andreas "André" Bauer was the 87th Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina from 2003 to 2011. He is a member of the Republican Party...
(Incumbent) - former state RepresentativeSouth Carolina House of RepresentativesThe South Carolina House of Representatives is the lower house of the South Carolina General Assembly, the upper house being the South Carolina Senate. It consists of 124 Representatives elected to two year terms at the same time as US Congressional elections...
from Lexington County and businessman - Mike Campbell - son of former Governor Carroll Campbell, businessman
- Henry Jordan - frequent candidate
The Republican primary was expected to be messy and close between Bauer and Campbell, but the former's plane crash and resulting public sympathy late in the race stymied negative campaigning. Campbell relied upon a base of support in the Upstate, where support for his father was strong, while Bauer made stops all across the state in a traditional face-to-face campaign. Campbell received an endorsements from former president George H. W. Bush
George H. W. Bush
George Herbert Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 41st President of the United States . He had previously served as the 43rd Vice President of the United States , a congressman, an ambassador, and Director of Central Intelligence.Bush was born in Milton, Massachusetts, to...
, support that was the basis of one of his television ads. Jordan, a late entrant, went negative against both camps in radio and internet ads, but never gained traction outside of Anderson
Anderson County, South Carolina
-Demographics:As of the census of 2010, there were 187,126 people and 70,597 households residing in the county. The population density was 260.6 people per square mile . There were 84,092 housing units...
. No candidate received 50% of the votes in the primary, and thus Campbell and Bauer faced each other in a run-off.
| Lt. Governor - Republican Primary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | % |
Republican Run-off
Campbell was seen to be in a strong position coming out of the primary, but Bauer ran an effective on-the-ground campaign, bringing out his trademark grass-roots support in large numbers. Far fewer of Campbell's supporters made it to the polls for the run-off, giving Bauer enough of an advantage to win the run-off.| Lt. Governor - Republican Run-0ff | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | % |
Democrat
- Robert A. Barber, Jr.Robert A. Barber, Jr.Robert Barber of Charleston was the 2006 Democratic Party's Nominee for Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina. In November 2006, Barber faced off against incumbent Republican Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer, who sought a second term in office, defeating Barber in the General Election.-Early life...
- former state RepresentativeSouth Carolina House of RepresentativesThe South Carolina House of Representatives is the lower house of the South Carolina General Assembly, the upper house being the South Carolina Senate. It consists of 124 Representatives elected to two year terms at the same time as US Congressional elections...
, restaurateur, pastor and attorney
Barber's early entry in the race and fundraising acumen dissuaded any other Democratic candidates from joining the race. Barber has remained comparatively strong going into November, and some see him as the Democrat most likely to win.
Secretary of State
The Secretary of State of South CarolinaSecretary of State of South Carolina
The Secretary of State of South Carolina is an elected position in the U.S. state of South Carolina.-Organization:The Secretary of State's office has four internal divisions:...
race remains a largely quiet affair, garnering little interest. The incumbent's natural tendency to avoid major public campaigning also mutes the race.
Republican Primary
- Mark Hammond (Incumbent)
- Bill McKown - Surfside BeachSurfside Beach, South CarolinaSurfside Beach is a small seaside town in Horry County, South Carolina, United States situated directly south of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Its nickname is "The Family Beach". The population was 4,425 at the 2000 census...
Town Councilman - L. W. Flynn (withdrew) - 2004 candidate for the State House of Representatives
Hammond initially faced little opposition from Flynn and McKown and far out fundraised both. However, Flynn withdrew from the race and endorsed McKown, whose campaign picked up traction based on questioning Hammond's conservatism and support for the governor. McKown's attacks did not stick, however, and Hammond turned back his challenge. Although Flynn received 6.5% of the vote in the primary, his withdrawal from the race prevented those votes from being officially tallied.
| Secretary of State - Republican Primary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | % |
Democrat
- Cheryl Footman - teacher
Footman's late entry into the race, low profile, lack of experience and the Republican leanings of the state make it unlikely she will make any more than token opposition. In a rather bizarre moment in the race, Footman attempted to burst into patriotic song at the end of her SCETV debate with Hammond, but was quickly cut off by the moderator.
State Treasurer
The treasurer's race pitted Thomas RavenelThomas Ravenel
Thomas Ravenel is a South Carolina politician and former State Treasurer. He is the son of former South Carolina Congressman Arthur Ravenel, Jr..-Background:...
, a young millionaire and emerging politician, against Grady Patterson
Grady Patterson
Grady Leslie Patterson, Jr. was the South Carolina State Treasurer and a United States Air Force General.Born in Calhoun Falls, South Carolina, Patterson graduated from University of South Carolina...
, a nine-term incumbent. The race was largely fought over the state of South Carolina's employee pension fund, with Ravenel taking issue with the state's projected unfunded liability
Liability (financial accounting)
In financial accounting, a liability is defined as an obligation of an entity arising from past transactions or events, the settlement of which may result in the transfer or use of assets, provision of services or other yielding of economic benefits in the future.A liability is defined by the...
and its failure to invest the fund in equity
Stock
The capital stock of a business entity represents the original capital paid into or invested in the business by its founders. It serves as a security for the creditors of a business since it cannot be withdrawn to the detriment of the creditors...
funds, which he claims would boost returns. Patterson retorted by pointing out Ravenel's inexperience and accusing Ravenel of using the race as a platform to run against incumbent Senator Lindsey Graham
Lindsey Graham
Lindsey Olin Graham is the senior U.S. Senator from South Carolina and a member of the Republican Party. Previously he served as the U.S. Representative for .-Early life, education and career:...
, which Ravenel denied was his intention. Thomas Ravenel won the election, but was indicted on June 19, 2007 on cocaine
Cocaine
Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic...
charges, and has been suspended as Treasurer.
Republican Primary
- Thomas RavenelThomas RavenelThomas Ravenel is a South Carolina politician and former State Treasurer. He is the son of former South Carolina Congressman Arthur Ravenel, Jr..-Background:...
- 2004 Senate Republican primary candidate and businessman - Greg Ryberg - 2002 Treasurer candidate, state Senator from Aiken
- Rick Quinn - former SC House Majority Leader
- Jeff Willis - real estate developer
The Republican treasurer's race was a hotly contested one. Ryberg and Quinn were initially seen to be the front-runners, and Ryberg made a splash early by putting $2 million into his campaign. Ravenel's late filing threw the race into disarray, with most pundits projecting an upset by the young developer. Ultimately, Ravenel defeated his opponents in the primary just short of the necessary 50 percent total to prevent a run-off.
| Treasurer - Republican Primary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | % |
Republican Run-off
After the primary results came in, the race descended into confusion. US Senator Jim DeMintJim DeMint
James Warren "Jim" DeMint is the junior U.S. Senator from South Carolina, serving since 2005. He is a member of the Republican Party and a leader in the Tea Party movement. He previously served as the U.S. Representative for from 1999 to 2005.-Early life and education:DeMint was born in...
and GOP state chairman Katon Dawson called for the losing candidates to withdraw, allowing Ravenel to win without a run-off. Ryberg withdrew from the race, and initially there was some speculation as to whether Quinn would take his place in the run-off. Ryberg's campaign manager angrily referred to Ravenel's entry as "screwing us over", and alluded to Ravenel's promises that he would quit the job in two years to run for the US Senate. He then referred to Dawson as "an idiot." Ravenel responded to questions about the fracas by stating he was "above all that", calling himself "gracious and classy", and noting that "That's not how I roll. That's not how Thomas Ravenel rolls." The State newspaper reported on the imbroglio http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/14821302.htm. Ultimately, Quinn also withdrew, leaving a defiant Willis to race Ravenel in a run-off, which Ravenel handily won.
| Treasurer - Republican Run-Off | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | % |
Democrat
- Grady PattersonGrady PattersonGrady Leslie Patterson, Jr. was the South Carolina State Treasurer and a United States Air Force General.Born in Calhoun Falls, South Carolina, Patterson graduated from University of South Carolina...
(Incumbent)
The 82-year-old Patterson was in office for 36 years, and was one of only two Democrats to win statewide office in the 2002 elections. His venerable position in the party and decision to run again precluded a Democratic primary. Questions were raised about Patterson's effectiveness and ability, considering his relatively advanced age.
Republican
- Henry McMaster (Incumbent)
The popular and effective McMaster has not attracted any opposition from either party, but continues to operate a campaign site.
Comptroller General
Neither party held a primary for the race. Generally, the contest has been a quiet one, with both sides raising small amounts of money. However, Theodore went on the offensive in late September, questioning Eckstrom's use of a state-owned car to drive himself to Minnesota a year earlier, and also his use of state funds to refurbish his state offices upon taking office in 2003. Eckstrom defended his use of the car by saying he paid the state back for its use, and claimed with documentation that the work done on his offices deceased overall expenses over several years. The race got some national attention when Saturday Night LiveSaturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live is a live American late-night television sketch comedy and variety show developed by Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol. The show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title of NBC's Saturday Night.The show's sketches often parody contemporary American culture...
aired a sketch September 30, lampooning President Bush's
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
low popularity by portraying Eckstrom as the only Republican running for office who was willing to be seen campaigning with the president.
Democrat
- Drew Theodore - businessman and son of former Lieutenant Governor Nick TheodoreNick TheodoreNick Andrew Theodore was a State representative from 1963 to 1966 and 1970 to 1978, a South Carolina state senator from 1967 to 1968 and 1981 to 1986, and the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina from 1987 to 1995. He is a member of the Democratic Party.Theodore attended the University of Georgia...
Superintendent of Education
The Superintendent race has become one of the highest-profile in recent memory. Karen Floyd's early entry in the race and fundraising prowess has raised the interest of observers across the country. Floyd has pushed for stronger discipline in classrooms and the appointment rather than election of the superintendent. Jim RexJim Rex
Jim Rex was the 16th South Carolina Superintendent of Education. He ran for the position in 2006 as a Democrat, against Karen Floyd, a Republican. Rex defeated Floyd by only 455 votes, the closest margin of victory in a statewide election in South Carolina's history...
has also shown himself to be an apt fundraiser, however, and has gained the financial support of large segments of the education community.
Republican Primary
- Karen Floyd - former Spartanburg County County CouncilCounty councilA county council is the elected administrative body governing an area known as a county. This term has slightly different meanings in different countries.-United Kingdom:...
Chair, attorney - Bob Staton - businessman, former chair of the SC Education Oversight Committee
- Mike Ryan - teacher
- Elizabeth Moffly - businesswoman
- Kerry Wood (withdrew) - computer programmer
The crowded Republican primary was dominated by Floyd's campaign from the start. Floyd was able to gain the endorsements of the governor, both Senators, Republican Congressmen and state legislators early in the race, when it was presumed that she would be running against incumbent Inez Tenenbaum
Inez Tenenbaum
Inez Moore Tenenbaum is an American politician from the state of South Carolina. She is currently serving as head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.-Education:...
. When Tenenbaum announced she would not be running, more serious candidates began eyeing the race, and Bob Staton eventually entered to become the major "Not Floyd" candidate. His race emphasized an opposition to school vouchers and support for existing aspects of public education. The other, more minor candidates, were largely united in an anti-voucher position. Ryan, perhaps the most credible of the three other candidates, distinguished himself by straying from attacks on the state's standardized test regime, the PACT, instead supporting the idea of standardized testing as a way to create standards in education. Just before the election, Wood withdrew from the race and endorsed Staton, but despite this his votes were officially tallied after the race. Floyd won the primary, barely surpassing the 50 percent tally to dodge a run-off.
| Education Superintendent - Republican Primary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | % |
Democrat
- Jim Rex - former Columbia CollegeColumbia College (Columbia, South Carolina)Columbia College is a private liberal arts women's college in Columbia, South Carolina. The school is affiliated with United Methodist Church and has more than 1,500 students...
president, former teacher - Cecil Taliaferro (withdrew) - former COOChief operating officerA Chief Operating Officer or Director of Operations can be one of the highest-ranking executives in an organization and comprises part of the "C-Suite"...
of Allen UniversityAllen University-External links:* -- Official web site... - Ed Murray (withdrew) - teacher
Although Tenenbaum began preparing for a campaign in 2005, she eventually decided against running and withdrew from the race. Cecil Taliaferro and Ed Murray, two Democrats, then entered the race. Frank Holleman, Tenenbaum's campaign manager in her 2004 Senate run and former Deputy Secretary of Education, considered a run but did not enter the race. When Rex announced his candidacy, he received wide acclaim from the party, and Taliaferro and Murray withdrew before filing. Since, Tenenbaum, Holleman, Murray and Elizabeth Moffly have endorsed Rex's candidacy.
Third parties
- Arnold E. Karr (Green PartyGreen Party (United States)The Green Party of the United States is a nationally recognized political party which officially formed in 1991. It is a voluntary association of state green parties. Prior to national formation, many state affiliates had already formed and were recognized by other state parties...
) - correctional educator and union activist - Tim Moultrie (Libertarian PartyLibertarian Party (United States)The Libertarian Party is the third largest and fastest growing political party in the United States. The political platform of the Libertarian Party reflects its brand of libertarianism, favoring minimally regulated, laissez-faire markets, strong civil liberties, minimally regulated migration...
) - teacher, 1998 Libertarian gubernatorial candidate - Ralph Linblad (Constitution PartyConstitution Party (United States)The Constitution Party is a paleoconservative political party in the United States. It was founded as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party by Howard Philips in 1991. Phillips was the party's candidate in the 1992, 1996 and 2000 presidential elections...
) - machinist, briefly 2006 Constitution gubernatorial candidate - Tony Fayyazi (independent) - educator
Tim Moultrie won the nomination of the Libertarian Party at their Lowcountry convention, fending off Rebekah Sutherland, the Libertarian Party's 2004 candidate for US Senate. Karr has received the endorsement of the South Carolina AFL-CIO and affiliated unions. His campaign is stressing the independence of the Superintendent's Office from that of the Governor, empowerment of public educators, and funding equity for all school districts in the state. He has proposed using SC lottery proceeds to subsidize poorer districts until the General Assembly enacts a permanent funding plan. Lindblad has pledged to dissolve the SC Department of Education if elected and eliminate the office of Superintendent entirely, claiming that bureaucracy is the biggest impediment to effective education. Fayyazi believes that the state superintendent should be an educator with knowledge of how public education works on the ground
Adjutant General
The Adjutant GeneralSouth Carolina Adjutant General
The Adjutant General of South Carolina is head of the Military Department for that state, overseeing the South Carolina Army National Guard, the South Carolina Air National Guard, and the South Carolina State Guard. The office is the only adjutant general in the nation that is an elected position...
campaign, the only one of its kind in the nation, was interesting not only for its novelty but also because of the entrance of an Iraq War veteran as a Democratic challenger to the incumbent. Lindmann was critical of the decreasing size of the state's national guard contingent over Spears' time in office, and also wanted to make the position an appointed one instead of an elected one. Spears countered that the size decrease is due to a national policy decision, not a state one, and said the position should remain elected. Lindman said Spears ducked an SCETV debate with Lindman in October when in fact Spears was summoned to Washington, DC on official business. The day after the debate when Spears returned from Washington, DC it was announced that the South Carolina Air National Guard
South Carolina Air National Guard
The South Carolina Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of South Carolina. It is, along with the South Carolina Army National Guard, an element of the South Carolina National Guard...
was on the table to receive new F-35 fighters. Spears was endorsed by many members of the opposing party (Democratic) as being the clear choice for the office.
Republican
- Stan Spears (Incumbent-Republican) retired General Officer, former businessman(Sr. V.P. of Marsh and McLennan, the world's largest international insurance brokerage firm), and graduate of the University of South Carolina (1959), graduate Officer Candidate School, Command and General Staff College, National Defense University, and member of Reserve Policy Board.
Democrat
- Glenn Lindman - (Challenger-Democrat) Iraq War veteran and businessman, retired SFC and attended Limestone College.
Commissioner of Agriculture
The Commissioner elected in 2002, Charles Sharp, was convicted in 2004 for accepting bribes from a cockfighting ring to help them avoid prosecution. He lost his office and was replaced by Weathers, the interim commissioner.Republican Primary
- Hugh Weathers (Incumbent)
- William Bell - farmer, 1994 candidate
One of the major issues in the Republican primary was whether the commissioner should be elected or appointed. Bell was an advocate for election, while Weathers supported appointment.
| Agriculture Commissioner - Republican Primary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | % |
Democrat
- Emile DeFelice - organic hog farmer, State Food Policy Council chairman
DeFelice has stressed a platform he calls "Put your state on your plate", which would promote South Carolina's agriculture industry by raising consumption of locally grown foods over food from other states or countries. He has also adopted an anti-subsidy platform that would limit direct subsidies to South Carolina farmers.
South Carolina House of Representatives
All members of the South Carolina House are up for re-election, although many are not contested. Barring a major shift in the political climate, it can be safely assumed that the Republicans will retain their majority in the House. 18 Democratic primaries were held for statehouse seats: 22 Republican primaries were held. 1 Democratic and 2 Republican run-offs were required in these races.Many Republican candidates up for reelection have been targeted by the aforementioned group Conservatives in Action. CIA has engaged in a mailing campaign meant to descredit Republicans seen as "Republicans in name only" or RINO
Rino
Rino may refer to:* Republican In Name Only, a pejorative term for a person believed to not be a true Republican* Rino, a singer-songwriter that performs under CooRie* Rino Romano , Canadian voice actor...
s. Commentators have remarked that most of those Republicans attacked are opponents of a school voucher scheme, and thus suspect that CIA is somehow linked to SCRG.
| SC State House | Members |
|
| Republican-Held | 74 | |
| Democrat-Held | 50 | |
| Elections, 2006 | ||
| Uncontested Republican | 54 | |
| Contested | 34 | |
| Uncontested Democratic | 36 | |
| Total |
124 | |
South Carolina House District 64 Special Election
On October 11, 2005, Rep. Charles Harvin, (D-SummertonSummerton, South Carolina
Summerton is a town in Clarendon County, South Carolina, in the United States. The population was 1,061 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Summerton is at ....
) died after a long illness, leaving open House District 64, which encompassed parts of Williamsburg and Clarendon counties. A special election for the remainder of his term was called for February 13, 2006, with a primary date of January 3 if necessary.
- Special Democratic Primary
Harvin's widow, Cathy Harvin, filed for the seat and faced Mitch Ellerby, Charles Harvin's 2004 opponent for the Democratic nomination, in the Democratic primary. She defeated him by a landslide.
| House District 64 - Special Democratic Primary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | % |
- Special Election
Harvin ran unopposed in the special election.
| House District 64 Special Election Results | Votes |
Percentage |
|
| Cathy Harvin (Democrat) | 1,515 | 99.5 | |
| write-ins | 6 | .5 | |
| Total |
1,521 | 100 | |
State Senate District 5 Special Election
In July 2006, state Senator Verne Smith announced his early retirement from the South Carolina Senate due to health problems. A special election to fill the seat for the remainder of the current term will be held the same day as the general election. Attorney Frank Eppes will face State Representative Lewis Vaughn. As no other Senate races will be held, the balance of the state Senate will not be affected.- Special Republican Primary
Initially several Republicans filed to run for Smith's seat. Most prominent was Lewis Vaughn, 72, a state representative from Greenville
Greenville County, South Carolina
- External Links :*...
. Vaughn had previously announced his retirement from the House, and therefore had not been engaged in a reelection campaign until that point. Bill McKown, who had lost in the Republican primary for Secretary of State to Mark Hammond, announced his candidacy but quickly withdrew in favor of Mike Meilinger, a Greer
Greer, South Carolina
Greer is a city in Greenville and Spartanburg counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina, between the cities of Greenville and Spartanburg. The population was 25,515 at the 2010 census. It is projected to hit 30,000 within 4 years. Each day, more than three times that number of people pass...
CPA
Certified Public Accountant
Certified Public Accountant is the statutory title of qualified accountants in the United States who have passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination and have met additional state education and experience requirements for certification as a CPA...
. Also in the race were Kathleen Jennings Gresham, a disbarred attorney, and Tim Macko, a former New Mexico state legislator. Vaughn and Meilinger advanced to a run-off after the September 19 special primary.
| 5th District - Special Republican Primary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | % |
- Special Republican Run-off
There were no major issues in the run-off aside from Vaughn's advanced age compared to Meilinger's lack of legislative experience. Vaughn, the favorite to win, cruised to victory in the October 3rd special run-off.
| 5th District - Special Republican Run-off | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | % |
- Special Democratic Primary
Frank L. Eppes, attorney and son of Judge Frank Eppes, former Democratic gubernatorial candidate, was the heavy favorite against Charles Winfield, a former employee of the Greenville County School District
Greenville County School District
Greenville County School District is a public school district in Greenville County, South Carolina . It is the largest school district in the state of South Carolina and the 50th largest in the US. Greenville CSD also takes students from some areas of Spartanburg and Laurens counties.Led by...
who had earlier in the summer lost a Republican primary for a Greenville County Council seat. The race was given light publicity, and Eppes defeated Winfield in a landslide.
| 5th District - Special Democratic Primary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | % |
Solicitors
South Carolina is divided into 16 judicial circuits, with one solicitorSolicitor
Solicitors are lawyers who traditionally deal with any legal matter including conducting proceedings in courts. In the United Kingdom, a few Australian states and the Republic of Ireland, the legal profession is split between solicitors and barristers , and a lawyer will usually only hold one title...
elected every four years to serve as the state's chief prosecutor
Prosecutor
The prosecutor is the chief legal representative of the prosecution in countries with either the common law adversarial system, or the civil law inquisitorial system...
in each circuit. In 2006, there will be seven solicitor elections. In all but one, the incumbent is running unopposed. In the seventh race, a Democrat is running unopposed.
| SC Solicitors | Seats |
|
| Republican-Held | 10 | |
| Democrat-Held | 6 | |
| Elections, 2006 | ||
| Uncontested Republican | 3 | |
| Uncontested Democratic | 4 | |
| Not up for election | 9 | |
| Total |
16 | |
In the 6th Circuit (Chester
Chester County, South Carolina
Chester County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. In 2000, its population was 34,068; in 2005 the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that its population had dropped to 33,228. Its county seat is Chester.-Geography and climate:...
, Lancaster and Fairfield counties), two Democrats faced off in a primary for an open solicitor's seat after the death of long-time incumbent John Justice. Doug Barfield beat Tyre Lee in a lopsided victory, therefore becoming the solicitor-elect.
| 6th Circuit - Democratic Primary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | % |
Amendment 1
Amendment 1 would add Section 15 Article XVII of the state constitution, the wording of which would deny recognition of any domestic union other than a marriage between one man and one woman in South Carolina and all its political subdivisions. This abolishes common-law marriages and civil unions. The amendment is expected to easily pass, although state statute already defines marriage as only between a man and a woman.Amendments 2A and 2B
These amendments modify Article III. 2A would amend Section 9 to allow the State Senate to, at any point, recess for up to 30 days with a simple majority vote, or recess for more than 30 days with a 2/3 majority vote. This would basically extend to the Senate the same powers of recess already possessed by the House. 2B would delete a legal prohibition from Section 21 that prevents either legislative body from adjourning for more than 3 days without the consent of the other.Amendments 3A and 3B
3A would modify Article X, Section 16 to allow state retirement funds to be invested in equity securities. 3B would modify the same section, deleting language providing for a State Retirement Systems Investment Panel, an advisory body that oversees the investment of state retirement funds.Amendment 4
This would amend Articles III and X of the constitution, allowing the General Assembly to cap changes in reassessment of property values for tax purposes at 15% over a five-year period. This amendment is part of a tax reform plan introduced by state Republicans during the summer of 2006, that centers upon cutting property taxes and replacing them with an increased sales tax. Essentially, this amendment would limit increases or decreases in millage to 15% of pre-assessment value.Amendment 5
Amendment 5 would amend Article I, Sections 13 and 17, and Article XIV, Section 5, to limit the circumstances in which local governments can use eminent domain to seize private property. This amendment is part of a national movement by state and local governments to limit the powers of eminent domain following the famous 2005 Kelo v. City of New LondonKelo v. City of New London
Kelo v. City of New London, 545 U.S. 469 was a case decided by the Supreme Court of the United States involving the use of eminent domain to transfer land from one private owner to another to further economic development...
Supreme Court case, in which the Supreme Court backed the power of governments to seize land for the use of private development projects. The amendment would prevent governments in South Carolina from doing so, as well as eliminate constitutional clauses that give certain counties slum-clearing and redevelopment power.
Other elections
Elections will also be held for some of the elected members of Soil and Water Conservation DistrictsSouth Carolina Department of Natural Resources
The ' mission is to serve as the principal advocate for and steward of South Carolina’s natural resources. The agency does so with the following principles:...
. County, school board and municipal elections will also be held across the state.