What’s Next For Andre?
CONGRESS? GOVERNOR? THE CONSERVATIVE ALTERNATIVE TO LINDSEY GRAHAM?
FITSNews – March 11, 2008 – A little over a year ago, S.C. Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer’s political career appeared to be over. Even his longtime consultant, Rod Shealy, privately acknowledged that Bauer would be defeated in the 2006 GOP primary against the well-known son of a revered former governor.
Of course we all know what happened next. Less than three weeks before election day, Bauer crashed his plane while taking off from an Upstate airport. And while the accident hobbled him physically, it was ironically just what he needed to hit his political stride.
Since his May 2006 plane crash, Bauer has made nary a misstep. Not only did he win the Republican nomination for Lt. Governor, he defeated an incredibly well-funded, well-organized Democratic challenger in the 2006 general election, capping a remarkable political comeback that now has him rumored for all sorts of higher office possibilities.
The list of positions Bauer may seek includes the First Congressional District, the Fourth Congressional District, the Governor’s Office and … most recently … a potential primary challenge against U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham. There’s also a slim chance that Bauer would seek a third term as Lieutenant Governor, although sources close to the Lexington politician say he’s already decided against that option.
A Senate campaign against Graham would no doubt be an uphill battle given his $4 million war chest, but sources tell FITSNews that Bauer is at least considering the possibility.
Why? Well, Graham has drawn a joke of a primary opponent, which means that the conservative angst felt against him is currently lacking a viable outlet. Bauer’s work with vote-happy seniors via South Carolina’s Office on Aging gives him a built-in base of support, one that would be buttressed by the party’s vocal anti-immigration contingent and a good chuck of its evangelical base (i.e. Huckabee voters). If Bauer could take concrete steps to solidify his strength with the GOP’s fiscal conservative wing, Graham could easily find himself facing a multi-front war.
Plus, whether or not Bauer ultimately decides to run against Graham, the fact that his name is being whispered as a possible conservative alternative to the so-called “third Senator from New York” only enhances his public stature, and boosts his prospects in the event he makes a run at a Congressional seat or the Governor’s Office.
Sources close to Bauer say the Lieutenant Governor has held high-level meetings in Washington D.C. with conservative foes of Graham, and that should he decide to mount a primary challenge “the money would be there,” although those sources say that Bauer has been “noncommittal” regarding his interest in such a race.
Personally, we believe the Bauer v. Graham stirrings are part of a calculated effort to position Andre for a 2010 run at the Governor’s Mansion, but it could be he’s seriously considering it.
Stay tuned …
Comments
By Harden Gervais on March 11th, 2008 at 11:51 am
I’ve heard from those in the know that Bauer has a skeet problem on par with Ravenel’s. If he runs for a major office (gov or Senate), the oppo guys for his opponent would be all over that like white on, well, cocaine.
By Rik on March 11th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Harden,
You are dead wrong about that. You should check you fact before printing such vile stuff.
Andre is a health nut that eats nuts and berrys and crap, and rarely drinks. He goes to gym at least once a day, maybe twice.
Dirt mongering like that is unseemly…and a reasonable person would never print crap like that.
By Sally on March 11th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Andre has proven over and over that he can win. He works harder than anyone else, and he is out there with the people so they understand him even if the press does not.
Whatever race he gets in SC will be better off because of it, whether he wins or loses. Being open and available to the press is what ALL elected officials should be but few are.
By Thompson on March 11th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Andre is a friend of mine, and I helped him campaign some last year. I was amazed. He rarely needed a map to find any out-of-the way place, and when he got there he seemed to know half the people there by name!
He went through two tough races, and anything negative was thrown at him by two qualified and well funded opponents. In fact, few realize that he was outspent 3 to 1…yet still won. This year all that will be behind him, and with his hard working style, I hope he runs for and wins the office of his choice
Of course, I am biased, but that is my opinion.
By joe on March 11th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
if this redneck can be the guv, will, you are right, sc is indeed the most backward state in all of the union
By The Truth on March 11th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I gotta agree w/ Rik here, although I am sure there is a lot of stuf on a lot of people out there, you won’t find “white powder” among Andre. The guy barely drinks, works out all the time, and I see him in settings all the time where liquor is flowing and he’s just drinking his water and mixing up protein shakes…and he’s drinking ‘em..not snorting em
By Muckraker on March 11th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
If I had to choose, I’d go with the Fourth District. Bob Inglis has officially lost his marbles…all the to-do about the competitive advantage of incumbency seems to have gone straight to his head.
While Inglis’ campaign ads will probably feature cartoon Bobs dancing around the frame and singing “Great Bob Inglis Congress,” Andre can hit home on issues that actually matter to South Carolinians.
By Jeffrey Sewell on March 11th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Harden Gervais,
You are pushing the envelope, some folks have the time, inclination and money to sue and would.
Additionally your sources no jack squat about the Gov, he is an absolute health nut.
By Palmetto Pulse on March 11th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
This has just got to be the worst picture of him ever. He looks like a Dr. Suess character meets Jim Carrey. Ouch!
By Believe It Not (a.k.a. Sic Willie's Stalker) on March 11th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
What’s next? Perhaps the richly deserved speeding ticket he’s pandered himself out of so many times. Perhaps breaking his other hand punching another wall in another office. Perhaps crashing his biplane by trying to make it break the sound barrier. Perhaps charging an officer from another police department after running another stop sign at twice the speed of sound. Hope the next officer doesn’t have to draw his weapon on Andre the next time.
Then again, perhaps the political powers and voters in S.C. will someday wake up and realize what they did when they elected him.
As for rumors of Andre liking “nose candy,” we’ll wait for more on that rumor from sic(k) willie. He’ll print what Pappa Rod tells him to print.
By Simmy on March 11th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
The heaters will always hate, so there is no point in talking to them.
At the end of the day, Andre has done a lot for SC…and continues to work hard. He may not be YOUR guy…but he is working hard for SC. So what the heck…he gets my vote.
By Lightbulb on March 11th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
My four year stay in SC convinced me not to EVER publicly endorse anyone, not even the choirboys.
By Deb on March 11th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
As a Senior, I know Andre has always been there for us. He has spoken to my senior group on numerous occasions and always is helpful when one of our members has a poblem.
Andre is what we need in elected office. I will vote for him anytime I can.
By Niknog on March 11th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Palmetto Pulse-
I TOTALLY agree with you about the picture. To me it looks like a “I just lost my marbles-” or an “I’m drunk-” (I know he doesn’t drink much) ” and I’m sssssooooo happy”. Come on. I’ve seen better pictures at a middle school art show.
By Octane Brain on March 11th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Everyone,
I admit, the picture makes him look a little off the deep end. However, I have met Andre and he is one of the most inspiring men I know. To insinuate that he is on crack is to be a complete ignoramus. And Sic Willie, you make me S-I-C-K. You are rude despicable and grotesque in 11 different, equally revolting ways. Maybe you should visit Columbia and find out about Andre for yourself. I am a ten year old intellectual.
By Elizabeth on March 11th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
If Joe is calling Andre a red neck, he needs to check his own. And, please, does he think our current Gov. is something to be proud of? Andre is so far ahead of Sanford in his sincere concern for Seniors. HE is not the one trying to stop the Meals On Wheels for thousands of home bound Seniors! HE is the one trying to save that program and keep our folks in their own homes. He will have my vote.
By Believe It Not (a.k.a. Sic Willie's Stalker) on March 11th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Hey, S(L)immy,
“…working hard for S.C.” our taxpaying butts.
You sound like a paid political consultant on Andre’s payroll.Working hard to promote himself and fill his wallet at taxpayer expense.
Remember the “sweetheart” deal he orchestrated at taxpayer expense when he used good’ole boy influence to overcharge S.C.on that little chunk of property S.C.needed to widen a road.
By Silence Dogood on March 12th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Sally, you noted
“Whatever race he gets in SC will be better off because of it, whether he wins or loses. Being open and available to the press is what ALL elected officials should be but few are.”
Sally, I know when you mentioned this you are not speaking of his honesty with the press are you? The big thing to me about the “speeding incidents” that Andre did a masterful job of bate and switch on with the public was this – not that he sped (big whoop), and not even that he abused his authority to try to get out of a ticket (not good), but mainly that when questioned directly by the press about it before the story broke – HE ABSOLUTELY LIED ABOUT IT. So being available to the press is one thing – telling the truth to them when you do is probably an important thing also.
By Mincing Words on March 12th, 2008 at 10:16 am
As much as I hate to do it, I am forced to agree with BIN (and all the other Andre critics) regarding Andre’s abuses of his position. One you all may not know about– When A first became elected, one of the number one items on his agenda was NOT funding Meals on Wheels, but was instead a personal meeting with the head of DMV and her senior staff to make sure he got “SC 2″ personalized tags for his motorcycle. Never mind that DMV didn’t do personalized tags for motorcycles AT ALL. But A got his “SC 2″ tags.
You gotta have priorities as a politician. And A’s priorities are all about him.
By Isabel on March 12th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Might want to check your facts, but Andre didn’t head up the Office on Aging when he took office did he?
Fairly sure he has only been doing that for a couple of years.
He is running that office like a fiscal conservative is expected to, bringing in new blood, cutting the fat and making the programs accountable…can we say that about any of the other politicians heading agencies in SC?
No matter what your opinion of Andre might be, he is there for the people of SC, and that is shown every time he WINS. The people show how they feel about him time and again with their vote. The opinion of the pundits and bloggers doesn’t matter in the real world, take a look http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN1048067620080310
By joe on March 12th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
the people that like andre””””””””””” are the same ones who send money to tv preachers…they don’t know a wolf when they see one
By Elizabeth on March 12th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
To those who are so critical of Andre: I am a Yellow Dog Democrat, and I do not send money to TV anything ( preachers, things for sale..), but I respect what he and the Office On Aging are doing for Seniors. You guys need to ask the people who are at the center of Andre’s focus: Seniors. They are overwhelmingly pleased with his dedication and hard work. Give the speeding a break. And you will not have to look far over at the State House to find any number of dirty little tricks to win and keep power. Andre has worked hard for a long time. He has made mistakes, but so have most people. And please stop the rumors about drugs. No one believes that that knows him.
By Silence Dogood on March 12th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
“No matter what your opinion of Andre might be, he is there for the people of SC, and that is shown every time he WINS.”
Isabel – note that every politician currently holding politcal office (except for interum appointments) “WON!” that really doesn’t say much necessarily about how much they care for the people. May I also point out on that note that Eliot Spitzer “WON!” by the highest margin of any NY Governor – I believe ever. Great public servant? Probably not.
By Jim on March 13th, 2008 at 8:45 am
I thought as part of his promise that after the 2006 Lt. race that if elected he would step out of the political world in 2010 to “Settle down.”
By Keith Seymour on March 16th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
I have know Andre’ bauer fro over 20 years. My mother taught him in the eight grade, and andre I were in the same graduating class at Irmo High. Andre was among the more popular crowd, whereas I was not because people made fun of me because of my epilpesy. Whenever Anre witnessed this, he would tel people to lay off. Is still keep in contact and often drop by his office when I am not too busy with my schedule and vice versa. In the more than 20 years I have known Andre, I have never known him to do drugs. On the contrary. andre also used to be a subbstiute teacher during his time in the house and senate and would speak to people about how wrong it is to do drugs. He is one of the most loyal and honest people anyone will come across, and is respected on both sides of the aisle. As a local journalist (freelance) i have spoken with several local and statewide leaders who have added that they do admire Andre. In fact, City Councilwoman tameeka issac Devine once told that she felt andre was one of the more honest people that she had ever met, and was a help in giviig her advice when she ran for her first term. I work for a minority targeted newspaper,a d can attest by conversations with various african-american (including younger ones) that they view Andre as an honest Republican. This would make him a huge asset to the Republican party. Many of the younger undecided african-americans would be more likely to vote Republican if they had someone of Andre’s character out there, in my opinion.
andre also does alot of charity work that he does not mention in campaigns (unlike most politicians). For example, I asked him a few years back (2002) to assist with the annual riverfest celebration that raises money for the eplipepy of foundation of south carolina’s camp for kids with epilepsy. I had expected him to say he had a scheduling conflict. He moved some things around and made the appearance. His reasoning was, “keith I do not want ever to see you,anyone with epilpsy or any other disability go through what you and your family went though in High school.” Andre is a true leader,and is the type of perso we need in office. He despises the good old boy system, and while he wil remain loyal to his party, he will not do so at the expense of his beliefs, his conscience and Constiutents.
Yes he has made some stupid and reckless moves with his driving record, and I have often discussed this with him. However, he has also succeeded in turning the Lt. Governor’s position into something more than a symbolic position. I personally would like to see andre’ as President of this country. andre is what south carolina and this country needs to move into the 21st century.
The fact is that many people are resentful of andre because he was able to do in seven years, what they coold not do in 30, and that is go from a private citizen to Lt. Gov.
Andre is one of the biggest anti-drug and pro constituent people that I know.
By Tatum on April 6th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Harden ,
You must be crazy . Put your money were your mouth is or shut up . I have known Andre for years and I would gladly challenge your hurtful out and out lie . I will also be prepared to pay any legal fees to pursue your comment in a court of law to prove that your comments are exactly what I said . A BIG LIE . Wait on our call .
By Benson on April 22nd, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Thompson you said,
“Andre is a friend of mine, and I helped him campaign some last year. I was amazed. He rarely needed a map to find any out-of-the way place, and when he got there he seemed to know half the people there by name!”
Perhaps Bauer and Miss Teen South Carolina should join forces in the fight to educate the children of lesser countries on maps like such as uh, South Africa, and uh, the Iraq, and everywhere like such as…
By Bryan on July 12th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
I bought a house from Andre Bauer…boy, did I learn A LOT about his character (or lack thereof) from that experience. Everything from his hubris during the negotation (and he has a business relationship with Wal-Mart? details, please) to his immaturity during the closing (what can I say about someone who won’t shake hands and storms out after being forced to pay penalties for his errors?) to the arrogance of not cleaning the house upon his vacancy (BTW he could have locked the doors and left his keys behind) to the hidden defects (e.g., missing pipes, mold, etc.). I am not alone — about a year after I bought it, I got a call from one of his other “constituents” who had purchased a Bauer special in Newberry and was looking for other plaintiffs for a version of a class action lawsuit.
Tatum, I’m waiting for your call…
Trackbacks