Davis Considers State Senate Bid
ARCHITECT OF JASPER PORT DEAL WEIGHS GOP PRIMARY CHALLENGE
FITSNews - March 16, 2008 - The architect of one of the biggest economic development deals in South Carolina history is contemplating a State Senate bid in Beaufort County, both the Beaufort Gazette and Hilton Head Island Packet are reporting this weekend. Lowcountry attorney Tom Davis, who is currently serving as Chief of Staff to S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford, told both papers this weekend that he is thinking of leaving the governor’s office to challenge State Sen. Catherine Ceips, who is considered vulnerable due to her poor voting record and a widely-known personal scandal.
Davis, 47, is the architect of a recent bi-state partnership between South Carolina and Georgia that will make a long-awaited multi-billion dollar port facility in Jasper County a reality. He has also been an indispensable member of Sanford’s two successful gubernatorial campaigns, and was the driving force behind South Carolina’s 2006 Charter School Reform bill.
“It’s always been in the back of my mind, it’s always been something I’ve thought about primarily because the approach I have for government is consistent with where I think people in Beaufort County are coming from,” Davis told the Gazette and Packet about his potential candidacy over the weekend. “I think there’s been a loss of focus on what makes us great, which is liberty and the people and their ability to drive the economy.”
Should Davis run, he would likely pick up support all along the political spectrum. Fiscal conservatives would no doubt flock to his banner given Ceips’ atrocious record on spending issues, but Davis would also do well among moderates and Democrats given that his Beaufort law firm is owned by former Democratic Lieutenant Governor, Brantley Harvey.
Loading ...
Comments
By RUN TOM RUN! on March 16th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Run Tom Run!
By old bike dude on March 16th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
I know some ol’ boys over in Jasper that might take offense over you giving so much credit to Davis for the port deal. Some, including me, feel the state, aka Davis, was too quick to wave the white flag and invite Georgia into the deal.
But Tom Davis is an excellent candidate that deserves our(northern Beaufort county) support. There is a strong possibility that without his efforts, the port deal would have been litigated ad infinitum or maybe even longer.
The news of a Davis candidacy had been barely leaked when the Ceips machine went into gear. The early Ceips strategy will probably be an attempt at “river” politics where those north of the Broad will be asked to feel threatened by the strong Yankee influence of those who reside south of the Broad.
Should Davis choose to counter with a campaign touting conservative spending and morality he should be successful.
However he may need to put a little distance between himself and the Governeloper. If he play’s too cozy with Sanford, Ceips will be the beneficiary of the anti Sanford/Rauch crowd.
By q. on March 16th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
it’s going to be a tough sell for mr. davis that he is more in touch with the citizens of beaufort than senator ceips. she plays a very active role in the community. she has earned the voters’ stamp of approval on more than one occasion - and against better competition for the job. mr. davis should stick to the private sector or go with governor sanford on his next trip to washington (in whatever capacity that may be). senator ceips does well for district 46.
By Cliff on March 16th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Another conservative in the SC Senate? Sounds good to me!
By Porkys on March 16th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Hey Q, I thought Randy Bates was the Senator from Beafort County. At least he’s the only one we see showing up at things.
By Silence Dogood on March 16th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Don’t go messin’ w/Scarborogh’s girlfriend or your likely to get a gun pulled on ya! Just ask SCE&G!!
By Spike on March 17th, 2008 at 8:29 am
SCE&G had it coming. Others would’ve just shot the bastards and been done with it.
By q. on March 17th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
porky, i can’t say much about mr. bates as i do not know him. based on what i saw of his own recent campaign for state house, he, too, would have made be a sound voice of reason for the citizens of beaufort. i was just a little surprised to see that this website seemed to put across the idea that mr. davis would be better suited than senator ceips to represent beaufort. she is the one most active in the community, and that might include mr. bates’ role as her aide.
~quintus
By Palmetto Pulse on March 17th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Personally, I would rather have someone who has actually accomplished something on behalf of this district and is taken seriously as opposed to someone who is best known for Dixie Chicks legislation and a bill to name a State Horse. Tom Davis would bring instant credibility to our district. His ability to forge alliances across the partisan aisle is a rarity in South Carolina politics. Beaufort is often left out of key funding issues, most recently school funding and with someone like Tom at the helm, I think a real difference could be made. I hope, for our sake, he runs and wins!
By bob on March 27th, 2008 at 6:02 am
4YBLKZ great site man thanks http://peace.com
By Philip Branton on May 3rd, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Well Troops….
All Tom has to do is call Ceips out on anything she has actually accomplished!! We are not talking paper here. I mean actually deliverables and the dates they were completed. All he has to do is say “WHEN I BECOME YOUR SENATOR….as architect of the PORTS DEAL…I WILL SOLVE ALL LANDFILL ISSUES STATEWIDE AND PROVIDE FREE TRASH PICKUP BY PROVIDING A PLAN TO USE the machines at http://www.startech.net to PRODUCE HYDROGEN AND ELECTRICITY AND CLOSE ALL LANDFILLS!! Its a “NO BRAINER”. Gov Muni-BONDS to pay for machines and sell electricity back to SCE&G to pay for bonds!!
Trackbacks