Former House Majority Leader Jimmy Merrill will not run for governor in 2010, telling sources he doesn’t have the statewide name recognition or financial backing necessary to compete with the top three candidates, Attorney General Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. André Bauer and Third District Congressman Gresham Barrett.
And yes, in case you were wondering … the Republican gubernatorial field is indeed that weak.
Although he wants the Governor’s Mansion so bad he can taste it, Merrill is instead considering a run in the First Congressional District should U.S. Rep. Henry Brown do as expected and retire at the end of this term in 2011.
Merrill – who actually lives in the Sixth Congressional District – owns land in the First District, which would make him eligible to run should he choose to do so.
It’s no guarantee the race will be winnable for the GOP, though.
Brown squeaked by in his most recent election against uber-liberal Linda Ketner, and a more pro-business Democrat could create serious problems for Republicans in this district in 2010.
Plus, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and his machine have done a masterful job translating the “Obama wave” into sustained Democratic momentum, as the party’s Lowcountry organization is stronger now than it ever was.
Not surprisingly, Democrats view the First District as their best chance to pick off a GOP Congressional seat in the coming election, and expect significant national involvement as well.
As for Merrill, since he never formally announced his plans to run for governor, there’s no public embarrassment associated with calling the campaign off.
His exit does create an opening in the race for a Lowcountry candidate, a void we suspect someone will step in and fill sooner rather than later.
Among the names we hear mentioned most frequently in that capacity are former Sanford Deputy Chad Walldorf and State Senator Tom Davis, although neither has indicated one way or the other whether they are considering mounting such a campaign.
Walldorf or Davis would be infinitely preferable to the three blind mice currently running, however.
But then again so would a corpse from the Nineteenth Century, which ironically is the date stamp on the ass-backward form of government we have in South Carolina.
By Bull January 10, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Please, please let someone like Tom Davis run. Andre and Herny are not serious people….the only thing they do is get publicity. A smart democrat will rip them a new one in the general election.
The SCGOP better wakeup and select a serious man or woman. These demi-gods like Bauer and McMaster are losers, and a defeat is coming sooner or later…and running guys like those bubble heads will make it sooner.
By marvin January 11, 2009 at 1:58 am
Okay, after I choked-laughed at the idea of Merrill running for governor (not quite as funny as Tumpy Campbell, but close), I gotta say I’m intrigued by Davis. He’s not been in the G.A. before, which is a plus. Seems to be smart and definitely a reformer. Tight with Sanford, so he’s used to bucking the system. Don’t know much about the guy, but he had to have raised a lot of $$ to beat the Senate Caucus machine, who came out big for Ceips if I recall.
Frankly, all three current candidates are decent enough conservatives, but they don’t have the “change the system” juice that the public is screaming for. A smart, fiscally conservative, well-funded Dem could take it. Voters are pissed. They want the “it” factor, the “yes, we can” thing. Whoever has it will take the mansion if they can raise the money to run a good campaign and convince voters they are gonna clean up the mess and get our financial house in order.
By Coastal Watcher January 11, 2009 at 10:28 am
Tom Davis is definitely a very smart guy and, as Sanford’s former chief of staff, he knows the executive branch. But he just won his first election (state senate) and may need more seasoning. But he’d be fun to watch. Maybe 2014? Chad Walldorf is also smart and a legitimate Heir to Sanford, but he has never held elective office. For my money, Chip Campsen is the best bet: legislative experience, tight with Sanford, Charleston resident (sorry, Davis, being from Beaufort County won’t get you the “coastal vote”!), social conservative.
By fitsnews January 11, 2009 at 11:40 am
CW-
Chip Campsen is a goose-stepping evangelical boob.
-FITS
By lou January 11, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Hang on… not having name recognition is a fabulous idea. By the time this election season gets going, name recognition is not going to be an asset. The opposite may very well get you further than you think.
It’s those voting machines that may be ~the~ problem, don’tcha think?
By Wade January 11, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Somebody has to step up for the lowcountry and the reform brand. I think Davis has to be the man. Imagine a debate with him and the current three. HA!!!! All he needs is the Sanford endorsement. . . It wouldn’t look to good for Mark’s national aspirations if the state reverted back to the status quo, now would it? Sanford can show he has a following on the level of Mark Warner if he can get his heir apparent elected.
By Coastal Watcher January 11, 2009 at 12:38 pm
The evangelical thing is why Campsen would play well in the Upstate (in addition to his native Lowcountry). Don’t know what either Davis’ or Walldorf’s social conservative credentials are, but I suspect they are likely to be more libertarian (like their mentor, Sanford). Doesn’t matter how smart either are; neither will play in the Upstate and would be non-starters. Campsen is it.
By Wade January 11, 2009 at 3:32 pm
With Andre and Gresham. . .and now McMaster’s all out war for the evangelical vote in the Upstate- I don’t know that there is room for a low country candidate socon in that mix. And Campsen is about as exciting as watching paint dry. But having Ms. Mosteller campaign statewide with him would make things a bit more entertaining.
By The Sick Hick January 11, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Wade, Mosteller’s not that interesting. After the first five minutes, she’s rather boring. Which is about as long as it takes Toal to hit a car once she’s left the party.
Cyndi bangs, and so does Jean.
By the right side January 12, 2009 at 2:16 am
A stronger conservative than Merrill from Horry is also swimming in the 1st district waters. Dont expect to be treated as a front runner or feared as a fundraiser. He is neither. Think of someone who never backs down from a challenge in Columbia, and is one of us!!!
By Gen. Longstreet January 12, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Mr. Right Side,
I, sir, have never backed from a challenge. Even in the face of impossible odds — like when that damn fool Bobby Hill order my corps to take that clump of trees on that accursed ridge. Would you support me for governor? With my compliments, sir.
JL
By Psssssst January 10, 2010 at 12:11 am
Right Side,
Jenerette :)is the answer to who might be the best candidate for the job. There is going to be a diluted pool of funds…. worst year ever. Jenerette is garnering military support nationwide(according to sources close to her,) I thought Grooms was in the Gub. race for the long run… Oh well, sa la vie say the old folks it goes to show you never can tell. I hope he stays in the governors race, the thought of having to find another TeaParty candidate to run is overwhelming. Wonder if Patricia Wheat (that woman that’s always pushing for states rights) might consider. Ha… I’d sure like to vote for someone like her if Grooms gets out. It sure wouldn’t be any of the others.