Five-term Columbia S.C. mayor Bob Coble is working hard to secure some O-love (and O-money) for his city, but it’s increasingly likely that someone else will benefit if the federal dump truck indeed “backs on up” to the Capital City of the Palmetto State.
Specifically, we’re talking about Columbia attorney Steve Benjamin – who sources tell FITS is already raising money to unseat Coble in 2010 and who could benefit from some lofty (and we mean lofty) support.
Who are we referring to?
Well, let’s just say Benjamin was one of President Barack Obama’s most vocal supporters during his 2008 primary victory over Hillary Clinton, which could pay huge dividends in his current campaign.
Coble on the other hand endorsed John Edwards for President, before swinging to Obama when Edwards dropped out of the race.
Not surprisingly, Coble is now scrambling in the wake of the O-wave.
In addition to courting $250 million in bailout cash from Washington, D.C. (i.e. “O-Money”), he has joined USC President Harris Pastides in inviting President Obama to Columbia to participate in a hyrdogen conference in March (i.e. the “O-Love”).
And yes, we have no doubt S.C. House Speaker Bobby Harrell will also get in on the “O-Love” as well, seeing as hydrogen fuel cell research represents a central cog in his higher ed Pyramid scheme.
Of course as intriguing as the Obama factor is, the race is likely to be decided on much more pressing local issues.
Already dubbed the “Face of the Recession” by the New York Times, Columbia is in turmoil.
Beyond the economic woes, financial mismanagement has cost city taxpayers millions of dollars, and the full extent of the budget mishaps are only now coming to light.
In fact, the simple process of ascertaining just how much money was wasted has cost taxpayers $1.5 million in accounting fees.
Adam Beam at La Socialista (a.k.a. The State newspaper) had an excellent front page feature story on Columbia’s financial problems in yesterday’s paper, while bloggers at the Pulse of Columbia have been following the mess for several months now.
Against such a backdrop, Benjamin would obviously make an attractive candidate.
He ran unsuccessfully for S.C. Attorney General in 2002, but has remained a force in Democratic politics ever since, and by our count would enter the race on equal footing with Coble – if not a bit ahead.
Stay tuned … we don’t typically follow municipal politics in our hometown, but this might be a race worth watching.
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By Paul January 26, 2009 at 12:26 am
Its about time someone decided to challenge Mayor Bobblehead. I have lived in several capital cities and Columbia by far is the worst. For all the mishaps laid out in this post, we really need a change in this city. I don’t know Benjamin that well but what I have been able to research about him, sounds like he is the leadership that we need. Plus, if he figured out Obama was the guy way back in the primary then at least we know he has some vision.
By Wes Wolfe January 26, 2009 at 1:40 am
Maybe you’ve heard something different, but I thought it was common knowledge that Mayor Bob was not running for another term (and I also heard Joe Azar is not running, either), which would mean Benjamin would be in the cat-bird seat at this point.
By fitsnews January 26, 2009 at 2:08 am
Azar’s recent newsletter indicated that he was leaning toward running, and that Coble was in.
-FITS
By Chris January 26, 2009 at 7:19 am
Columbia is a mess…and Bob Coble and his frineds have made off with millions.
I hope Steve runs and wins. I am a lifelong Republican bt could support him anyday.
Theft of large sums public money happens everyday, in public, in this state. And no one says a word.
By Colonel Moultrie & Senator Thurmond Say January 26, 2009 at 8:42 am
Benjamin raised 2.2 million in his bid against AG and came too close for comfort as we are sure AG McMaster would agree. A staunch fiscal conservative and advocate of educational reforms without prejudice, Benjamin is the candidate to beat assuming he decides to run…
By Rick January 26, 2009 at 10:01 am
While we need his new blood in the city of Columbia, I think he should seriosly consider the governorship. He’s got the good points.
By HD January 26, 2009 at 10:16 am
If Benjamin runs, he will win easily.
By MidlandsDem January 26, 2009 at 1:17 pm
In response to Rick, I too am a Steve Benjamin fan, but it would be a mistake for him to run for governor. As an African-American Democrat, he would have a very difficult time winning statewide in SC. On the other hand he could easily win in a Democratic city where the majority of voters are either African-Americans or white moderates/liberals who are about really for a change from Coble.
By Bob Amundson January 26, 2009 at 1:48 pm
I predict Anne Sinclair v. Steve Benjamin in 2010. Read Adam Beams article (link in text above); Anne is perhaps positioning herself for a mayoral run.
BTW, Democrat James Smith for Governor!
By Wes Wolfe January 26, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Ah, there you go. Somehow, I just knew I made a mistake by not reading Azar’s daily missives.
By Todd January 26, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Would Sinclair runs if Coble stays in? Probably not. Coble should carefully study what happened to his buds, Heizer and Papadea, and bow out gracefully.
By Bob Amundson January 26, 2009 at 4:14 pm
I think Anne would rather run against Bob than Steve.
By Kathryn January 26, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Anne has repeatedly denied that she is running for anything, especially mayor. She is finding out just how nice it feels when you stop hitting yourself in the head–that is, she has time for herself and her career and a–GASP- personal life. While she may not be out for good, she has so vociferously taken herself out of any upcoming races, and she has always been a woman of her word, I’d count her out.
By Upstate_GOP January 26, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Whoever runs for mayor of Columbia should address the ongoing homeless problem. It has really gotten out of hand. I just moved out of Columbia after three years as a grad student and all the mayor and city council ever did was engage in fights about where to locate the shelters. The city is relentless about ticketing students in metered spaces but they let panhandlers run rampant and harass residents and visitors.
http://schotline.wordpress.com/2009/01/24/aggressive-beggars-in-the-capital-city-of-columbia-south-carolina-disturbing-to-visitor/
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By terence mcdaniel August 23, 2009 at 2:32 pm
I feel that mayor bob’s day has come and gone. It is time for some new blood in the mayor’s office as well as some city council seats. Brother Cromartie knows that he truly is not the people’s best interest. I would love to sit down with Attorney Steve Benjamin and hear what he has to offer. I’ve some ideas that he could bring of interest to the city.