Upstate businesswoman and former GOP Superintendent of Education candidate Karen Floyd had a private meeting with Gov. Mark Sanford today as rumors swirled that she might be in the running to follow Katon Dawson at Chair of the South Carolina Republican Party.
Neither Floyd nor the governor would discuss what transpired during their meeting, but Sanford has reportedly been interviewing with prospective candidates in the chairman’s race, which will be held in May of this year.
Interviewed outside of the governor’s office today, Floyd told FITS she was not seeking the position.
“I’m supporting Katon Dawson for Chairman,” she said. “And personally, I think it would be inappropriate for anyone to even discuss running until our chairman has announced his decision.”
Floyd also added that she felt it would be “irresponsible” for her to seek the SCGOP chair while she still has outstanding campaign debt from her Superintendent’s race.
But Floyd’s comments did little to dampen the speculation surrounding her potential candidacy, particularly as phone calls and e-mails flew back and forth from different politicos today about whether or not she should run.
“South Carolina has the lowest percentage of female elected officials in the nation,” said one Columbia Republican insider we spoke with. “Karen assuming chair of the SCGOP would be every bit as symbolic as the RNC electing Michael Steele as its chairman.”
Others say Sanford is going to support Columbia attorney Kevin Hall, who worked on the governor’s 2002 campaign, has raised money for dozens of Republican races and, like Floyd, shares much of Sanford’s fiscal conservative ideology.
Spartanburg GOP Chairman Rick Beltram has also announced his candidacy for the position, although few view him as a viable contender.
Other names mentioned? GOP National Committeeman Glenn McCall, who would be the first African-American to seek the chairmanship of the SCGOP.
Sanford’s office was mum about both the Floyd meeting and the governor’s rumored involvement in the GOP race, with spokesman Joel Sawyer saying that Sanford has had “no conversations” with any of the candidates or prospects about the race.
Hall declined to discuss any conversations he’s had with the governor, as well, saying only “I’m running to lead the party and I welcome anyone who’s going to be a part of that race.”
Dawson, who has already broken his term-limit pledge once, is obviously the wild card.
Will he run again? And if not, who will he endorse?
Interestingly, Dawson’s support could mean much more than Sanford’s considering the narrow constituency of party activists that will ultimately decide this race.
Sources are giving us conflicting intelligence on Dawson’s intentions, but our bet is that he doesn’t seek reelection.
Stay tuned …
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By Rick A. February 3, 2009 at 4:52 pm
If Katon runs, I will support Katon. If not, I will support Karen Floyd. Glenn needs to stay as Executive Committeeman.
Karen is a good person. She will be hard to beat.
By Jeffrey Sewell February 3, 2009 at 7:13 pm
This is vintage Karen Floyd, loyal to the core and you could bet your last dollar she means it!!!
KKF: “I’m supporting Katon Dawson for Chairman,†she said. “And personally, I think it would be inappropriate for anyone to even discuss running until our chairman has announced his decision.â€
By In the Know February 3, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Glen is out.
By Drew Johnson February 3, 2009 at 9:05 pm
I have always supported Karon Floyd and will continue to do so. However, I also believe it is extremely inappropriate to discuss other candidates until our Chairman announces his plans. In my opinion, Katon Dawson has been an exceptional Chairman of the SCGOP. In my opinion his experienced leadership puts us in a much stronger position than with anyone else at the helm. I urge Katon to seek another term! Until he announces his future plans I cannot speculate on other candidates. I look forward to his decision.
By Sam February 3, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Since Katon has been GOP Chair, the party has gone left and the State is in worse shape. We need someone that can enforce party discipline and ensure that our candidates are actually republicans, not just democrats running on our ticket.
Katon could have done that had he not spent all his time and our money promoting himself.
By Billy Bob February 4, 2009 at 4:29 am
When will you people learn that Karen is only looking out for herself. She is vain, shallow and the biggest liar I know. She only cares about herself and no one else.
By Clyde Smoak February 4, 2009 at 6:23 am
I agree with Billy Bob. Everyone knows that Mark Sanford and his cast of incompetent clowns (Tom Davis, Will Folks, Chris Drummond, Scott English, etc…) have a plan to destroy the Republican Party in SC. Now all they need is a yes women like Karen to implement the destruction.
Get real people….thank God Sanford is gone in less than 2 years! A damn billy goat would have been better!!!!
By Nope February 4, 2009 at 8:08 am
Drew, man, you sound like Hitler youth.
By Drew Johnson February 4, 2009 at 8:53 am
Mr Nope? Why don’t I just call you Mr No idea!! I am sure that is not your your real name and NO IDEA fits so much better. Hitler Youth?? You could at least try to be original if you want to join a discussion. Conservatism and fascism have nothing to do one another. I was discussing leadership experience as were other people who left comments. I needed a little amusement during lunch thank you so much. Richland County has a good library downtown if you every want to read up on the 2nd World War before you make statements that are completely out of context. Thanks for participating!!!
By Jeffrey Sewell February 4, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Billy Bob, get a life and use your real name, but give your choice of words I know exactly whom you are… Campaigns are tough adventures and as well you know what they say about the heat in the kitchen… Go get you a nice day job at palmetto pig or someplace and enjoy life. It can be very short so I am told…
By Richard February 4, 2009 at 1:16 pm
If Katon is out it’s between Floyd and Hall.
By Chris February 4, 2009 at 2:36 pm
The rumors in Spartanburg Republican circles is that certain GOP movers and shakers aligned with Sanford have been pushing for Floyd to run (even before Kevin Hall got in the race) as a way to stop Rick Beltram from running for chair or to prevent him from getting anywhere close to winning. I talked to a source close to the Beltram operation who says Beltram already has commitments from counties out of the Upstate if he ran against Kevin Hall and they feel pretty confident about their chances. It sounds to me like having Floyd run might push Beltram out. Developing…
By Jonathan February 4, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Word in Spartanburg Republican circles is that folks in Columbia aligned with Sanford have been pushing for Karen to run (long before Kevin Hall got in) to make sure that Rick Beltram either did not run or came no where close to winning. I am told by a source close to Beltram’s (potential) campaing operation that he has been lining up the support of several larger counties around the state and feel pretty confident that Beltram can win vs. Kevin Hall. Floyd is supposed to be a recruit to stop any chance of Beltram getting the chairmanship.
By Vinroot February 4, 2009 at 4:20 pm
WTF – obviously some guy trying to fluff Floyd, plus who cares what Beltram does, maybe he’ll get the support of Williamsburg County GOP if there is a GOP there.
By Earl Capps February 4, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Karen Floyd has to be a spoiler. Given her electoral performance, nobody could possibly be looking to her to serve as party Chair.
By Bob February 5, 2009 at 9:31 am
My, my. It must be approaching convention season again. How do I know, you ask? Well, the first salvo from Katon’s anonymous email goon squad (aka Robert Cahaly) for one… Check out the email below sent from an anonymous gmail account to the state GOP Executive Committee yesterday.
Will some members of the Executive Committee please stand up and call these people out!?!
From: The Truth About Kevin Hall
To: kedawson@aol.com ; glenn.a.mccall@bankofamerica.com ; cindycostarnc@gmail.com ; alexia@carolinapregnancy.org ; ThomasBaker2@allstate.com ; mayriverpt@hargray.com ; eroe@bellsouth.net ; toddkincannon@hotmail.com ; wemoody@bellsouth.net ; tony@tonydenny.com ; r02rep@wctel.net ; hseldridge@comporium.net ; marymac@famview.com ; patrickbhaddon@gmail.com ; craiggagnon@charter.net ; jmccord@wctel.net ; dsaylor036@bellsouth.net ; gopdiane@comcast.net ; rpmsrogers@msn.com ; saiken@bellsouth.net ; kaywmax@aol.com ; danielluginbill@bellsouth.net ; bekinlaw@bellsouth.net ; sc4me@bellsouth.net ; james@jameswedgeworth.com ; fharperlaw@hargray.com ; berkeleycogop@hotmail.com ; jpjm12@hotmail.com ; edlinb@comcast.net ; lsiegling@comcast.net ; jearls@carol.net ; stevenblanton@bellsouth.net ; fdelleney@truvista.net ; bwblaw1@shtc.net ; rbgibbonsjr@ftc-i.net ; dajaview@lowcountry.com ; joeflowers@lowcountry.com ; wdarthur@afo.net ; awelias@msn.com ; t_collins@bellsouth.net ; JUMSC@aol.com ; wasmatson@yahoo.com ; Carrollsduncan@knology.net ; mtommyp@netzero.net ; tom@captdicks.com ; harmslaw@theofficesite.net ; doug.wavle@gmail.com ; jpm1138@gmail.com ; gopdan@hotmail.com ; only1haze@yahoo.com ; kellyfox77@yahoo.com ; rr6272@sccoast.net ; cleosteele@sc.rr.com ; Bucksway1@hargray.com ; crossoviatt@yahoo.com ; storagetogo@comporium.net ; drfaulkner@gwm.sc.edu ; bobby@cornerstonecomm.biz ; LCGOP.Chairman@gmail.com ; welchito@peoplepc.com ; wilma@rnj.biz ; smalyerck@yahoo.com ; tmclean2@sc.rr.com ; obob@wctel.net ; vclayton@wctel.net ; gardner_insurance@comcast.net ; jean.bedenbaugh@bellsouth.com ; re_adams@bellsouth.net ; soper@charter.net ; pinegrove@tbpcomm.net ; plowpusher@edistoelectric.net ; bowers_p@bellsouth.net ; kristin@nctv.com ; marcum@infoave.net ; jasonedens@edensequipmentsales.com ; Sgtmaj001@aol.com ; brendab@backroads.net ; rickbeltram@charter.net ; lryggs@bju.edu ; braden_bunch@yahoo.com ; rjenkinsassoc@yahoo.com ; kmsdcn@yahoo.com ; tnmishoe@ftc-i.net ; waltojr@comporium.net ; admin@schotline.com ; editor@palmettoscoop.com
Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 6:41 PM
Subject: Eight Reasons Kevin Hall Should Not Be GOP State Chairman
Eight Reasons Kevin Hall Should Not Be GOP State Chairman
1. Public Policy Work for Pay.
As an employee of Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough, much of Kevin’s job is based on his ability to persuade elected officials and other prominent people to support the issues and causes that his company lobbies and works for.
2. Ineffective Fund-raising.
As a lead fund-raiser for the Victory 2008 campaign, it was his job to help raise the money that Victory 2008 needed to operate. Victory 2008 fell short of their goals, ran over 100k in debt, and had to be bailed out by the State GOP.
3. No Real Party Leadership or Experience.
Despite all of his involvement on the periphery of campaigns and attendance at party meetings, Kevin Hall has never run a successful county party or any other party organization for that matter.
4. Inefficient Campaigning.
Most of you may have received his recent campaign announcement letter; many of you received more than one copy at your house. Householding letters is the most basic form of saving money on a campaign. If he can’t grasp this concept, does he really need to be running our party?
5. Backed by Money from Special Interest.
How can a real grass roots campaign for chairman afford an expensive website, multiple slick mailings, and three full time staffers? The answer is simple. People Issue Groups and Companies who stand to make big money if Kevin is elected as chairman will give him whatever it takes to win.
6. No Respect for Katon.
While other potential candidates for party chairman are holding off announcements and gathering commitments to hear if Katon Dawson wants to seek re-election, Kevin Hall has pushed right ahead making it clear that he is willing to challenge Katon if he doesn’t “get out of his way.”
7. Cozy Relationships/Arrangement with RNC Spoilers.
There was a concentrated effort on the part of a few South Carolina based political operatives and their accomplices in the blogasphere to attack and smear Katon’s good name and the State Party’s good record. Kevin’s connection to these people is unquestionable and will become clearer in the days to come.
8. No Media Savvy
There are many South Carolina Republicans who have great media savvy and have been on television and radio many times on behalf of our party; Kevin Hall is not one of them. We do not need a chairman that needs on the job training in dealing with the media.
Rest assured if Katon does not run, there will be legitimate Republican candidates who have paid their dues and who run with no agenda besides the success of our party.
We can do better than Kevin Hall!!
By Chris Richardson March 29, 2009 at 6:52 pm
^^^^Didn’t Rick Beltram send out that email? Didn’t someone say it was “vintage Beltram”? Bob, whomever you are, you seem to have a mad man crush on Cahaly. You seem to bring him up in every post you make. If Bob is even your real name.