Jackson Mulls Lt. Governor’s Bid – As Independent
State Sen. Darrell Jackson (D-Richland) is seriously considering mounting a bid for the South Carolina Lt. Governor’s Office – but not necessarily as a Democrat.
Sources who spoke with FITS on condition of anonymity tell us that Jackson has had numerous conversations all across the political spectrum about the possibility of running as an independent, which would obviously shake up the political order in the Palmetto State in a big way.
He’s reportedly discussed the possibility of an independent candidacy with State Sen. Vincent Sheheen – currently the front-runner for the Democratic gubernatorial nod – but we’ve also heard from Republicans who have spoken directly with Jackson.
“Right now he’s evaluating his options and determining if such a candidacy is feasible,” one source told us.
Jackson’s beliefs – like his firm pro-life stance – haven’t always aligned with the Democratic platform, and the notion of an independent statewide bid would certainly be consistent with conversations we’ve had with him in the past.
Additionally, serving as Lt. Governor would likely enable Jackson to continue his ministry at Bible Way Church, one of South Carolina’s largest African-American congregations.
Jackson has been approached to run for governor previously, but has always ruled it out due to his commitment to his church.
One Republican operative we spoke with said Jackson’s idea has merit.
“If the ‘D’ on your name is lethal and you have clear distinctions that can be drawn between you and the party, why not drop it?” the operative said. “He is in a unique position to run a faith-based, service-oriented, values campaign that could attract a lot of crossover voters.”
Current Lt. Governor Andre Bauer is expected to announce his gubernatorial candidacy any day now, which should open up the GOP floodgates.
Reps. Ted Pitts and Nathan Ballentine are frequently mentioned for the “SC2″ position, as is former Rep. Ralph Norman.
Columbia City Councilman Kirman Finley’s name is also mentioned, as part of a ticket with Commerce Secretary Joe Taylor running for governor.
Another option we’ve heard is former Lt. Governor’s Office on Aging director Curtis Loftis, who is currently managing Comptroller Richard Eckstrom’s government transparency initiatives.
Update – And yes, per Joshua’s comment below, Orangeburg attorney and Afghanistan veteran Bill Connor has already announced his campaign for Lt. Governor on the GOP side.
Comments
By silent doright on March 14th, 2009 at 1:41 am
I’ve heard that Joe Taylor is seriously interested in running for Gov. If he’s interested and looking to run, he should step down immediately to avoid a conflict of interest.
By lou on March 14th, 2009 at 7:01 am
we need NEW people with NEW ideas to make this old state work again….
By Joshua on March 14th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Of course Bill Connor (the Orangeburg attorney and Silver Star winning Lt. Col. from Afghanistan who has been writing conservative columns for the Times and Democrat for 6 years) is already running as the only announced candidate, but since he’s not “inside the bubble,” I guess he’s not on your radar.
Funny thing, though, he’s getting a lot of traction around the state precisely because he isn’t in the Legislature.
By Todd on March 14th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Run, Darrell. He has the temperament, maturity and savvy to pull it off. However, I believe we need to keep him in the Senate. Somebody has to be a voice of reason in that club.
By Mike Honcho on March 14th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
After years of funneling taxpayer funds to his C.R. Neal Dream Center – the Office on Aging should make a great sponsor for a Bible Way Nursing Home.
Another day, another joke.
By Commerce Me on March 14th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Joe Taylor? The same guy who has run Commerce into the ground with his nearsighted micro-management style (i.e., my-way-or-the-highway)? Someone needs to look at Commerce before and after Joey’s ascendancy and ask some serious questions about his management style, and if that’s what we want in a Governor. When some 45-50% of the workforce turns over within the first two years of his reign, including 90% of the skilled veterans of economic development, the personnel director, the head of administration, and a whole department with the Film Office, then something ain’t right. He can form a whole research department to make the (miserable) economic numbers work any way he sees fit, and no one will question it. Ask any of the regional economic development offices if Commerce as a whole is as effective as it used to be, and I’ll bet you’ll get a different story. The last thing this state needs in a Governor is a guy who thinks new companies will set up shop only because SC is “God’s country.” Oy vey…
By Terrica on March 19th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Darrell Jackson’s political views, moral character, and commitment to service have been clearly demonstrated over the years. We know what to expect not by what he says but by what he has consistently done! SC needs such a visionary to bring about change. I would definitely support his bid should he decide to move in this direction. Lt. Governor Jackson…I like the sound of that!
By don j. on March 20th, 2009 at 1:52 am
RUN MY FRIEND FOR THERE IS NOTHING TO HARD FOR GOD!!!!!
By ME on April 7th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
You can do it! I believe in you! I have seen what you have done to Atlas Road. The possibilities are ENDLESS!