Campsen Bid Could Gum Things Up For Governor
State Sen. Chip Campsen (R-Charleston) has made no bones about his intentions – he’s running for governor, and he expects his longtime surfing buddy Gov. Mark Sanford to be there for him.
There’s just one problem … Campsen is probably Sanford’s fourth or fifth choice for the position.
A staunch social conservative with limited statewide appeal, Campsen’s entry into the race isn’t likely to cause much of a stir beyond the political chattering class – but don’t dismiss the behind-the-scenes maneuvering his decision could set off.
Obviously, Sanford’s endorsement (and fundraising support) could propel virtually anyone into the top tier of 2010 gubernatorial candidates.
And it’s obvious at this point that the governor doesn’t like any of the three perceived frontrunners.
Sources in Charleston tell us that Campsen is convinced he has Sanford’s support, and is reportedly using the prospect of a gubernatorial endorsement in his team-building and fundraising efforts.
“Some one has promised him something,” our source says.
Of course, Sanford’s promises of campaign assistance don’t always materialize. Just ask Charlie Condon.
And these reports out of Charleston are at odds with reports we’re receiving from Columbia and Washington D.C.
According to our D.C. source, longtime Sanford advisor Jon Lerner is counseling Sanford to stay out of any endorsement entanglements that might adversely impact his budding national profile.
Lerner reportedly advised Sanford to refrain from endorsing in the 2010 governor’s race as well as this year’s contest for SCGOP Chairman, which is ironic considering Lerner is viewed by many as the impetus for Spartanburg businesswoman’s Karen Floyd entry into the Chairman’s race.
It’s also ironic considering that Lerner advised Sanford to endorse Rudy Giuliani in the 2008 GOP Presidential Primary.
Rest assured this onion has plenty of layers, folks … so stay tuned while we peel each and every one.
Comments
By huh? on March 17th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
I thought Sanford was trying to get Davis or Haley to run.
By veronica corningstone on March 17th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Tom Davis should run!!!
By fitsnews on March 17th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Veronica,
We were just bathing in Sex Panther by Odeon thinking of you.
-FITS
By Brian Fantana on March 17th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
No, she gets a special cologne. It’s called Sex Panther by Odeon. It’s illegal in nine countries. Yep, it’s made with bits of real panther, so you know it’s good. They’ve done studies, you know. Sixty percent of the time, it works every time. That’s the smell of desire, m’lady.
By fitsnews on March 17th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
“Huh,”
You are correct. Sanford is definitely trying to get Davis or Haley to run, which is why the Campsen thing is relevant.
And why Lerner’s maneuvering behind the scenes in both governor’s and GOP Chairman’s race is interesting.
We’ve got A LOT more on this subject we’ll be publishing soon, so like we said stay tuned.
-FITS
P.S. – Good to see we’re not the only “Odeon” users on the site who have a thing for Miss Corningstone.
By Josh on March 17th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Seems to me that Campsen would have a hard time carrying a lot of these retired yanks up and down the coast that this “Sanfordesque” candidate would need to win. What is the difference between Gresham and Chip? There does not seem to be much. Looks like Sanford would want to get behind someone who would have no trouble carrying the entire coast and could work on making in-roads with folks in another part of the state also. I think Mulvaney or Davis is the person. I have enormous doubts however, that either could raise the money necessary. This just doesn’t look like a good cycle for a first time statewide run, unless Sanford gets really involved BEFORE a runoff.
By Brandon on March 17th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Campsen would do better by serving a 2 to 4 year sentence in DC now that Henry Brown has been tarred as a “bailout boy”.
By Donna on March 17th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Who would have thought Sanford’s endorsement to be so golden. What if he doesn’t endorse anyone? The candidates who could carry the Coast all need Sandford’s nod. Lofty aspirations for 2012 may indeed keep the Governor from endorsing anyone. What a pity that would be. The Governor’s career before the future of SC. Who would have thunk it? Davis should come forward and claim the torch.
By Nope on March 17th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Sanford’s endorsement is NOT golden. By 2010, it will be the kiss of death, as it ought to be.
By Nope on March 17th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Kind of like Carroll Campbell’s endorsement of David Beasley. Fool me once…
By the right side on March 17th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
There was a thriving SC GOP before Sanford and there will be one after him. Ask the people og Lexington County if they care what Sanford does or who he supports?
By Richard on March 17th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Let me answer that from Lexington. Yes many of us do care that he endorses a candidate. My group has always supported Sanford’s fiscal conservatism, not so much some of his philosophical votes i.e. Hospital, cigarette tax, but we need someone like him to keep the spending habits of the legislature crippled and at best challenged. There is a voice of reason with Sanford, the very voice that is lacking among the leadership in the House and Senate.
By Deke Kalane on March 17th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
I’m with Veronica — Davis should run. He’s smart and solid, not a grandstander. Comes across as trustworthy and authentic, and really understands the issues. I’ve heard him speak, and he is a natural. Campsen is a nice, honest person, but just a little “out there.” Gonna be a tough year for a legislator — let’s see if Davis and Campsen support stimulus bill, or stand tough with the governor and the public. That will send a message……
By the right side on March 18th, 2009 at 7:59 am
Dear Richard: It may interest you that the House passed a budget lower than Sanford’s. Glad people are there to keep him in check.
By Right side debunker on March 18th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Sanford’s executive budget was prepared prior to the BEA lowering revenue estimates. Don’t be so disingenuous, right side.
By anonymous on March 18th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
2008 South Carolina Constitution
ARTICLE XV.
IMPEACHMENT
SECTION 1. Power of impeachment; vote required; suspension of officer impeached.
The House of Representatives alone shall have the power of impeachment in cases of serious crimes or serious misconduct in office by officials elected on a statewide basis, state judges, and such other state officers as may be designated by law. The affirmative vote of two-thirds of all members elected shall be required for an impeachment. Any officer impeached shall thereby be suspended from office until judgment in the case shall have been pronounced, and the office shall be filled during the trial in such manner as may be provided by law.
When the Governor is impeached, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, or, if he be disqualified, the Senior Justice, shall preside, with a casting vote in all preliminary questions.
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/scconstitution/a15.htm
By the right side on March 18th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Bet you also didn’t know that while the public Sanford is fighting the evil stimulus money the private Sanford had his cabinet agencies track every twist and turn so they could spend it. Sanford is a fake!
By Pres on March 18th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
How many names is Sec gonna throw at the wall for governor?