The “Sanfordville” Buzz

As press stunts go, we have to say “Sanfordville” is a pretty good one.

Sure, it’s just another protest, but with this little stunt the heretofore creatively-deficient Democrats may have finally figured it out.

An assemblage of tents designed to resemble the “Hoovervilles” of the 1930’s, this gathering of Democratic luminaries in one of downtown Columbia, S.C.’s city parks aimed to draw public attention to Gov. Mark Sanford’s position on accepting a certain pot of federal bureaucratic bailout funding.

“Sanfordville” wasn’t without its awkward moments, of course, but that’s to be expected when bunches of wealthy Democratic elites co-mingle with homeless people looking for a handout.

From the local alternative fish-wrapper, Free Times:

Off camera, a 58-year-old man, with a scruffy beard and cataracts, asks former Democratic Gov. Jim Hodges for a little money. He says he lives just a block away. He fell down on some steps this morning and hurt his hands and his face. He just needs $19 …

Joining Hodges at “Sanfordville” were Democratic headliners like Sen. Vincent Sheheen, former party chairman Dick Harpootlian and State Rep. Anton Gunn.

“Sanfordville” also passed the only real test of a P.R. stunt – namely, it got killer coverage. And sparked a response from its namesake.

“People are going to use the different tools within their respected quivers to try and exert pressure,” Sanford said.

Uh-oh.

When Sanford runs home to the “tools in their quivers” quote, you know he’s stung.

WEB EXTRAS

Morning In Sanfordville (Free Times)

Wes Donehue’s Visit to Sanfordville (Wes Donehue)

Sanford’s Response (Indigo “Tent City” Journal)

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