Ordinarily, the race for the S.C. Democratic gubernatorial nomination interests us about as much as a pie-eating contest at the mental hospital.
It’s the sort of competition where everyone gets messy, but nobody really wins anything – well, except for a ribbon letting each competitor know that they’re “special.”
Equally messy (but usually more consequential) is the S.C. Republican primary race, although this year GOP missteps may have opened a window of opportunity much like the one Democrat Jim Hodges climbed through a decade ago.
This year’s Democratic field – while lacking big names like Inez Tenenbaum or Jim Rex – does feature some interesting candidates.
There’s an establishment front-runner (Vincent Sheheen), a wealthy non-politician (Mullins McLeod) and a rebel with a new cause (Robert Ford) – and the top Democrat in the S.C. House could be joining the mix any day now.
Here are the five Democrats who are either running (*) or considering a run at the governors’ mansion in 2010 …
*Amos Elliot – Pastor (Charleston)
*Robert Ford – State Senator (Charleston)
*Mullins McLeod – Attorney (Charleston)
Harry Ott – House Democratic leader (Calhoun)
*Vincent Sheheen – State Senator (Camden)
Given his early fund-raising prowess, we’d have to give the initial edge in this race to Sheheen – but Ford, McLeod and Ott could present themselves as credible challengers.
Ford obviously has the parental choice issue working for him – and support from minorities – while McLeod has personal money to burn and an up-and-coming young Democratic consultant guiding his bid.
What about Ott? Well, like Sheheen, he’d probably be able to draw in cash from a wide range of special interests.
Of course – as was the case when we reviewed the GOP slate last month – there’s no assurance that this field is locked. In fact, we’re hearing from our sources that several top Democratic donors are just as displeased with the current crop of candidates as their GOP counterparts.
Whether that means we’ll see another horse … err, donkey … enter the race remains to be seen.
In the meantime, to the poll!
If the S.C. Democratic gubernatorial primary was held today, who would you vote for?
- Vincent Sheheen (42%, 70 Votes)
- Mullins McLeod (27%, 45 Votes)
- Robert Ford (15%, 25 Votes)
- Harry Ott (13%, 21 Votes)
- Amos Elliot (3%, 6 Votes)
Total Voters: 167
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By Pat Hendrix May 11, 2009 at 12:30 pm
The one thing Ford has going against him is, well, that he’s the dumbest person in SC – no small accomplishment when you share the state with Jim Demint.
By GGIH May 11, 2009 at 1:20 pm
There’s also the fact that his party isn’t exactly filled with private school choice supporters.
By fitsnews May 11, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Wow. Ford’s obviously got you two a little skeered …
-FITS
By First Money May 11, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Is it a sure thing that James Smith is passing on the race? That would be too bad. He may not share my politics, but I respect him more than most SC politicians of either party.
By Statesman May 11, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Don’t count James Smith out. A Democratic war veteran may surprise us all.
By Hopeful Dem May 12, 2009 at 12:12 am
I like James! He’s smart, moderate, a war hero…got all the “it” factor stuff he needs to win. This may be a Republican state, but they haven’t governed well at all, and if I were a Republican I’d be mad as hell at them for the mess we are in.
James has stood up for real South Carolinians when legislators in both parties were giving our money away to a bunch of rich corporations who have done nothing for our state. And news flash for the Repubs – he’s been a much better fiscal conservative than your Speaker!
So, Will — is it true he’s not going to consider it because the Dems closed the doors and decided on Vince? What can you find out?
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