Rex Fundraising Shocker
For a guy who’s supposed to be running for governor in two years, S.C. Superintendent of Education Jim Rex certainly doesn’t seem to be in a big hurry to raise the mountain of money he’ll need to be competitive in 2010.
In fact, according to the latest S.C. Ethics Commission filings, Rex has just $9,000 cash on hand in his Superintendent of Education account – a paltry sum for the Palmetto State’s top elected Democrat. Rex’s filings show that he raised just $36,000 in the most recent fund-raising quarter, with nearly all of that amount ($30,000) being eaten up by expenses.
So what gives?
Several high-profile fundraisers have been held in Rex’s honor in recent weeks, with the clear expectation that he would be announcing a bid for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.
Where did all that money go? Some new, as-yet-unannounced organization?
Hmmmm … we’ll obviously know soon enough, as any new committee must file paperwork with the Ethics Commission within ten days of spending or receiving its first $500.
Assuming Rex is running for reelection as Superintendent, his first announced challenger will be Christopher Ty Grogan of Ninety Six, S.C. (a.k.a. this kid).
Grogan says his candidacy – a nonpartisan petition bid – will focus on getting rid of “unnecessary expenditures and frivolous spending in the State Department of Education.” He’s also promising to give back his first year’s salary.
“All South Carolinians deserve a quality education, one that is nationally competitive,” Grogan says. “They do not deserve a political system full of bribery, corruption, and failure. Nor do the constituents of this great state deserve someone who fails to serve the people who put him in office.”
Sounds like our kind of candidate.
And while Grogan is barely out of high school, our guess is he could match Rex’s current cash-on-hand total after a solid summer of mowing lawns.
Update – As of April, 2009, Rex has an additional $3,000 on hand from his 2006 campaign account, which for some reason is filed separately.
Comments
By Calhoun Fawls on July 10th, 2009 at 7:07 am
Rex will not run for Governor. The Democratic Party elders do not want a battle between him and “reformer” Sheheen. I say its 50-50 Rex even runs for re-election. Rex is playing it close to the vest, but I still say playing it so close this close in says its 50-50 he goes home after one term.
By Toyota Kawaski on July 10th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Mow lawns! When Randy page and the rest of the Voucher scum get a hold of him he will have people cutting his lawn.
By w on July 10th, 2009 at 10:01 am
hahahaha sheheen a “reformer?”
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
By RT on July 10th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Rumors are that Brent Nelsen, current candidate for governor, will be switching races to run for Superintendent…I think he would be a much better Superintendent than Rex because Nelsen actually favors local control and local choice!
By madcock on July 10th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Yeah it’s a lot harder to raise $$$ for Dems.
So much easier for the GOP candidates where you just watch the money flow in from Howie and his PAC’s from NY and all you have to give them in return is your soul.
By Barney Fife on July 10th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
I have heard that Jim is not running for either office. Seems like he is not all that healthy and wants to retire. He is in his upper 60’s. I can’t say that I blame him. I would retire to the lake and forget it.
By BIN News Editorial Staff on July 10th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
When sic(k) willie has nothing intelligent to blog about (which is most of the time) he will often churn things by writing meaningless cr@p like this.
By ? on July 12th, 2009 at 9:34 am
How much has sheheen raised?
By debbie grogan on July 12th, 2009 at 11:02 am
AS we all know we can send 18 year olds to war , so why not put them into office. TY is a very hard worker. His belief is to help the people and not to take money from them.He is fresh out of high school and has seen first hand what teachers and students need. TY has all my support and hope others will join in to get him elected.