We’ve made no bones about our love for S.C. Rep. Nikki Haley, the Lexington Republican who we continue to believe is the most fiscally conservative candidate in the 2010 race for governor of the Palmetto State.
In fact, if we’re judging politicians by their records, she’s the only fiscally conservative candidate in the 2010 race for governor of the Palmetto State.
Of course, that doesn’t change the fact that Haley has responsed poorly to the sex scandal engulfing her once-indispensable ally, S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford, and it goes without saying that the governor’s diminished popularity and depleted fund-raising prowess make her quest for the nomination an even steeper climb.
But should we count Haley out?
The Politico – which is quickly becoming the Washington D.C. outlet of record – obviously doesn’t think so. In fact, here’s an excerpt from a glowing review the website gave Haley yesterday:
The daughter of two immigrants, Haley knocked off South Carolina’s then-longest-serving incumbent to become the first Indian-American Republican elected to a state Legislature. After that upset victory, she again caught the attention of the state’s political establishment last summer by successfully moving to limit voice votes and force state lawmakers to vote on the record, an unpopular move with many of her state House colleagues.
Her socially and fiscally conservative credentials are burnished with strong ratings from the National Rifle Association and the state chapter of the Club for Growth and by her role earlier this year as one of Sanford’s lone legislative allies in trying to reject some federal stimulus funds.
“This stimulus has done nothing more than create additional expenses with no way to pay for them,” Haley told POLITICO. “All it did was mandate new programs.”
“It was unfortunate the way it played out in the state,” she said of the long political battle that ended with Sanford accepting the funds. “Republicans need to go back to what we originally believed in, which is less taxes and being accountable to the people.”
Make no mistake, this “bio fluff” piece was no doubt ginned up by Haley’s D.C. consultant, Jon Lerner, as part of a forthcoming Beltway fund-raising push … which means the reporter who wrote it should probably be more than a little bit embarrassed right now.
“Burnished?”
Dude … seriously. We know she’s hot, but come on.
Still, the fact that Haley can capture (and command) the attention of the DC press corps without Sanford holding her hand is no small feat – and something that will serve her well in a race with three very well-known Republicans, each of whom has plenty of Washington connections.
A week ago, the conventional wisdom in S.C. politics was that Haley’s bid was finished – but we’re not willing to go that far … not yet.
After all, from the day she entered the race Haley has been the candidate most feared by her opponents, particular U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett. In fact, one S.C. politico who is currently advising one of Haley’s “big three” rivals told FITS that his candidate had been “preparing for a runoff with Haley” prior to the governor’s Argentine disaster.
Haley’s challenge (in addition to raising a buttload of money) is to emerge from the “fall of Sanford” by defining her own brand of fiscal conservatism – something that, in our humble opinion, starts and ends with articulating specific policy.
Specific fiscal policy.
People have heard the “less taxes, lower spending” platitudes ad nauseum (usually from lying Republicans) – which is why politicians who spout this meaningless pablum get “dialed down” real quick, no matter what Smartypants(es) like Frank Luntz think.
People want to hear specific policy details that directly impact their bottom line – and impact it positively – and they want those details accompanied by a bare minimum of consultant-driven fluff.
Frankly, we think an approach like that is tailor-made for Haley …
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By Ben&Pete July 10, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Her one problem (other than that Blackberry clipped to her hip) is she can’t raise any money. He has very little chance unless Barrett and McMaster implode
By 1+1=3 July 10, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Haley’s challenge (in addition to raising a buttload of money) is to emerge from the “fall of Sanford”
- What fall? He’s still Governor isn’t he? Or is he? Did he take that leave of absence? No public events for 4 days – no press releases – no statements – no pictures? No update to his governor website since 6/24? What is he working on for SC?
By madcock July 10, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Yeah, the SC GOP primary voters, that progressive open-minded group, are going to nominate a Sikh woman named Nimrata Randhawa Haley for governor!!!
In the words of ALF, “Haaah!!!”
By Richard July 10, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Nobody carries the REAL Republican message like Nikki Haley (BTW Nikki is her real name and always has been, been down that road several years back). With that she will be able to raise the money on that issue alone. Now, if all the DC and GOP interest continues to mount she will gain the notoriety quickly. I have also wondered if Gov Sanford’s political career is to end, as it should, his coffers will likely swing to Haley’s favor. Surely there is a sizeable amount of money on hand.
By yarrrrr July 10, 2009 at 5:27 pm
“By madcock on July 10th, 2009 at 4:59 pm ”
Are you astroturfing? fark off you liberal bigot…
By Gillon July 10, 2009 at 5:33 pm
SC ranking: (as compared to other states)
State Taxation: Number of states whose overall state taxes are higher than ours: 37
Morality of Governors: Number of states whose chief executive has exhibited higher moral values than ours: 49 (NY, Illinois, and NJ’s recent rankings were greatly improved by the resignation and/or removal of their sitting governor)
Which of the two issues would you think SC gubernatorial candidates need to emphasize more?
By The Organ Grinder July 10, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Come on now…she is NOT the “only fiscally conservative candidate.”
You are forgetting about (or just ignoring) Larry Grooms, who has a stronger record over a longer period of time.
And his voting record against the stimulus money is a far cry better than Haley’s “I voted for it before I voted against it” routine.
She’s a good candidate. Grooms is just better.
To be continued….
By SC Moderate July 10, 2009 at 6:40 pm
I don’t see Nikki as a long shot in the Primary, at all. Also, when the Sanford scandal broke- my thoughts were that overall this would be a net positive for Haley…
The negative effects-
I think are actually that Sanford’s specific policy views are hurt. Reasoning: I think many average SC voters were willing to overlook many of Sanford’s tactics, before the Scandal because voters had an element of trust that he probably had good intentions/ doing the right thing, and so on. (Since he & some of his policies tends to be political-theory oriented, I think some average voters did not care to delve in to the specifics & therefore gave him the benefit of the doubt with some of his policy views)…………. Post-Scandal, some of these voters now see his tactics in a completely different light. More arrogance in nature. Also, much of the “sound judgment” & “benefit of the doubt” type of sentiment have gone out the door (and may be the opposite now).
Voters often tend to group all of these elements together. Affairs usually do effect policy angles, but the specific elements in this case add up to one of those rare cases. And some may subconsciously view Sanford as leading Haley to drink for the water, so to speak, in supporting the agenda (I don’t think this is accurate, but a subconscious element non the less.
The Positive effect-
I think emotionally, female candidates tend to benefit after scandals involving Affairs and Dishonesty. Since Haley is the only female candidate- she is the sole beneficiary. Although this part of the equation is the most simple and straight forward side, I think it trumps the negative effects overall… Especially to Primary voters.
My view is that Haley’s challenge will come be in the general election. She will have to find a way to effectively explain her support for Sanford in rejecting the bailout money (or stay away from the issue as best she can). Also, she will have to show the she is not “Vouchers or die” regarding Education. Whether or not a Voucher plan was Sanford‘s only answer to improve education- many voter view it as such. (I know fitnews is probably in love with Vouchers, but this is not the case with all SC voters.) Some people, including myself, think that SC in not the ideal state to replicated many of the “case studies” Sanford often sites. But at any rate, Haley will have to combat some hostility towards the Sanford education agenda that she supports. Or at the very least come across as more willing to “work together” on this issue.
Regardless of ideology-
In the end I think The general election will be a close, fun battle to watch, between Haley and Sheheen/ McLeod…A battle of the 30-Somethings.
By Nyet July 10, 2009 at 7:47 pm
She will be a Media-Made-Governor, if anything. As Henry McMaster is becoming — just look at “The State” newspaper the last few days. Anything but Robert Ford, eh, State?!
She will be propped up, as was Barack Obama.
She has already shown her true colors in the Governor Sanford sex scandal.
I’m underwhelmed.
By madcock July 10, 2009 at 8:31 pm
I could care less what her name is or whether she’s Wiccan or an atheist. But the mouth breathers who make compare Michelle Obama to an ape and make up the GOP base care a lot.
My complaint about her is that she’s on the take for Howie Rich and his scheme to steal money from SC’s school children and give it to the likes of King David and Jenny the Kingmaker to subsize sending their brats to Heathwood Hall.
By For real July 10, 2009 at 9:31 pm
The real colors or shall we say color will come out of the state’s GOP in the primary….woman, indian descent won’t cut it in this state. Sad, but true.
By anonymous July 11, 2009 at 12:18 am
Sanfraud said:
“There were a handful of instances wherein I crossed the lines I shouldn’t have crossed as a married man, but never crossed the ultimate line”
Sir, how do you do that? I mean, how do you cross the line without crossing the line? uh uh uh, well, it’s kinda of like the The Hokey Pokey…
You put your right hand in,
You put your right hand out,
You put your right hand in,
And you shake it all about,
You do the hokey pokey
and you turn yourself around
That what it’s all about.
2) left hand
3) right foot
4) left foot
5) head
6) butt
7) whole self
Sir, how is it like the hokey pokey? well …uh uh uh ….well …wait, let me finish …you cross the line and then you cross back over and then it’s like you never crossed the line at all, see it’s simple.
Sir, please tell me again how you never crossed the ultimate line? …uh uh uh well, if you’re only over the line for a little while and no one knows about it, then it’s like it never happened ….uh uh uh …are ya fallerin’ me so far? It’s just like I told ya, the ultimate line was never crossed ’cause I’m over yonder now, see? I’m over cheer! See, I’m not over the line. Now if these fellas start to thinkin’ that I’m over the line, well there mistaken because I’m splittin’ my time between the Mansion and Sullivans Island so that proves plain and simple that the ultimate has not been crossed. See …I’m over cheer …over cheer …I’m not over the line, just like I told ya …just like I told ya.
By lou July 11, 2009 at 7:53 am
She is not ready for prime time after supporting the worst Governor in the history of this state.
She may have good ideas, fiscal conservativeness etc etc yada yada blah blah but she’s toast for hooking up with Sanfraud
By anonymous July 11, 2009 at 9:04 am
Too bad. Not voting republican after way Sanford disaster handled by GOP members here. Republicans now total embarrassment here. Don’t even care what kind of candidate they are. They showed to whom their loyalties were.
By Scene SC July 11, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I was going to say her problem was the Blackberry clipped to her pants, but I was beat to it. The hotness of the white pants almost offsets the uncoolness of the blackberry clip.
By .. July 11, 2009 at 2:43 pm
she looks like Elvis in that get up.
By ethel krabitz July 11, 2009 at 7:14 pm
is that outfit an homage to Michael Jackson?
By DoneLikeSteak@BlackGrillFeast July 11, 2009 at 8:40 pm
The well is dry, DC Consultant = Burn rate unsustainable.
By Jonathan July 12, 2009 at 1:53 am
Remember hearing the jokes about the “Greek mafia” in SC back during the days of Nick Theodore? Well, after reading Haley’s donor report online there must be an “Indian mafia” in SC too with some money to throw her way.
Doesn’t really bother me though. All the Greek pols (regardless of party) get donations from their fellow Greeks, the Lourie’s and Tenenbaum get Jewish money, etc.
Just think it’s interesting.
By Earl Capps July 12, 2009 at 3:12 am
As to Madcock’s comments – if you keep trashing Nikki with such petty and insulting crap, in the hopes of beating her, you’re probably helping her by generating sympathy among a lot of voters who think it’s just wrong to inject personal and racial attacks into campaigns.
If you don’t believe me, just look what happened the last time they tried that in the hopes of stopping her.
By madcock July 12, 2009 at 11:23 am
Earl, I don’t have a racist bone in my body. It’s my opinion that many SC GOP primary voters do, and I love stirring up you right-wingers.
As for as calling her by her name, Nimrata Randhawa Haley, I do it for the same reasons Ann Coulter gave Bill O”Reilly for calling the Democratic nominee for President Barack Hussein Obama, “I do it because, one, it’s his name, and, two, I think it’s funny.”
And BTW, Earl if YOU think that referring to a Sikh woman named Nimrata Randhawa Haley as a “Sikh woman named Nimrata Randhawa Haley” is “trashing (her) with petty and insulting crap” that says a lot more about YOUR attitude about people of religions other than Christianity with non-Anglicized names than it does MINE.
Also, while I think the current state of the GOP is pathetic, I don’t think it has yet sunk so low that anything I do will have any effect on it’s nominating process for gov. LOL!!!!
By Freedom for Me July 12, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Madcock…you are such a racist.Why don’t you just come out and admit it?You don’t want poor Black children to have a proper education..you would rather fund socialism.Socialists are always fake do gooders!!!…They would rather fund propaganda than really let people be free to learn the truth and be successful.
By Cicero July 12, 2009 at 2:02 pm
The first paragraph of The Politico’s review gives the sum total of her accomplishments — e.g., they’re virtually nil. She’s a lightweight (though admittedly a lightweight who’s on the right side of the issues)who was hoping to ride a Sanford endorsement and her interesting resume and her one legislative idea to the Mansion.
By Sandra July 12, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Ahhhhhh, I sense the FEAR in many of these posts. Fear of the first female Indian American governor of South Carolina! Love it!!!!
By John July 12, 2009 at 8:36 pm
McMaster already imploded, and he doesn’t stand a chance. Barret won’t win because he can’t get the votes locally (he has no notoriety). Bauer will push hard but ultimately fail, and Nikki, if she doesn’t pull a Fred Thompson, will win the hearts and minds of South Carolinians – perhaps not governor, but senator in the long run. If she were on the NASDAQ, I’d put my long term money on her.
By Snead July 12, 2009 at 11:59 pm
I don’t think you’re allowed to sit while you’re holding a “Stand Up” sign. Pretty sure that’s against rally rules.
By Old Student July 13, 2009 at 12:11 am
Madcock, I’ve got a question. Some people are religious and want to inculcate certain values like faith, hope and charity in their children by having their children have a religious education during the day. Is it your contention that the only people allowed to do that are the rich? Do working class people have only the choice of homeschooling or enduring a values-free, secular education?
By BIN News Editorial Staff July 13, 2009 at 12:30 am
John, You’ll be broke after the next election. Stone cold broke. Like sik(k) willie’s morals. Stone cold broke.
By postthissilly@hardengervais.net July 13, 2009 at 6:34 am
The ‘REAL’ problem with Mr. Folks indian friend iN-Hale is her relationship with the ABATE biker group (never mentioned), nothing but well established statewide drug dealers that hang out in the SC Statehouse (crackhouse) lobby, daily; she is their favorite.
However her ABATE fiends never want the laws changed on drugs (helmets only), but who would when your slingin statewid; lawfully.
She isn’t anything but buddy buddy with ABATE “A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments” so whats the scoop there Mr. Silly Willy? I don’t see any of her biker krew sitting on the statehouse steps in the photo above. Harden Gervais says one can always find her at your place Mr. Willy, all the time; iN-Hale, K-Flo, T-Rav and on and on and on: The Grand Old Party. PARTY!!
Coke is it, it’s the ‘REAL’ thing.
By Toyota Kawaski July 13, 2009 at 8:19 am
Wont even make it out the primary.
By Workin' Tommy C July 13, 2009 at 9:05 am
John on July 12th, 2009 at 8:36 pm: “Nikki . . . will win the hearts and minds of South Carolinians – perhaps not governor, but senator in the long run. If she were on the NASDAQ, I’d put my long term money on her.”
^^You speak words of iron!
By Statesman July 13, 2009 at 9:15 am
Nikki’s only negative is how she associated herself with Sanford. Especially the stimulus deal. She would make one hell of a Governor if the Republicans could get over their prejudices.
By SCCON July 13, 2009 at 10:42 am
She needs to develop her social credentials a little better if she’s going to win the primary.
By Crooner July 13, 2009 at 11:10 am
I like Nimrata better. It’s less trailer-trashy.
By Jenn July 13, 2009 at 11:50 am
It is time for not only a strong Republican to clean up the statehouse but for a woman. Men continue to trash each other with ego and retaliation while our state stands idle.
NIKKI HALEY FOR GOVERNOR 2010!!!!!!!!!!
By John July 13, 2009 at 11:50 am
Dear BIN News,
If I’m broke, will you buy me lunch? Because if Nikki isn’t elected, I’m going to be taxed so hard I’ll need to work nights in Finlay Park. RINO’s aren’t the answer fellas, it’s time to go back to basics. And BIN, I’ve seen Nikki in action personally, and I’m telling you that this woman is on the rise whether you like it or not.
By Toyota Kawaski July 13, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Oh John she is on the rise alright more like on the take
By K Trane July 13, 2009 at 5:50 pm
A hot fiscal conservative that can pull off a pant-suit…she’s got my vote!…
Not diggin’ the Blackberry tho…
By purpleminded1 July 13, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Please identify what makes her a strong candidate, and list her accomplishments.
By Justin Case July 13, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Madcock – Have you heard of a man called Barack Obama, President of the United States? He has a funny name, too.
By Richard July 14, 2009 at 8:53 am
South Carolina deserves better, VOTE NIKKI HALEY FOR GOVERNOR IN 2010!
By GGIH July 14, 2009 at 9:33 am
“He no longer is the voice of that reform movement. I am now the new voice of that reform movement…”
Nikki Haley, channeling Al Haig.
By Jerome July 14, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Well she is good looking and she is much smarter than Palin. She can definitely get the female vote. After all , today it is a white man’s world .I think she can ride the transparency issue into the Governor’s office. If Grooms gives her any problems at all , all she has to do is ask him why our state needs to be in the container shipping business and that she favors privatizing the port system and not following the Soviet model that Grooms is pushing- and she can watch Grooms stammer and stutter and go back home.
By Freddie Guy July 14, 2009 at 3:31 pm
She has accomplished Nothing! as a Legislator. She is a mouthpiece for the Sanford crowd.
“Sanford is no longer is the voice of that reform movement. I am now the new voice of that reform movement,” Nicki Haley
No you are not sweety. Please go back to your seat in the back and shut up!
“http://www.fitsnews.com/2009/06/17/sanfords-nikki-haley-lovefest-continues/”
Fred
By Jenn July 14, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Nikki Haley is the Leadership this state needs. Freddie Guy and other bigots are what is keeping our state down. This state is starting to swell in favor of change, and Nikki Haley is it!!