Pitts Pressured To Run For SC Superintendent
Numerous Republicans are pressuring S.C. Rep. Ted Pitts to run for State Superintendent of Education, a post that currently has no GOP contenders and a vulnerable Democratic incumbent who has raised a mere pittance to defend his seat.
Pitts is currently running for S.C. Lt. Governor – along with what could be as many as five other Republicans. They include Florence businessman Ken Ard, Afghan vet Bill Connor, former Rep. Ralph Norman and current Rep. Tim Scott. Also considering a bid is Mike Campbell, the son of former Gov. Carroll A. Campbell, Jr.
Three years ago, Campbell nearly unseated current Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer in an acrimonious race for this part-time position, which basically involves presiding over the State Senate and running the S.C. Office on Aging.
Oh, and being “a heartbeat” (or “soul mate”) away from the governor’s office.
Yet while this less-than-influential position is attracting plenty of candidates, no Republican has stepped forward and made the case to lead the S.C. Department of Education, which oversees billions of dollars in tax money.
Could that be changing, though?
Here’s an excerpt from a recent story on Nathan’s News, the blog run by Pitts’ longtime legislative ally Rep. Nathan Ballentine:
I keep hearing folks are working behind the scenes to get Representative Ted Pitts (R-Lexington) to consider switching gears and running for (Superintendent) instead of the state’s #2 spot. This seems to make sense for several reasons. One, Ted’s actually spent time in the classroom. Two, until House Leadership stepped in to recruit and anoint a Chairman, Ted was in the running to be that Chairman (House Education Committee) last session. Three, he’s been front and center on several educational issues – including being the lead sponsor of Rex’s school-choice bill.
Oh..and also the fact that currently there is no one strong enough to carry the Republican banner for this position.
The “Republican banner?” Wax on, Nathan … wax on.
Look, we’ve blasted the hell out of Pitts in the past for his vacillation on important education issues … and deservedly so.
He strikes us as more of a political opportunist than a real leader, frankly, which is too bad. Truth be told, we’re still waiting for him to genuinely put the academic interests of individual school children (of all races and income levels) ahead of the insatiable funding needs of the education establishment. Unfortunately, his sponsorship of a sham public school choice bill would seem to indicate that he’s made his bed with the Democratic Superintendent – which may be why he’s not running for a position that Republicans seem to think he’s tailor-made for.
S.C. Superintendent Jim Rex – who has fought real education reform at every step of the way – has yet to announce his intentions. His weak fund-raising totals surprised numerous Democratic insiders, who suspected Rex might mount a bid for governor.
Now, it is uncertain whether or not he will even run for State Superintendent again.
College student Christopher Ty Grogan of Ninety Six, S.C. is the only announced candidate for the position. He is running as a non-partisan, petition candidate.
Comments
By Billy Bob on July 21st, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Ted Pitts was named a taxpayer hero by Governor Sanford this puts him in the league of Kevin Bryant, Chip Campsen and Nikki Haley. He is a conservative and no one will ever convince me he isn’t.
By Somewhere in SC on July 21st, 2009 at 3:16 pm
What about IT Kids’s guru Kelly Payne!
By red leg on July 21st, 2009 at 3:27 pm
How about Will’s favorite teacher, Kelly Payne ?
By Larry on July 21st, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Any mention of Mike Campbell makes me giggle a little bit.
Love to see that guy in the mix for something just for the cheap laughs.
By Barney Fife on July 21st, 2009 at 3:51 pm
What about Helen Crump?
By rick on July 21st, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Once again, Walter Whetsell is candidate shopping. His offer to Tim Scott is hire me and I’ll get Pitts out of the race. Whetsell is working for Pitts for Lt Gov now but you will see the chess game unfold when he ends up working for Scott for Lt Gov and Pitts for education.
By GGIH on July 21st, 2009 at 7:10 pm
So if he’s not for vouchers, he’s a sham. Good God, can you ever move past this one stupid issue?
By GGIH on July 21st, 2009 at 7:14 pm
And one more thing. Every time you’re tempted to write a story about education, you should go play with your new baby instead. It’s possible that you could do some good there, but you have nothing to contribute to this debate.
By Frank on July 21st, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Ted Pitts does not need to give up his house seat.
By SC Moderate on July 22nd, 2009 at 6:57 am
I think Ted should enter the Republican primary against Demint. I do not think Demints $2. whaterver million dollars ensures he is safe. Against the right candidate(s) I think he is vulnerable in the primary and/ or general.
By liz on July 22nd, 2009 at 7:57 am
I someone fixing the next election right now?
By Toyota Kawaski on July 22nd, 2009 at 8:40 am
he looks like Adam Piper
By Rachel B. on July 22nd, 2009 at 9:44 am
You know, Ms. Payne is an excellent leader and she has given her “It Kids” so many opportunities in life. Why not her?
By Dewayne Day Old Bakery on July 22nd, 2009 at 10:12 am
State Superintendent…Lieutenant Governor…who really cares? The real goal here is to get him out of that seat so that Bill Riser can get back in the saddle!
By Huhhh on July 22nd, 2009 at 2:13 pm
” more of a political opportunist than a real leader ”
Isn’t that the definition af ANY Republic Party candidate?
By baker on July 23rd, 2009 at 11:44 am
Helen Crump did seem like a really good teacher.
Of course, she did record Opie’s grades wrong that one time, which led to all kinds of hand-wringing and drama between him and Andy. Ms. Crump might not be the best administrator.
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