Bauer’s Gambit: Here We Go Again
Sensing a moment of maximum weakness for embattled S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is reiterating an offer he made in the days immediately following the governor’s crisis – to serve the remainder of Sanford’s second term and then step down.
Bauer’s gambit – first reported (this time) by The State newspaper – is designed to increase public pressure on Sanford to resign as the threat of impeachment and removal from office looms larger than ever. At the same time, it is aimed at privately allaying fears of Bauer’s potential opponents in a 2010 GOP gubernatorial primary, particularly S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster.
McMaster, in particular, has resisted efforts to push for Sanford’s resignation or impeachment because he doesn’t want Bauer to have access to the governor’s office – and it’s vast fund-raising potential – over the next 16 months.
Now, however, with Sanford’s position crumbling, McMaster may have cut a deal with Bauer.
Of course, the first time Bauer made this pledge he quickly backtracked, leaving many within the political echo chamber in Columbia wondering then if a deal had been struck – and quickly “un-struck.”
Bauer has yet to formally announce his gubernatorial bid, but he is expected to run for the 2010 GOP nomination in the event a deal is not struck.
Sources tell FITS he is also looking at the Fourth Congressional District race, but those rumors have not been confirmed.
Update – Our bud The Garnet Spy has some interesting speculation on these goings-on …
Comments
By cliff on August 26th, 2009 at 11:15 am
For bauer it is about the deal…the money. 15 months of mansion and title and inside deals is enough.
This state better pay attention as it is being swindled.
By StupidShouldHurtMore (SSHM) on August 26th, 2009 at 11:43 am
C’mon … this is easier than a game of Connect Four folks.
Until Andre served as Lt. Governor, he NEVER served a full term in office for any elected post he was elected to.
Let that sink in for just a moment.
You’re partially right about the fund-raising abilities of the Office of the Governor – a point not lost on Bauer. What a better opportunity than to “fill the vacant position” until he has to declare for an office.
The Governor’s Office is just a rubber-stamp on his resume, Will.
Better check again on the 4th Congressional District, Will. What I mean by checking on that district is verify where he has declared residency. I don’t think we’re looking at the 4th . . .
- SSHM
By John on August 26th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Smart people realize the affair and travel arrangements are but a smokescreen for the real agenda, and that agenda is:
“A Governor that is flexible and willing to do insider deals on a scale we have not seen is recent years.”
Bauer is backed by powerful people that want MORE of the stimulus money. And what I mean by more is HUNDREDS of Millions of DOLLARS of discretionary spending that flows through the state government…much of it through the Governor’s cabinet agencies. And most of that money will flow in the next 12 to 15 months!
Bauer speaking out is foolish on his part and the best thing that could happen to Sanford as it reminds people that if Sanford goes Bauer will follow.
By Spartanburg9 on August 26th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Could we be so lucky as for this “deal” to become public and we rid ourselves of two slimy politicians at once? McMaster and Bauer…involved in one shady deal to trade the Governor’s Mansion for a congressional seat?
These people are thugs in suits, and we cannot forget this. Sanford is no saint, but we will be worse off with Bauer, who by the way has taken scores of private flights and NOT reported them as the law requires. Hmm, that is the same thing Sanford stands accused of…
By Barney Fife on August 26th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Stupid,
Think you should know a little about our state. Anyone can run for any congressional office from any district. Andre’s residence can be in Charleston and run in the fourth. He can live in the fourth and run in the first.
Sometimes you really are stupid.
By Thomas on August 26th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Has anyone asked Bauer about his many NASCAR flights? On expensive jets (not dinky props.) Or the free hotel SUITES at these events? Or “other “hospitality”.
I don’t see any of these flights on his disclosure, so is this not against the law?
By Karla M. McGowan on August 26th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Bauer’s move was perhaps the best political manuver I have seen in South Carolina Politics (and I worked with 3 Governors). It’s a win win for him. He shames McMaster and his cronies, becomes a Hero to a weary, angry citizentry. If Sanford doesn’t step down he loses nothing (and probably gains with voters)if Sanford does step down, he’s Governor and 14 months is a long time. I watched the Press Conference and it was brilliant.
By StupidShouldHurtMore (SSHM) on August 26th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
@Fife,
Duh. It’s usually better to live where you chose to run, but it’s not a requirement. Since you almost stumbled into it (mentioning Charleston), might I suggest you ask around about a Brown v Bauer match in the 1st?
Remember … the bullet has to leave your front pocket and actually go into the gun if you intend on using it.
- SSHM
By shiya on August 26th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Anyone who can string two coherent sentences without bawling or asking for forgiveness is qualified to be gov of SC.
By Libb on August 26th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Did anyone notice the $200,000+ in stimulus money that was recently disbursed to the Office on Aging? How convenient that it is about the same amount of money that Little Andre “stole” from the Office on Aging’s budget to form his illegal nonprofit(Project Shield) w/ Jim Miles?
Hopefully Free Times (the only media in this state w/ the cajones to report this story) is following up.
By Commonman on August 26th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
at least we can all rest easy knowing they put our State first before their own political aspirations. Is that too heavy on the sarcasm?
By Birdman on August 26th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Bauer’s is doing what it takes to HELP this situation, to many names in the hat on the GOP side to allow Bauer’s to sit in the Governor’s seat for a year, thank you Lt. Governor, what excuses will be made now not to get on board to demand Sanford to resign?
By Nancey Dupree on August 26th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Andre Baur has been rightfully and lawfully elected by South Carolinians as the lt. gov. by a Rebulican majority. So what is your Problem? Afraid of Real power?
By Ellie on August 26th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
If there are questions about Bauer’s nondisclosure they should be asked by the media at once. We simply can not chance a continuing scandal with a new governor.
How hard is it to ask: Mr. Bauer, have you disclosed all? The answer is yes or no. Then the fact checking begins. The House GOP Caucas better do this before elevating Bauer.
By Sloan on August 26th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Bauer has purchased a house in Thornblade, in Greenville. Look it up on the Greenville County ROD site. Looks like he’s interested in establishing some kind of presence up here.
By Jones on August 26th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Who paid for Bauer’s below flight and was it reported on his disclosure form? Did the Budget and Control Board OK this travel, as required by law? What class of seat did they use? Coach, business of first? And who paid for Rutherford’s seat…and did he report it if someone else paid for it?
Who paid for the hotels, food and ground transportation?
I could not find any disclosure reporting of this trip or its expenses.
—————————————————————-
Columbia, S.C.) – Lieutenant Governor André Bauer will lead an economic development mission to the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) March 21 – March 27, 2009. Joining the Lt. Governor on this mission will be Representative Todd Rutherford, officials from the S.C. Department of Commerce and business leaders from across the state.
—————————————————————–
By Paul on August 26th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
From Andre’s letter to Mark Sanford:
“Regrettably, we have reached a point where we must ALL put the interests of the people of South Carolina ahead of personal or political interests.”
This dangerous moron and sub-literate is saying that he REGRETS having to put the interests of the people of South Carolina ahead of personal or political interests!
It’s one of the funniest things ever committed to official letterhead.
Think about it: Andre isn’t smart enough to put together a simple letter that doesn’t expose himself as a fool.
By Jeffy on August 26th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Thomas, what’s your point about andre’s travel? Are any of those people lobbyists or lobbyist principals? Did Andre help pay for the flights. Do you know why that matters?
By Chareleston on August 26th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
I visited the Ethics Commission web site. It is a little hard to use, but it has no record of Bauer flying any personal flights.
I do not understand this as I have personally seen him board a private jet in Chas, and I understand he is on it regularly. I know the owners and know this fact to be true.
By Liberty For Me on August 26th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Only one word for Bauer…SCUMBAG
By Gina on August 26th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Sanford has scheduled a news conference for 3:30 p.m. ET to respond to Bauer’s comments!!!!Let the fireworks begin!!!!!!
What do it bet the answer is NO!
By Gina on August 26th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Oh and did you catch the ding Andre gave Jenny in his letter?
“Recent reports on national media generated by the first lady has brought
me to the conclusion that this will never end…..”
By Barney Fife on August 26th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Stupid,
I mentioned the 1st because it is rumored that Andre is running against Henry Brown. Duh.
It doesn’t matter where he lives in SC. He can run for any congressional seat. He should run for the 3rd. That has to be the most boring race ever.
You really are stupid.
By Thomas on August 26th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Jefy,
Wake up and pay attention. One of the prime complaints against Sanford is the use of private planes without disclosure. Duh…that is exactly what Bauer is doing.
So, if illegal for Sanford, it is illegal for Bauer.
The rule is that if it is over $25.00, you gotta report it. Sanford did not. Bauer did not.
By Anaonymous 2009 on August 26th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Paul, Go light on Andre! You are being overanalytical about his letter. That’s nothing. For example, I got a letter from Andre addressing me as Dear ___ [the name of my street]. I’ve heard of streets being named for people but never people being called the street we live on. Whatever transpires, aint we got fun.
By Paul on August 26th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Anaonymous,
Andre repeated his moronic comment for the cameras.
That’s because the statement he made in front of the press was simply recycled from his letter to Sanford.
Call it overanalytical, but that’s how Comedy Central makes its money.
By Ann on August 26th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
If Andre illegally was found speeding in excess of 100mph and found to be at fault for wrecklessness by the NTSB for his airplane accident…why has he not been asked to resign. These offenses prove Andre has clouded judgement and is irresponsible over and above the illegality.
So I call on Andre to resign his office, at least there is proof of these alelgations.
By Karla M. McGowan on August 26th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
It’s Never Dull In Dixie!
By ryan on August 26th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
I AGREE WITH Ann. How did Bauer stay in office after these offenses. And now he wants to be governor. He should have resigned.
By ethel krabitz on August 26th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Andre is a douche, but perhaps his cute little leprechaun dream of being Gov. could be fulfilled – but for the LOVE OF GOD not for more than a few months.
By southernmapart on August 26th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
“Anyone can run for any congressional office from any district.”
How well we know this in Upstate 3rd District. Gresham Barrett is from Westminster … no, wait a minute, he lives in Aiken …. no, right now he has a place in Clemson.
See what we mean? Rollin’ stones ….
By southernmapart on August 26th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
It is my preference that Andre resign – by the end of August.
By Bee on August 26th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Andre Bauer is a con man…always has been, always will be. Sanford should hold a press conference tomorrow asking for Bauer’s resignation.
By anon on August 26th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
If Andre gets within striking distance of becoming governor watch for the media to quickly recalibrate and aim straight for a head shot on Bauer. He’s got lots of baggage that has never been reported on. That’s mainly because he has no power or influence in his current position, so it wasn’t worth the time investment. That could change. The press will cover whatever sells papers, and nothing could better than another round of political scandal after the Sanford stuff is passe. The press corps is salivating.
By Observer on August 27th, 2009 at 1:26 am
Bauer would run this state like he runs an airplane; into the ground.
By Jeffy01 on August 27th, 2009 at 8:34 am
Thomas…wrong bro. Thats not the way it works. Read it again. There are perfectly legal ways to do it. Sanford didnt do it right, some people do.