Moments after the latest bombshells dropped on an increasingly circus-like South Carolina political landscape, our office begin receiving the requisite “fallout calls” from various sources eager to share their thoughts about who was behind the leaking of the stories.
And not surprisingly, more than a few of the leakers were themselves eager to receive “credit where credit is due.” At least partial credit, anyway – you know, the kind that’s awarded under the radar, usually in low-lit, alcohol-soaked settings where they can whisper things like “don’t mess with me or I’ll do you like I did so-and-so.”
Such tough guys, right?
Seriously, people … as long as their fingerprints are nowhere to be found in the official version of events, South Carolina politicos have become like amateur jihadists, eagerly dialing in “claims of responsibility” for the various “outings,” savagings and embarrassments that they are inflicting with increasing frequency on their political rivals.
The rumors feed the parlor game, which then in turn feeds more rumors … and so on …
With multiple announced candidates gearing up for dozens of contested primary elections in 2010 – including a wide-open governor’s race – it goes without saying that political “leaks” are coming fast and furious. Also, with S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford hanging onto his office by the thinnest of threads, the intrigues surrounding his increasingly perilous political position have created a whole new venue for bloodletting.
Conspicuously absent from the parlor speculation (at least until recently) was an outfit that our sources say was quite active prior to the 2008 Republican primary elections … the “Governor’s Plumbers.”
Blamed for a variety of “leaks” in the weeks and months leading up to the 2008 primary season, the “Plumbers” had all but disappeared from parlor discussion … at least until Gov. Sanford’s Argentine sex scandal erupted into a full-blown political free-for-all that has every elected official in the state looking over his or her shoulder.
A possible reemergence of the “Plumbers” first began to be whispered about in late August, when House Republicans gathered in Myrtle Beach, S.C. to discuss Sanford’s future. At that caucus meeting, not a voice was raised in the governor’s defense, and it was clear that the vast majority of House Republicans supported impeaching the embattled chief executive. Much to their consternation, however, House Speaker Bobby Harrell prohibited any action from being taken against the governor. Harrell even refused to allow House Republicans to circulate a letter that would have allowed them to go on the record individually in support of impeachment, knowing that the tally of names would likely reveal a governor whose goose was already cooked.
Once the frustration among House members toward Harrell had subsided, though … suspicion set in.
Why was the Speaker – who has been Sanford’s primary antagonist in a multi-year war over the proper size and scope of government – protecting the governor he so viscerally detests?
Could Sanford (or his “Plumbers”) possibly have “the goods” on Harrell?
Speculation about the “Plumbers” escalated to a higher energy level on Monday, when a website that targets closeted gay Republicans set its sights on S.C. Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer. Less than a week ago, Bauer called on Sanford to resign his office – a recommendation the governor angrily rebuffed.
Coincidence?
Not on your life, we’re told.
Sources tell FITS that Sanford’s “Plumbers” indeed have the goods on the Speaker, and were also “instrumental” in the offensive against Bauer. Specifically, the “Plumbers” are said to have information that would be “devastating” to Harrell’s family, while one of Sanford’s Washington D.C.-based associates is being accused of pushing the story about Bauer.
For his part, the governor – who has adopted a more aggressive public approach lately – is reportedly relishing being “back in the trenches,” according to a source who spoke with him recently.
“He’s back in the game,” the source said. “He got knocked off his block with the affair but now he’s back in the trenches slinging mud.”
“Slinging mud,” we asked?
Our source backed up a bit.
“No, I meant just in the trenches, like he was during the fight over the stimulus money,” the source said. “He’s not slinging mud, he’s not getting dirty.”
Maybe not, but it’s looking increasingly like his plumbers are more than willing to do the dirty work for him.
By I'm SPARTACUS September 1, 2009 at 2:46 pm
The one and only!
Let the pigeons loose. Let the fight over crumbs begin.
By confused September 1, 2009 at 2:56 pm
so what’s the story here? bauer has his buddies ask, loudly and publicly, “where oh where has our little governor gone? we’re SO worried about a crisis in the state and we NEED him” to kickstart the argentina thing. now, if taken as true, sanford says “andre, you dumbass, you should’ve kept your mouth shut. glass houses, stones, etc.” i think the story must be that bauer really is just that dumb.
slinging mud in politics goes back to the beginning. WAY back. it’s part of the game. the only way to stay out of it is to a) be squeaky clean, and let’s face it, there’s not a hell of a lot of that going around or 2) keep your damn mouth shut. it’s this kind of stuff that makes politics the highly morbidly entertaining bloodsport that it is. far greater politicians than sanford and bauer have risen far higher from subscribing to rule number 2.
By 1 + 1 = 3 September 1, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Well surely someone else must know what the goods on Harrell are – let’s get it out there so the sanford blackmail can end
By Candi September 1, 2009 at 3:41 pm
I thought Fits was smart, guess not. Don’t you see what is going on? Acting Governor weak, but better than the alternative. Take out the alternative first, then attack the acting Governor and who do you have taking over the state.
Think people!
By Not Sayin', Just Sayin' September 1, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Back in the game? He didn’t sound like it in the coverage from Conway. Sounded like the same confused and whiny pussy he’s been since Argentina.
By Candi September 1, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Just go back to the Nixon, Agnew, Ford era…
By Candi September 1, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Yes, I am a Sanford supporter. What he did to his wife was wrong – like Jenny said “Inexcusable”. But someone made noise during his absence, made sure the media caught wind – it not unusual for Sanford to disappear, but this time someone who knew rattled the cage. But when it comes to conspiracy theory, I think Fits is going down the wrong “pipe” sorry for the pun.
By Aprice September 1, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Can’t wait to hear about Harrell. So far we have the poofter, the porno writer, and the Governor. You just can’t make this stuff up!!!
By Pamela September 1, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Candi I think you got it,makes sense to me.Sorry you are a Sanford supporter lol
By Libb September 1, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Candi, Candi, Candi
Those of us who want Gov Narcissus gone are NOT fixated on what he did to the poor(LMAO) little Ice Princess. And I believe an even larger number of us are not fooled by their(his & hers) current agenda which centers around playing to a larger national audience.
There’s a big difference between disappearing and intentional dereliction of duty (remember he originally planned to be out of the country for 10 days). Throw in the plane trips and questionable expense reimbursements and that’s enough in my book to look seriously at impeachment. Also heard that he took off from Owens Field on private planes to trips to South Beach(think Little Andre got to tag along?) and was not listed on the flight records. But I digress. What I still want looked into is how his practice of C Street “biblical capitalism” might have involved state monies and that’s the real coverup in this whole soap opera affair he and the missus keep perp’ing on SC.
And speaking of C Street, sic Will, how come you have not written anything about The Family and its SC involvement?
By Karla M. McGowan September 1, 2009 at 4:23 pm
There are no secrets in Government. Someone else always knows and eventually tells. If you want to know about Harrell’s secrets talk to the person sitting in the office next to him.
By fitsnews September 1, 2009 at 4:25 pm
http://www.fitsnews.com/2009/07/29/god-speaks-to-c-street-crew/
what’s that?
ye-yuh.
-FITS
By Libb September 1, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Ok sic, I want a SERIOUS article on the C St players in SC not satire.
Give us more substance.
By sunnyvaleboy September 1, 2009 at 5:11 pm
God…I love this state! Earl Hickey for Governor.
By Bin There September 1, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Sunnyvaleboy looks a lot like Tom Davis.
By CNSYD September 1, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I understand politicans are lower than whale shit and have the morals of a tomcat but both of Harrell’s parents are in very poor health so he doesn’t need this BS at this time.
By ethel krabitz September 1, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Bin There, I was just thinking the same thing about Sunnyvale
By Been around a long time September 1, 2009 at 7:41 pm
To CNSYD: Let Rep Harrell think about that on his own personal time…he offered his time to serve this state and should be mature enough and professional enough, not to hide behind a family member’s illness/needs, etc. Sounds alot like Mark Sanford and his appointee, Ms. Mcguire. This state doesn’t need any part of any elected official’s probloms (personal, criminal,or public)to detract from doing the very best for the people who elected him or her or appointed him or her. Keep up the good work FITS.com!
By Huhhh??? September 1, 2009 at 8:08 pm
This is the piggies all over again. Mark thinks if he goes after his opponents, the people will love it just like his other old stunts.
He is oblivious that many, many people who have voted for him just want him gone – gone, to the point getting the other guys can wait. They are viewing his press-availability stunts for what they are – trying to deflect attention from his problems onto others.
People are madder than he comprehends and he is getting ready to shit where he lives. This time the people will not rally and the politicians he has treated with contempt will destroy him.
He doesn’t get that THEY define “serious misconduct”, not him or the law.
By shiya September 1, 2009 at 8:42 pm
can someone please tell me if Bobby Harrell can be impeached along with Sanford? how can one man have so much control over a state’s fate?
By Ron September 1, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Shiya,
Great question!!
By CNSYD September 1, 2009 at 10:11 pm
shiya, we have in SC this little document called a Constitution. Perhaps you are not old enough to remember Sol Blatt and Edgar Brown. Now that was control.
By CNSYD September 1, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Been around a long time, Exactly when is his “personal time”? Is it when the General Assembly is not in session? Well guess what. I guess if his wife was murdered and his kids kidnapped you would have the same attitude. What a sorry excuse for a human being you are.
By Jeannie September 1, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Reason Harrell doesn’t want impeachment is he will lose his job and be “promoted” to Lt. Gov. He has more power in the seat he is in.
By ohara September 2, 2009 at 12:54 am
I am not one to encourage anyone to blow themselves up publicly, but I think that this situation is out of Harrell’s control.
“Specifically, the “Plumbers” are said to have information that would be “devastating” to Harrell’s family”
He needs to fess up to his family & prepare them for the worst.
Sanford is a big enough snake that he’ll leak it anyway-Harrell doesn’t stand a chance. The rest of the House wants Sanford impeached, & the LuvGuv will blame him for not keeping them under control.
It’s not going to be pretty, Sanford is a sadist when it comes to games, but Harrell needs to face facts & preempt Sanford’s disclosure. It’s the only way he stands a chance.
If he thinks that Sanford won’t go for the throat, just remember what he did to his wife in those press conferences. . .soul mate, other women, I’m trying to fall back in love with Jenny, it was a luuuv story.
I hope I’m wrong, but I fear Sanford would do it just for diversion, and for the fun of it.
By CNSYD September 2, 2009 at 4:38 am
Been around a long time, Exactly when is his “personal time”? Is it when the General Assembly is not in session? Well guess what. I guess if his wife was murdered and his kids kidnapped you would have the same attitude. What a sorry excuse for a human being you are.
OH! You’re my new favorite blogger fyi
By CNSYD September 2, 2009 at 8:32 am
If Sanfraud was where he really belongs, in a mental health facility, he would not have a free hand to stir things up.
By Jeffy September 2, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Jeanie that’s not how it works. Harrell would stay Speaker.
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By marvin September 3, 2009 at 9:41 am
Let’s take a breath, people. This state is out of control. The legislature has all the power, and always has. Sanford is nothing more than a spokesman for ideas. He challenged the boys in the backroom. They finally got him for doing something 90 percent of them do publicly every night they’re up here — cheat on their wives. Not noble and not pretty, but there it is.
Sanford is being punished because he is despised and can’t be controlled. He’s an idiot, mind you, and a narcisistic one at that. But that isn’t why they hate him. Think about it: he’s done nothing they don’t all do themselves. Politicians are inherently arrogant, power-hungry and dangerous. We need to distrust them all. Andre is a worse bet for this state than Sanford, and Harrell would be the worst of them all.
So what’s a voter to do? Demand a fix to the system, or nothing will ever get better. Period. Crooked consultants and operatives plot the demise of a crooked politician, then put a worse one in place. And so it goes until we say enough to all of them.