S.C. Senator John Courson – one of the biggest RINOs in all of state government – is reportedly close to landing a plum bureaucratic post worth nearly a quarter of a million dollars a year.
According to multiple sources who spoke with FITS on condition of anonymity, Courson is in line to become the next executive director of the S.C. Lottery – the agency in charge of administering South Carolina’s most regressive tax on the poor and uneducated.
Courson would follow scandal-plagued former director Ernie Passailaigue, who left the $226,000 a year position right around the time the Legislative Audit Council (LAC) began looking into the Lottery’s finances – and shortly after FITS reported on allegations concerning his questionable hiring practices.
Passailaigue – himself a former State Senator – landed on his feet, though, taking a $324,000 a year position as executive director of the Arkansas lottery.
If Courson takes the job, it would likely set up a competitive special election for his downtown Columbia State Senate seat.
By Buzz September 15, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Ah yes, the good ole boy network is alive and well. How do we rid ourselves of this idiots ?
By Strom's Daughter September 15, 2009 at 2:02 pm
The guy always sounds like he’s talking through a mouth full of hot grits. I can’t understand a damn thing he’s saying.
Courson’s one of these local nincompoop vote-grubbers whose “guest” columns in The State are typically farmed out to people who can actually write English.
So he can’t speak nor write.
Good choice.
By Not Sayin', Just Sayin' September 15, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Hello Senator Quinn?!!
By Not Sayin', Just Sayin' September 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Who the Hell is using my name? FYI: the apostrophe is before the comma.
By Nope September 15, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Senator Ballentine
By Yandle September 15, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Who makes the decision to hire for that job?
By Friggin' Marvelous September 15, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Oh well. There goes the neighborhood…………
By shaggy September 15, 2009 at 4:02 pm
the hiring decision is made entirely by the members of the lottery commission. three members appointed by the President Pro Tempore (McConnell). three members appointed by the Speaker of the House (Harrell). three members appointed by the Governor (Sanford). If this rumor is true, Courson will get the truth, although Tony Cooper is far more qualified.
By Gimme a Break September 15, 2009 at 4:04 pm
How about Senator Smith, with a Dem taking James’ place in the House? I think that’s how it will probably work out.
By Brandon September 15, 2009 at 4:48 pm
The story isn’t the salary. The story is that if he keeps the job for three consecutive years, his state retirement will be based on those earnings.
By Groundball September 15, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Did you say Courson to “run” the lottery or “ruin” the lottery? Just kidding….. Brandon is correct. The law was changed for Purvis Collins, so his time would count towards state retirement. Of course other legislators took advantage such as Senators Waddell and Passailaigue. The kicker here is that I believe Courson was against the lottery when it was being established. It’s not such a bad idea now is it Senator?
By Libb September 15, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Could this also have something to do w/ Mayor Bobblehead deciding not to run for re-election?
If Smith runs for Courson’s seat, I could see the Mayor going for Smith’s seat. Have Mercy!!
By newzjunkie September 15, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Senator Rutherford sounds good to me!!!
By A person that knows September 15, 2009 at 11:52 pm
1) The Republicans would win this seat. James Smith might be the only person that has any chance at all for the Dems.
2) Rick Quinn lives in Lexington (not close to this seat) although he could probably change his mind again and run for this seat.
3) Coble running for the house is very funny to even suggest, the only thing he would run for is the US senate
4) Rutherford winning this type of district is quite a funny suggestion, although I do like him
By Toyota Kawaski September 16, 2009 at 8:45 am
rick quinn my god! When will this SOB be put out to pasture?This sucker has run for every dam office except adj general and i guess thats next.
By stimulus September 16, 2009 at 8:58 am
now we know the rest of the story….hello Senator Bob!…geeesh!