By FITSNews || Entrepreneur, philanthropist and former S.C. Office on Aging director Curtis Loftis is on the verge of entering the Republican race for State Treasurer, meaning that incumbent RINO Converse Chellis will have a race on his hands for the first time in his political career.
Chellis never faced a credible opponent in any of his races for the S.C. State House, and was elected to the State Treasurer’s office by his colleagues in the General Assembly after Thomas Ravenel resigned in August of 2007. Since then, Chellis has served as a reliable vote for big government backers Hugh Leatherman and Danny Cooper on the S.C. Budget and Control Board, with his decisions obligating hundreds of millions of tax dollars toward various non-essential projects.
Last summer, for example, Chellis spearheaded a taxpayer-funded $9.2 million bailout of a private maritime museum in Charleston, S.C.
Loftis, on the other hand, has a solid fiscal conservative record. In addition to turning around the Office on Aging, he also briefly headed up government transparency efforts for S.C. Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom, lending valuable momentum to this issue.
Chellis currently has $500,000 on hand but Loftis is capable of self-financing his campaign.
Loftis confirmed to FITS that he had been approached about the race by fiscal conservatives who are displeased with Chellis’ record, and said that he would make his decision within a week.
A source close to his campaign told FITS that Loftis was “98 percent in the race.”
Loftis said Chellis had not protected the taxpayers on the S.C. Budget and Control Board.
“The taxpayers need another vote on that board,” he said. “Whether I run or not, that much is clear.”
Loftis also added that if he does run “I wouldn’t ask the taxpayers to subsidize my campaign,” a reference to the many taxpayer-funded TV commercials that Chellis has appeared in promoting various state-administered scholarship programs.
By I like Loftis February 2, 2010 at 12:13 am
You’re being modest Will, Curtis Loftis completely spearheaded the government transparency efforts in the Comptroller’s Office. In fact he ran that place and there was a noticeable void when he left. He could run for Comptroller or Treasurer. Either way Loftis is a winner.
By Loftis is an idiot February 2, 2010 at 12:51 am
Loftis is a whack job. He was forced to leave CG’s office! CG witnessed first hand his immaturity and lack of professionalism…I would rather have a RINO than a complete looney toon any day! Chalk this one up on the board for the RINO. One more thing, dude likes boys.
By Dave February 2, 2010 at 12:58 am
Loftis would be incredible as State Treasurer. I give this post about 30 minutes before Converse Chellis’ “Big Government” backers hop on and pimp him out. Maybe they’ll help him fund some new taxpayer-funded ads.
The real problem for Chellis is that his record is absolutely terrible compared to Loftis. Has Converse Chellis created a legitimate, private-sector job in his life? I doubt it.
By Impartial Observer February 2, 2010 at 1:33 am
Curt is the main person responsible for transparency for local governments and school districts after he made every state agency transparent. He got Cayce to be the very first municipal government to step up to the plate and he started the ball rolling on school districts too. He’s what this state needs more of. He came up with the Blankets for Seniors program which everyone thought was unnecessary while the weather was hot. Now who’s shivering? CHELLIS IS. Give Chellis a wet blanket, Curt. Thank you for sacrificing and running. You’re a team player. We’re with you all the way. You’re more than qualified to run for ANY office you want to.
By Donny February 2, 2010 at 5:29 am
Curt is going to set a new standard for frank, open minded reform. This ought to be great fun to watch the mice run from the spotlight.
By Bill February 2, 2010 at 5:38 am
Curtis is a true reformer. He cut the budget at the Office on Aging by 23% in the first year he was Director. He was the first agency head to post expenses on line for everyone to see. He posted his cell number in the entranceway with an open letter stating something to the effect; “If you are not satisfied with the transparency and accountability of this office, please call me on my private number”.
He is as serious of a reformer as we have ever seen, and he will operate the most transparent and open office ever.
By Bill February 2, 2010 at 5:50 am
By Loftis is an idiot,
Really, how many schools, hospitals, orphanages and churches has Chellis built around the world with his millions, Answer: Zero and is broke
And Curtis Loftis, see for yourself: http://www.saludacharitable.com/
Oh and love the reference to boys, so they taught you the say they are gay trick too in what 2nd grade…
By A Friend February 2, 2010 at 6:02 am
I have known Curt for 25 years, and he is one of the most generous and hard working people on the planet. He has given away more than a million bucks in the last few years through his charity (www.saludacharitable.com) and he continues to do so even now. Every morning he gets up at 4:00 am to handle his correspondence with his Eastern European and Latin American operations (such as the two doctors he placed into and is supporting in Haiti.)
He is a real threat to the status quo, as he can’t or won’t be bought, and he won’t turn a blind eye to the everyday wrongdoings of our government. Andre gave him the Palmetto patriot award for his work, and a letter of commendation and they are friends to this day. Eckstrom hired him to do specific work on three projects, and he did it and then instead of hanging around collecting a state salary, he went back to his private foundation. He and Eckstrom and Bauer are tight, so I would not put too much stock into the rumors being peddled by the anonymous posters. Call Richard or Andre and they will tell you the same.
This is the year for reform. New Jersey, Virginia, Massachusetts, and now South Carolina!
By A reformer too February 2, 2010 at 6:57 am
This is great news. The Budget and Control Board is the most important agency in SC, and for the last three years the legislature has controlled it!
With Chelles gone from the Treasurer seat, conservatives will be able to right the sinking ship known as SC State Government.run Curtis Run!
By One who knows curtis too well February 2, 2010 at 7:26 am
Curtis is a brilliant man who is crippled by emotional issues that manifest themselves publicly as “immaturity and lack of professionalism,” and that ultimately drove him out of not one but two $100,000 a year high-level state jobs within a six months period. Take it as the gospel, but Curtis merely participated in efforts originated by two excellent constitutional officers that nearly foundered due to his impetuous meddling and petty issues — actions that led him to the sidelines and the bench before he quit the team. If he gets in the race, there will be numerous stories from across the state about Curtis’ screaming rants and abuse of staff. Converse wins by a landslide.
By I like Loftis February 2, 2010 at 7:36 am
Go Curtis! I’m behind you.
By Steve February 2, 2010 at 7:37 am
I have known Curt since I came to USC. Curt and I share a close circle of friends, all successful and honorable people that are trying to make a difference. I have watched Curt build the work of his Saluda Charitable Foundation, and have seen him pour his heart and soul into providing for people that are some of the neediest people on the planet. He has provided, personally, over 100,000 meals to poor people, especially seniors and single mothers with children with disabilities.
He HATES waste, fraud and abuse, something he has seen in the mission field and in State Government. He WILL fix it. I am glad Curt is running for state Treasurer, and I know he will do a superb job.
Steve
By Groundball February 2, 2010 at 7:42 am
Call me what you will Dave. I’m supporting Converse.
By Served with him February 2, 2010 at 7:57 am
We need Curtis Loftis in our government. I have worked with him and seen him in action. The people who are upset by him are the very ones causing the dysfunction in our management of state funds. If you want to see a businessman run a business ( which government is) then put your vote behind Curtis.
By TruthnJustice February 2, 2010 at 8:05 am
Curtis Loftis is a caring, generous person who is willing to stand up for right. Electing him as Treasurer would mean that we have at least one constitutional officer who is more concerned with the public than lining his or her own pockets. As a brilliant organizer who really believes in transparency, integrity and conservative principles — Curtis will be an outstanding leader and a voice of reason on the Budget and Control Board (for a change). I have no doubt that unlike the vast majority of our representatives, he’ll work tirelessly for the people of South Carolina rather than his or his cronies own self interest. If that’s a “whack job” fill our government with them. We certainly need a change from the selfish, self promoting, greedy egoists that occupy our government today. In his work in two state constitutional offices, Curtis proved that he has the know how, work ethic and perspective to get the job done better than it has in a long, long, time. Run Curt Run!!!
By Go Curt! February 2, 2010 at 8:19 am
We definitely need Curtis in this race. I hope everyone will encourage him to run. State government has become a big joke. When is the last time you could call a state office and reach anyone after 4pm or, for that matter, anyone on a Friday. Curtis turned around the Office on Aging and made the state workers there accountble for their time. We need someone who will make state government run like a business. Curtis has been a successful businessman and I believe his experience in both his business and state government will make him a great candidate for Treasurer.
By Thomas February 2, 2010 at 8:34 am
I think a call to Andre Bauer or Richard Eckstrom would easily settle quite this little anonymous pest.
Perhaps Will would make those calls? And get the truth.
By Larry February 2, 2010 at 8:41 am
Abusive? I thought it was Converse Chellis that was sued for sexually harassing an employee at his CPA firm…and his company paid up and settled the case. It was, I am told, not a good thing.
By Glynnis February 2, 2010 at 9:06 am
I have had the pleasure of working with Curtis for the last 15 years. He is an man of honor and integrity. I have seen these qualities shine first-hand in his business dealings as well as his charitable and personal ones. He takes very seriously the concept of being a good steward and sheppard. I can think of no other man better suited to this position than him. He will be a wise & good sheppard for us all.
By Mike Montgomery February 2, 2010 at 9:17 am
Curtis has been my friend for over 30 years. You character assassins trolling in the ether of the internet haven’t a clue of whom you speak. You will not find a better human being or a more dedicated public servant willing to take the lumps in offering himself as a candidate. You will not find a brighter, more dedicated, more innovative doer of right to serve. You will not find a more selfless, tireless person who will work to deliver services to the public free of fraud waste and corruption. You will not find someone better equipped to study and articulate a clear vision for where South Carolina ought to be, how the State should allocate its limited resources for the good of our state and its citizens. Curtis Loftis is committed to doing right and doing good. He puts his money where his mouth is. Will he argue and fight for what is right? Absolutely. That is what differentiates him from the vast majority of self-centered, narcissists who inhabit the halls of government. Will Curt refuse to bend to the will of special interests? You bet. Can he be enticed with contributions or promises of self serving, self promoting benefits like 529 ad campaigns? No way. Is he perfect? No — but he, better than anyone recognizes that fact and strives to do better everyday. If you want a constitutional officer who will act in the best interest of your state, your family and your future — then Curtis is your choice. If you don’t — there are lots of fish in the sea having fundraisers every day who will covet your support. It is time for us to elect moral public servants who will work passionately for right. Curtis is one of the good guys. He will have my full support. I hope that everyone who reads this will take a good look at the man and make the right choice. Curtis will be a change agent who implements good stuff — and leaves the stage. In my view, that is what all true servants due. Curt, go for it.
By Mike Montgomery February 2, 2010 at 9:18 am
sorry for the typo — do, not due.
By NoMoScalawags February 2, 2010 at 11:33 am
We don’t need another elitist on the B&C Board. Loftis does like to reach out and touch people, but Chellis is in touch with people… big difference.
By loftis is a fool February 2, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Curtis, you sure are creating a heck of alota buzz for yourself! I would estimate 3/4 of the pro-curtis comments are from you. You’re an idiot. I will empty my bank account to make sure you lose.
By loftis is a fool February 2, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Dudes wikipedia page was deleted because it lacked notability OR dude realized this after Folks ran the story about The Speaker.
•Curtis Loftis (|talk||||) is up for deletion under WP:BIO, as seems to have very limited notability and I can’t find reliable sources for the man. Would appreciate your input. –Whoosit (talk) 03:20, 2 October 2009 (UTC)
Folks, how about you run a story similar to the speakers wiki page story. Oh wait, nevermind, Curtis pays you.
By Charles February 2, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Loftis is a fool…
Man, you are one nasty, mean spirited person.I suspect you shower the filth off, take a Prozac, and call a minister. you are one sick puppy.
By Let's tell the whole truth February 2, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Mr. Mike Montgomery: In the interest of full disclosure, perhaps you should reveal that you are Curtis’ attorney. Nothing like being a bought and paid for mouthpiece.
By Mike Montgomery February 2, 2010 at 6:31 pm
Mr. Let’s tell the whole truth: Unlike you, my comments are neither bought nor paid for. I do not put my name on the line unless I mean it. I’m confident that those who know me or have served with me in a public position will verify that. If I wanted to be bought and paid for I could have adopted a name like “Let’s tell the whole truth”. Unlike you, I don’t hide behind a cloak of anonymity and spew venom about others. That is the difference between people like Curtis Loftis and your ilk. Some tell the truth and stand by both their successes and failures; recognizing that human beings make mistakes and better themselves with the experience. Others hide in the bushes like the vermin they are and seek to spew unattributed venom upon the unsuspecting. If you’re interested in full disclosure, man up and state your name. If not, stop lying in the swamp as someone’s paid attack dog — which is what you must be.
By I like Loftis February 2, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Curtis you should run for Comptroller General-
By scooter February 3, 2010 at 11:25 am
I suspect that many of these positive posts are from Curtis himself. I wouldn’t think so, except that it is widely thought he does just that. People that worked with him will gladly tell you that some days he can be pleasant, but other days, he acts nasty and mean and threatening. If the people that are praising him knew him well, they would know that he was dismissed from the at least 2 of the jobs he is being praised for raising above the bar. He behaves in a “get even” way, and spreads untrue gossip about others. People close to him suggest that he acts like he either needs medication or has taken too much. Sad. He can not and will not be able to run any office for long. Behavior suggests possibly not stable enough. I do not know who is the best for this job, but I do know who would be the worst.
By scooter February 3, 2010 at 11:35 am
Geez, Mike M., someone sure hit a nerve! My guess is that you may know Curtis all to well, but have not been the target of any dirty tricks yet. Just wait. Like my Father used to say: Me thinks you protest too much. You also write in the same fashion some people on this post say Curtis uses. Maybe, just maybe, some of these people have first hand knowledge of some behaviors that the public should know before supporting a candidate. If I know first hand about a person and say a fact, that is one thing. For one to criticize me for my information is another.
By scooter February 3, 2010 at 11:39 am
I think Thomas has a grand idea.
By loftis sucks February 3, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Scooter,
Keep preaching the truth!
I am scared of this nut job behind a cash register!
HELL NO TO TREASURER OF THE GREAT STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA!
By Thomas February 3, 2010 at 6:32 pm
To Sooter,Loftis sucks,
You are a sad sad sack of a soul. To carry so much venom is pitiful. I hope you can someday lose whatever your private pain you have that causes you to act out in such a way. A lost soul such as yours is tragic.
By Who Do You Think You're Fooling February 3, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Scooter: Quit it and start working! Quit blogging and tweeting on state/taxpayer time. And stop being misanthropic. Nothing is wrong with Curtis Lofits and you and your shady General sidekick know it.
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By carroll February 25, 2010 at 11:47 am
Certain people must be afraid to take an opponent on based on the issues of this state. How predictable and pathetic that these same nasty characters are actually employed by the state of South Carolina. Need I say anymore?