Breaking: SC Comptroller General Acknowledges Affair

By fitsnews • on February 17, 2010

By FITSNews || With a flurry of private emails burning up the South Carolina political blogosphere and several media outlets on the very of publishing copies, sources close to S.C. Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom are acknowledging that the 61-year-old – who has been separated from his wife for nearly two years – has been romantically involved over the past year with Midlands High School teacher (and GOP Superintendent of Education candidate) Kelly Payne.

Privately, Eckstrom’s office has acknowledged that he is the author of over two dozen emails provided to FITS (and multiple other media outlets) – emails which clearly document a personal relationship with Payne.

On the record, Eckstrom is not commenting about the emails, the affair or any aspect of his private life – an approach which obviously stands in stark contrast to S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford, whose email scandal resulted in numerous “therapy by journalist” sessions, including a disastrous AP interview in which he claimed his lover was his “soul mate.”

Below is a copy of the statement FITS received Wednesday from the Comptroller General’s office:

We’re not commenting on personal stuff like this, for one because it doesn’t have a thing to do with the duties of the office, and also because introducing private issues will only distract from the necessary day-to-day financial issues we deal with.

Ask about state finances or government transparency, and we’ll be happy to talk at length, but I think some folks, and some people in the media, sometime want to focus too much on the private lives of public figures — things involving their lives outside their offices — and not enough on the jobs they’ve been given to do.

Eckstrom has been separated from his wife, Peggy, for nearly two years. He was elected State Treasurer in 1994, lost that office in 1998 and was elected Comptroller General in 2002. He was reelected Comptroller in 2006 against a credible Democratic opponent.

No Republican or Democratic challenger has filed yet against Eckstrom for the 2010 election.

Payne, who formally kicked off her campaign last month, is running against two Republican primary opponents. She declined to comment immediately to FITS but a representative of her campaign said that she would “issue a statement shortly.”

Payne is not married, but has children from a previous marriage.

The Eckstrom emails – the contents of which are available here – come on the heels of S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford’s steamy emails with his Argentine mistress, Maria Belen Chapur.

While not as graphic as the governor’s emails – which referenced his lover’s tan lines and ample breasts – Eckstrom is not shy in expressing his feelings.

In one email, he tells Payne that he is glad she is a Christian because it means they will be able to “frolick together in heaven.”

In another, he refers to himself as a “fine specimen.”

One email includes a reference to a magazine article about sex positions and an offer to be Payne’s “guinea pig.”

WEB EXTRA
The Eckstrom Emails (and Text Messages)
Payne: “Political Opponents” Leaked Emails

Comments

By David in TR on February 17th, 2010 at 1:25 pm

KELLY PAYNE IS A HOMEWRECKER!

By Crash on February 17th, 2010 at 1:44 pm

Wow. Just Wow. I used think Kelly was hot.

By No Name on February 17th, 2010 at 1:45 pm

At some point you have to start just laughing your ass off about all this shit.

I mean in a State that has a variety of problems and a fairly obvious tiday wave of financial holes that can only be filled with higher taxes…. taxes should not be raised because a tax solution will lead to a sweeping dump of almost every incumbent……can these elected Republican officials not keep their penis in check.

Now if you formally seperate on the way to a divorce….. I think you have every right to chase some strange….but damn……stop with the friggin digital footprints.

Cause you look like a monnstruck idiot.

Can Comedy Central now open a writers office in Innovista.

By Biggie Tea on February 17th, 2010 at 1:48 pm

I understand the human weakness that can lead someone to engage in an affair. But I swear, I really don’t understand this tendency to start quoting scripture in your efforts to justify yourself. Sheesh. somewhere, God is saying “Hey, leave my name out of this.”

By j on February 17th, 2010 at 2:00 pm

What can we say! This is just too much to be real.. from Sanford to all the other jerks who draw national attention to SC for such crap. We’re the laughing stock of the nation.

By Weighing In on February 17th, 2010 at 2:01 pm

And the ship is sunk before it set sail…..

By WorkingTommyC on February 17th, 2010 at 2:04 pm

Dang it!

I’m younger and better looking than Eckstrom! I should have made a move on her!

Oh, wait, never mind. I’m as poor as a church mouse and have no political power.

By Bottom Line..... on February 17th, 2010 at 2:10 pm

Disgusting!

By outsider looking in on February 17th, 2010 at 2:13 pm

what does it matter if they were involved, they are 2 consenting adults who do not have any other relationships, so its not really an affair. Is it a crime for 2 single people to have some fun now? What the Heck Will, this is low, and I used to defend most of your stuff. Find a real story to write about.

By Kuykendalls Gold on February 17th, 2010 at 2:26 pm

“Just dont think of me as the troublesome andre type”?

Classic.

Why no emails from her?

By sclawboy on February 17th, 2010 at 2:32 pm

FITS,

Can we get Kelly and Karen Floyd together for a little photo spread on your website. That’s about all they got left.

By eli on February 17th, 2010 at 2:34 pm

Laughing stock of the nation? You really think anyone outside of SC…outside of the midlands really, even cares about a Comptroller General and his fling with a Social Studies teacher!?!?

By Natasha on February 17th, 2010 at 2:35 pm

Embarrassing, but not illegal… kinda sad actually…

By sclawboy on February 17th, 2010 at 2:36 pm

Outsider,

They may have been together before Eckstrom separated. Heck, she could have been the cause.

Until he is divorced, he is still married, and if you want to be a Republican in this state (of Bible-thumpers), you best not forget that.

By A. Kerry on February 17th, 2010 at 2:42 pm

Really. Can you call it an affair when people are separated. Sometimes it is just waiting for a divorce to be final. Someone who has separated from his wife is in a different situation than someone living with their wives. Sometimes divorces drag on for years trying to resolve property issues, etc.

By j on February 17th, 2010 at 2:46 pm

Watch the Colbert Report and John Stewart as it’ll be on there in short order. We need the laughs. No it’s really the Republican hypocrisy.

By Go Cocks! on February 17th, 2010 at 2:51 pm

As someone who usually goes to bat for Democrat candidates and policies, I express a hearty “who cares” for any Eckstrom-Payne romance. Let’s get back to their policies. The personal relationship seems above-board at first glance….unless…

By sclawboy on February 17th, 2010 at 2:58 pm

His endorsement of her is right on the front of her web site. Now it exists in a whole new light…

http://www.votekellypayne.com

By Jeffy on February 17th, 2010 at 3:00 pm

Maybe our First Lady can help her right a trashy book, go on inside edition and sell her story to the tabloids. For her children, of course.

By April Dosier on February 17th, 2010 at 3:20 pm

Another pathetic excuse for leadership. When will this state ever learn. I hope Ms. Payne feels real good about herself. What a great example for her IT Kids. So sick of seeing her quote scripture on Facebook. Kelly…you’re just like all the others. Sure you and Karen Kanes Floyd are not sisters?????

By Jae on February 17th, 2010 at 3:21 pm

His messages to her are scary, and sound like he’s stalking her. It doesn’t sound like she’s interested at all. Do you have any messages/emails from her to him? I can’t imagine what she’d see in him. He’s a jerk who thinks he’s a great catch. I’d throw that little worm back.

By newzjunkie on February 17th, 2010 at 3:22 pm

So is this what our tax dollars are paying for – Eckstrom and Payne to send love notes to each other? Using state funded internet and computers? What is going on with the republicans of this state? And why do you all keep electing them?

By Rick on February 17th, 2010 at 3:24 pm

Yawn, 2 years seperated, no evidence it went beyond emails….ya’ll are starved for something new and interesting. Bible thumpers are the first to sin on Sat and beg forgivness on Sunday to make sure they don’t die before next Sats party and enter hell without the ability to point their finger.

By barney fife on February 17th, 2010 at 3:36 pm

GROSS. What could she see in him?

By John on February 17th, 2010 at 3:36 pm

He lied to her and said he had filed for divorce. he has not been publicly separated. She broke off an engagement for him, based on his lies

By barney fife on February 17th, 2010 at 3:39 pm

From Paynes Website from Ekstrom:

“Kelly had a “birthing role” in the local government transparency initiative and the initiative to open the school books. Horry County will have spending records online next week!! …Thanks for helping get the ball rolling. Isn’t it exciting to watch good government initiatives take hold…and to be a part of it? How does it feel to be the Mother of Transparency? (You’re like George Washington who was the Father of our Country.) This is so exciting. Thanks again.”

Richard Eckstrom
Comptroller General

That is just Bizarre!

By berkeley voter on February 17th, 2010 at 3:41 pm

This is bad but doesn’t compare to Katherine Jenerette’s many sleazy scandals. Are you going to be late with that dirt too?

By RedDeliciousMac on February 17th, 2010 at 3:54 pm

Almost every elected official in every state is gettin’ it on outside of his or her marriage or is having a hot and steamy affair with someone, somewhere. People have sex. This is not news, this is idle gossip. And unless Eckstrom is running an online porn site from his Comptrollin’ desk, this doesn’t matter.

By Costello on February 17th, 2010 at 3:56 pm

Who cares? He is separated from his wife. This is a non-story.

By CW on February 17th, 2010 at 3:57 pm

Well he’s been a pervert a long time. Had to settle that sexual harassment lawsuit back when he was Treasurer. Now I know why his COS Jim Holly came back to work for him – Ek’s Mr. Fix It Man.

By countryboy on February 17th, 2010 at 4:56 pm

Eckstrom sounds like a stalker and certainly a goofy $hit. I would like to know if Payne had anything to do with Eckstrom separating from his wife and if there even was an “affair”. If Payne and goofy hooked up after he separated from his wife then I see nothing wrong with a relationship per se. But I would certainly question her decision making and choice of men as he sounds like a love sick creep…Would like to see her e-mails. It’s possible she was trying to politely get rid of him all the while. If her e-mails sound as stupid as his, she doesn’t even need to be teaching much less heading up the Dept of Education.

By Cooter Brown on February 17th, 2010 at 5:00 pm

I dont see no skandal heer. Whut’s da problum? Dey caint hab relatshunships if’n dey iz in or a runnin’ fer orifice? I caint understand da drama…

By Tom on February 17th, 2010 at 5:11 pm

Whatever happen to the GOP’s family and moral “values?”

By countryboy on February 17th, 2010 at 5:29 pm

The article says Eckstrom has been separated for “nearly two years”. His e-mails go back 14 months. Does this mean he started up with Payne well after his separation, or what? It’s a difference of their being two consenting adults, or him being an adulterer* and her being a homewrecker.

* I know technically he would be an adulterer regardless but most modern adults don’t look at it that way. If he and Payne were not having an affair prior to him separating from his wife, then it is not anyones business, IMO.

By countryboy on February 17th, 2010 at 5:34 pm

Did you note the e-mail where he said he was on duty and she would be safe from “muslims”? Not very PC of you Richard. But then you aren’t a f’ing bleeding heart liberal either so WTF, don’t sweat it.

By Billy Bob on February 17th, 2010 at 5:34 pm

Damn, I thought he had a big zit on his nose, but it was just chicken grease on my computer screen!

By Soft Sigh From Hell on February 17th, 2010 at 6:16 pm

With Bible thumpers, the “runnin’ fer [tha] orifice” IS the problem.

By Southman3 on February 17th, 2010 at 6:27 pm

What a bunch of rednecks.

By JOHN GAINES on February 17th, 2010 at 6:35 pm

I THINK WE NEED TO MAKE UP A CALENDAR AND SELL IT TO MAKE MONEY FOR THE STATE OF ALL THESE “HOT” WOMAN IN THE GOVERNMENT; THOSE THAT ARE SELLING THEMSELVES, AND THOSE THAT ARE GIVING THEMSELVES TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER.

MAYBE EVEN A LIST OF THOSE “WANT-A-BEE’S” WHO WISH TO BE COURTED, AND USED BY THE “GOOD-OLD-BOY’S CLUB’S.” ALL YOU NEED IS A SMILE, AND A NIGHT ROOM AT THE WADE HAMPTON HOTEL. AN EXTRA KEY WITH ACCEES TO THE BACK ENTRANCE IS ADVISEABLE.

IT HAS BEEN KNOW THAT WOMAN FOR MONEY HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE IN COLUMBIA, AND OTHER PARTS OF THE STATE FOR YEARS. JUST ASK THE GOVERNOR, SENATOR’S NOW DISGRACED, AGENCY MEMBER’S, AND EVEN WOMEN SERVING IN THE HOUSE. EVEN SECRETARIES! IT ISN’T NEW!

I FEEL SORRY FOR THE POOR WIVES AND CHILDREN SITTING AT HOME, WHILE DAD IS OUT SPREADING HIS OATS.

MY BIG BLACKBOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR A CHARGE, OR A FAVOR!

THE SWAMPFOX

By A. Kerry on February 17th, 2010 at 6:41 pm

How is she a homewrecker. I don’t believe when someone has left the marriage the commitment is alive anymore. I don’t believe in divorce but when someone has been separated for two years, come on. Sanders was still living in the house with his wife and children. Big Difference. Wonder if Lexington Five will fire her now. That is what happens when people in that District have these sorts of issues, isn’t it?????????? lET’S SEE HOW BERG AND HIS BOARD HANDLE THIS.

By Michael S. Smith II on February 17th, 2010 at 6:44 pm

… and the worst-looking-tie-of-the-year award goes to …

By James the Foot Soldier on February 17th, 2010 at 7:17 pm

Captain Buck – I suggest you get to the clinic and get tested.

By Catherine on February 17th, 2010 at 7:18 pm

Legally, its not adultery if he was already separated when the relationship with Kelly began. And by that I mean, his wife wouldn’t succeed in an SC divorce action on the ground of adultery. Morally, who gives a shit? He’s a comptroller, not a preacher. WHY does morality have to play into politics at all? Being conservative is no longer synonymous with being a christian. I am a conservative, but I couldn’t care less what anyone else is doing in their bedroom, or whether or not they are married to the person(s) they are doing it with. WHO GIVES A SHIT???

By James the Foot Soldier on February 17th, 2010 at 7:20 pm

The geezer may be separated but his estranged wife just won alimony for life.

Kudos on winning the lottery, Mrs. Eckstrom.

By James the Foot Soldier on February 17th, 2010 at 7:29 pm

Catherine – I give a shit – your personal activities are a reflection of your intelligence, your heart, and your soul.

Whining like a freakin’ hormonally teenager as the geezer did reveals more to me than the actual deed – he is one pathetic excuse for a man.

p.s….if the national media would have done its job and outed John Edwards before the Iowa Caucus our nation wouldn’t be stuck with President Obama.

By John on February 17th, 2010 at 7:36 pm

He was NOT legally, nor publicly, separated from his wife. He was slinking like an old Tom Cat.

He was acting like white trash and that is why he was lying like a dog.

By countryboy on February 17th, 2010 at 8:12 pm

All we have heard so far is from one side, that of an old horndog, pretty much begging an attractive younger women to respond to him….

By A person that knows on February 17th, 2010 at 8:14 pm

So where in the messages does it say that they were having an affair. I don’t see anything about it anywhere except Will says they were having an affair.

By beentook2 on February 17th, 2010 at 8:15 pm

Who cares about emails. I want to see the home movies(not really). Surely there is no way these two bible thumping narcissistic cockroaches could resist not putting their panting, pawing, licking and sucking face antics on tape.

Maybe sic willie could sponsor a “Name that Movie” contest.

I like “Studsky and Snatch” starring Dragon Lady Gagger and Jack MeOff, Jr., a family man.

By FESCE on February 17th, 2010 at 8:37 pm

Catherine, you better dust off your law books. As long as they are legally married, it is adultery and carries a heavy fine (alimony), if pursued.

By LA Conservative on February 17th, 2010 at 9:28 pm

The really sad thing here is that Eckstrom was stupid enough to send these “love letters” on a state owned Blackberry and Computer. How stupid! Other than that – I see no story here.

By a former student... on February 17th, 2010 at 10:35 pm

not seeing why this was such a big shocker…we all knew it was happening anyways! how else was she pulling in every political figurehead into her classrooms 3 times a week?

By former student 2 on February 17th, 2010 at 11:40 pm

Nathan Ballentine did a lot of the invites last year, mostly democrats 2

By OpenGuy on February 18th, 2010 at 12:48 am

State owned blackberry. State owned PC.
One e-mail says he took the time at state Budget & Control Board meetings and meetings with the feds, etc., to respond to her.
So there’s a question about him. His judgment.
If I’m elected to an office, I’m taking a call from my wife about one of the kids being sick, hurt, etc., in situations like that.
But my girlfriend? Naaah.
His judgment is severely impaired.

By Cancerman on February 18th, 2010 at 1:12 am

This whole state and its lawmakers are a bunch of whores.

By John Steinberger on February 18th, 2010 at 5:01 am

Reporting like this only appeals to people with their heads in the slime. Let these people live their private lives. Evaluate them on what they’ve done and what their vision is for the future!

By irmoidolfan on February 18th, 2010 at 8:13 am

Did the emails go to her school computer? Did she use her school computer to respond? Sure hope the IIC at District 5 are checking this out – was she emailing when she was supposed to be teaching?

By Reginald on February 18th, 2010 at 8:27 am

So, is a hyper sex drive a prerequisite for the leadership of our educational board? I kep asking – Where the heck is Kelly McGuire?

As for Eckstrom. He should be run out of office. Not for being randy. But for being stupid.

By cgi-bin laden on February 18th, 2010 at 8:27 am

Looks like he bought his tie from this guy: http://tinyurl.com/yljx86e

By Don't know what you are talking about on February 18th, 2010 at 9:15 am

If either one of them used state or school property to carry on this affair and if the emails were sent during working hours then they both need to resign their positions now. Just two more names to the SC Reformers Hall of Fame:
Ravenel
Sanford
Eckstrom
Payne
Halley (honorable mention for her lack of judgement and memory on the China trip)

By newzjunkie on February 18th, 2010 at 9:50 am

I’m thinking about opening a sex-addiction clinic in SC! It will be a six-week program, like the one Tiger just finished. I mean the money I could make off you “high-morals-family-values” kind of people… OMG!

By Huh? on February 18th, 2010 at 10:31 am

What nobody has mentioned is the fact that our Comptroller General’s picture, on her political website, is of him in an Army uniform. Seems like there are some federal laws about making political endorsements, while in uniform. So the question of the day, is this kosher?!?

By Huh? on February 18th, 2010 at 10:42 am

Well one answer to my own question is that according to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, it isn’t kosher. Specifically, AR 670-1, paragraph 1-10 (j), (1), (2), (4), (5), would prohibit the wear of the Uniform of the United States Army during this type of political activity.

By scooter on February 18th, 2010 at 12:57 pm

I’m under the impression that this is not the first relationship she has had in the past year. Other man married? Not sure, but in the public arena. I didn’t like her stand on a number of issues, so would not vote for her anyway. Disgusting. I hate for women to sleep their way to their goals.

By LTC on February 18th, 2010 at 2:18 pm

OMG…I love this! I’ve read every single one and love the fact that he’s passionate about her. Totally different from the Sanford stuff I think. It’s just a shame this sort of thing came out in the public…I can only imagine how awful that would be to have that out there. We shouldn’t judge others, especially if they are consenting adults obviously not in “committed relationships”. People don’t get “divorced” for a lot of reasons, I guess. It’s like Romeo and Juliet…Go get her Richard!

By Genomic Repairman on February 18th, 2010 at 2:29 pm

So I guess you could say Eckstrom gave Payne the shaft! Hey-Oh.

By Slinky on February 18th, 2010 at 2:33 pm

“We’re not commenting on personal stuff like this, for one because it doesn’t have a thing to do with the duties of the office”…..If he’s that lovesick and he’s leaving B&CB meetings to take her calls, it has EVERYTHING to do with his office. What a lowlife.

By Tom Pelican on February 18th, 2010 at 2:53 pm

I feel sorry for Dick Eckstrom. He was only searching for his soul mate, and apparently was rejected, or dumped. He should have know he was out of his league. I see a trend here.

By Catherine on February 18th, 2010 at 3:08 pm

FESCE, why don’t you take that case then, since you’re so sure she would prevail in a adultery divorce action. I’m pretty sure I took the bar more recently than you did, and being separated is a defense to adultery that SC case law is trending toward acknowledging of late. So maybe you better dust off your law books. Or better yet, join the 21st century and get westlaw.