By FITSNews || Dutch Fork (S.C.) High School teacher and State Superintendent of Education candidate Kelly Payne says her personal emails were leaked by “political opponents” in an effort to undermine her campaign.
As reported by FITS earlier today, emails circulating around the S.C. political blogosphere detailed an affair between Payne and S.C. Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom, which sources close to both Republicans have privately acknowledged is accurate.
Payne is divorced. Eckstrom has been separated from his wife for two years.
In a statement provided to Gina Smith at The (Columbia S.C.) State newspaper, Payne addressed the source of the rumors but refused to confirm or deny the affair.
From Smith’s story:
Payne … said in her statement: “I am not going to comment on matters involving my personal life as a single mother, nor am I going to stoop to the level of my political opponents by returning evil with evil. Political campaigns should be about ideas, and my campaign will continue to be about promoting the specific funding, accountability and choice reforms that are needed to advance academic achievement in South Carolina.
“When all is said and done — that is the very best response I can offer to this sort of gutter politics. I now know that these sorts of tactics come with the territory when you run for public office, but obviously it is a very painful situation for me personally and I hope that members of the media would respect my privacy as much as possible while fulfilling their duty to provide the public with information.”
Payne did not say who she thought had leaked her private e-mails.
Payne entered the race for S.C. superintendent of education last month, billing herself as an accomplished classroom teacher who would bring needed on-the-ground experience to the office of the state’s education chief.
Payne also told Smith that “I am going to continue focusing on being the best teacher I can be” and “being the best candidate for state superintendent that I can be.”
Political leaks occur all the time, but it is rare that such personal information (like what was included the emails and text messages sent from Eckstrom to Payne) finds its way into the public domain.
For example, S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford’s illicit emails with his lover – Maria Belen Chapur – were leaked by one of Chapur’s disgruntled lovers, not one of the governor’s political adversaries.
Either way, Palmetto politicos are once again buzzing about another sex scandal involving one of the state’s top elected officials.
“What would politics be without sex?” one S.C. blogger told FITS.
Particularly in steamy S0uth Carolina, right?
WEB EXTRA
Candidate Says Her E-mails Were Leaked (The State newspaper)
S.C. Comptroller Acknowledges Affair (FITS)
The Eckstrom Emails (FITS)
By Calhoun Fawls February 17, 2010 at 3:55 pm
What Payne and Eckstrom got was a dose of their hacks own medicine.
By David in TR February 17, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Where do you keep getting these stock photos for these stories? Kelly and Dick look great together.
If a political opponent was trying to hurt Kelly, wouldn’t they leak her responses as well?
Like we say up here- “That dog don’t hunt.” Something does not make sense with Kelly’s “oh whoa is me I’m a victim” story.
All of this keeps me thinking about the “Teacher” scene in Varsity Blues at the Strip Club.
By sclawboy February 17, 2010 at 4:22 pm
“On the ground” experience in what, screwing the good people of South Carolina? Or does she mean “under the sheets” experience.
By tammy February 17, 2010 at 4:30 pm
does he not have socks on? That is so gross.
By MOHANNA February 17, 2010 at 4:42 pm
If after Sanfraud and his “Soul Mate” emails became public these Morons decided to put their admission to Love, Sex, Scandals on email. Their worst opponent are themselves. I have met the Enemy and it’s me.
By Cooter Brown February 17, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Two single folks a courtin’ iz natural, healthie, an’ gud fer ‘em! No adultrie, no storie.
By Barney Fife February 17, 2010 at 5:04 pm
She’s done. As a matter of fact, so is he. We have to stop this type of stuff. Like it or not, politicians are held to a higher standard. They disappoint most of the time.
She had promise, not anymore. This will consume her campaign and she will drop out in less than 2 weeks.
By SouthernBelle February 17, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Nothing wrong with a single unmarried person dating a long time separated person… if this was wrong, then half of adults in US would be busted. What’s possibly illegal is who got hese emails? Who hacked email accounts?
By south mauldin February 17, 2010 at 5:20 pm
What’s even worse is that it appears she was messing around with him to get his endorsement, which is sad. Gee, I’m getting support from our current Comptroller Genereal, not that he knows shit about education or anything, and I’m getting it by sleeping with him.
That’s called being a whore. Typical Republican bible-quoting hypocrite.
By Garnet Spy February 17, 2010 at 5:33 pm
South Mauldin – you are an ass – and not a particularly hygienic one at that. When male politicians get endorsements from prominent females, is it because they’re sleeping together?
Idiot!
By Weighing In February 17, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Ms. Payne’s consultant Larry Marchant is seen frequently around Columbia with the writer of the La Socialista story…hmmm, maybe that’s where the leak spin comes from….
By Rylyn February 17, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Looks like they are sitting on a tombstone to me…is this a sign of their political future?
By tank mcnamara February 17, 2010 at 9:17 pm
am i the only one that thinks this is a non-issue? she’s divorced and he’s separated from his wife so who’s business is it that they are seeing one another? its certainly none of our business.
By Matt February 17, 2010 at 9:26 pm
There was always something that seemed slutty about her, but in a creepy way.
And what’s with Eckstrom? First there was that sexual harassment charge against him where he supposedly used funds from his office to settle it, then it was taking the state minivan on a family vacation to Minnesota, and now it’s an affair while he’s still married–with emails that make him sound like either a 14-year old boy or a freaky old man.
Three strikes, bub.
By Another Opinion February 17, 2010 at 9:31 pm
I just don’t know what to say anymore, except love today’s tuneage. LOVE IT.
By proudofsc@yahoo.com February 17, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Cooter, please go away.
By Soft Sigh From Hell February 17, 2010 at 10:12 pm
I kind of like the dialect. It would be distracting if all of us tried it, but one person who is quite skilled at it hardly is a bother. And the attitudes are “in character” too, whether personal true feelings or representing a type. Finally, who of us from the south never knew a person who looked just as the picture?
But back to the main topic: When do we hear some information or speculation as to just who spilled the beans, the emails?
By BIN News Editorial Staff February 17, 2010 at 10:31 pm
kooter is paid to blog and clean up garbage. This is so wacko.
Remember when (Google) S.C. tax dollars went to pay off a former employee of Mr. E. over her allegations of his hankie-pankie. Just a settlement.
No admission of anything. Our tax dollars at work.
Seems this time someone dumped his emails to the media.
Wonder who has (or had) access to his emails? Who is the mysterious “RJ” who was going to “date” Mr. E’s woman? Who is the mysterious “RJ”?
That may be the answer to all of this mystery.
Come one sic(k) willie. Who is the mysterious “RJ”?
By anonymous February 17, 2010 at 10:43 pm
How is this at all relevent to what she can bring to the table as our state’s superintendant. Mr. Eckstrom is seperated and Mrs. Payne is divorced it wasnt an affair it’s their private personal life. I didnt realize that politicians can’t have a love life after they run for something. This whole story is ridiculous Mrs. Payne is a very smart person with very good ideas about our states education in the future because she hit it off with another single person makes her bad for the job? this is a truly ridiculous and grimy story to have.
By curtis loftis is it February 18, 2010 at 12:06 am
Curtis Loftis stole Eckstroms texts so he can now blow him out of the water in primary. He’s a dirty one who should be kept at arms length! It takes a higher up in ones office to pull the texts…don’t be suprised if Curtis is now running for CG. Oh yeah, the story just so happens to be leaked on the website he pretty much owns…cmon Curtis..you are an idiot who will rot in hell.
By Jeffy February 18, 2010 at 8:14 am
Uh BIN…..you are so smart, you tell us. You hate when SIC teases with rumor, and now you are doing it? Come on, let’s hear the third hand, half truths you alluded to.
By Todd February 18, 2010 at 8:47 am
At least they are consenting adults. I mean, just look at WIS lately. School teachers, band directors and such diddlin’ little girls and boys…..
By beentook2 February 18, 2010 at 9:56 am
It is not “RJ”, it is JR. Larry Hagman is Dragon Lady Gagger’s secret lover. According to an eye witness who was not there, Richard Edward(Eckstrom) aka Dick Ed was to meet with Lady Gagger at the vacant Mansion but when he got there he caught the two of them getting it on in the Mansion’s Tower. Rumor is that when he saw JR burning the bush he lost it and dropped the five gallon can of massage oil he was holding. The massage oil accidentally caught on fire from all the candles in the room and WHAM O, the place went off like a 16 year old at a Hooter’s Party.
Fortunately no one was lost in the inferno and the promotion of family values and morality in government will continue with the Spring campaigns.
Another rumor is that Nathan Ballentine is standing firm by his woman and a spectacular group of politicians have been lined up for Dragon Lady Gagger’s classes.
A new series titled, “How to Get It On and Survive” will start soon and the guests will be:
Newt Gingrich – Monday
Eliot Spitzer – Tuesday
Bill Clinton – Wednesday
Rudy Giuliani – Thursday
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi – Friday
By TG February 18, 2010 at 9:58 am
Its not that there was cheating on a spouse involved or anything was particularly dishonest, but it is a scandal nontheless. SC Voters are sick of sex-related scandals and they and our families deserve better.
By Barker February 18, 2010 at 11:49 am
I have to hand it to Kelly. At least this was one instance of a teacher messing with a consenting adult. I didn’t think teachers knew how to pick up adults anymore?
By Harry February 18, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Curtis Loftis left the CG’s office in March 09. The last of these messages are from Feb, 2010. So you are wrong, as usual, Mr. Dumbass.
By berkeley voter February 18, 2010 at 5:57 pm
“Political campaigns should be about ideas…”
Sorry hon. We are looking for qualified, experienced leaders of good character. You fail. Any ditz can read a script of popular talking points.
“I am going to continue focusing on being the best teacher I can be.”
So have you taken a leave of absence from your teaching job? Or were your poor students stuck with a clueless substitute while you appeared at a Forum in Myrtle Beach today at 1:00. Two other candidate had to miss it because they honored their teaching responsibilities.
By Lisa February 18, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Does anyone not remember that she was engaged last year to the police chief of Irmo? If he is/was taking her calls when he was suppose to be in meetings on taxpayer time then I have a problem with that. He sounds a little obsessive, crazy and then at times makes it sounds like she’s a little crazy, there’s rumors around Irmo that she is a crazy b_ _ch.
Maybe he leaked the emails/texts himself. Neither one of them will be getting my vote. He’s a dirty old coot, and she’s not qualified. Wonder if Mark will go after her or her after him since he’ll be divorced soon unless his heart is still in Argentina.
By Oh Boy February 18, 2010 at 8:57 pm
I know people keep saying “Eckstrom” has been seperated from his wife for two years. Well I don’t think it has been a full two years, and just the texts messages released appear to go back about 14 months to Jan. 2009. I am going to bet the REASON Eckstrom is seperated from his wife has a lot to do with the fact that he had a school teacher sitting on his staff part time…
By You Can Call Me Ma'am February 18, 2010 at 9:32 pm
#1: please tell me that’s not a tombstone they are sitting on. #2: Larry Marchant is her consultant? Striiiikkkke! #3: Sounds like she has an eating disorder. Looks like someone with an eating disorder. Eat a biscuit. #4: He sounds stalkish, but we don’t have her emails. From what is published, sounds like she is a user. #5. Is RJ Rod Shealy Jr? #6: Separated 2 yrs or 2 days, he is still married. *7: she is just what I thought from day one…self promoter with no business being Sup of Ed.
By Jeremy Wilson February 18, 2010 at 9:56 pm
What is wrong with people? I don’t care if its politics or not. The personal life of a politician should not be involved. There are probably some sick, sick things that go through the other persons mind who released this and they don’t want people to know about it. Who ever is using this to get at Kelly Payne is a child. I could see something this immature coming from a 15 year old girl, but an adult? wow. I’m appalled and I just laugh at them for having to stoop down to this level. Obviously someone is scared of Ms. Payne.
By berkeley voter February 19, 2010 at 7:26 am
Sorry little Jeremy. How a candidate behaves is a better indicator of their judgement and character than how well they read a script their consultants wrote for them. KP is not qualified to administer our state education system. My daughters deserve better.
Now go brown nose your teacher somewhere else.
By Jeremy February 19, 2010 at 10:08 am
Well I’m sorry to tell you, but Ms. Payne actually does not teach me, quit making accusations that you don’t know. Explain to me what is wrong with two people dating? Another thing, have we seen any emails from Ms. Payne to Eckstrom about all of this? no. How can we be accusing her?
By berkeley voter February 19, 2010 at 10:22 am
Sorry, you just sound like a high school kid. Just curious. Are you the Jeremy Wilson in KP’s “It Kids” facebook group?
By Jeremy February 19, 2010 at 10:33 am
yes, I am. But can you answer my question? No disrespect but I just don’t understand where you are coming from.
By berkeley voter February 19, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Sorry. I don’t mean to pick on you. I read these comments and usually can tell who are her students or personal friends.
I don’t think she’s qualified but these revelations make me even less likely to support her because character and maturity matter to me. I don’t understand why people defend bad behavior just because they happen to like the person. I don’t mean you specifically.
It’s a puzzle.
I will vote for Tim Scott for Congress and Mick Zais for Education because they are qualified, experienced honorable men. Their talking points are the least important factor because words and promises are cheap. I try not to let good lucks and charm influence me too much either. If they commit adultery or get a DUI or threaten or assault someone, that would alter my support. That’s just me.
I don’t fear her or hate her or judge her heart. I just won’t vote for her. You can disagree with my position but don’t be naive and think that her behavior won’t influence the election.
By berkeley voter February 19, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Sorry. I don’t mean to pick on you. I read these comments and usually can tell who are her students or personal friends.
I don’t think she’s qualified but these revelations make me even less likely to support her because character and maturity matter to me. I don’t understand why people defend bad behavior just because they happen to like the person. I don’t mean you specifically.
It’s a puzzle.
I will vote for Tim Scott for Congress and Mick Zais for Education because they are qualified, experienced honorable men. Their talking points are the least important factor because words and promises are cheap. I try not to let good looks and charm influence me too much either. If they commit adultery or get a DUI or threaten or assault someone, that would alter my support. That’s just me.
I don’t fear her or hate her or judge her heart. I just won’t vote for her. You can disagree with my position but don’t be naive and think that her behavior won’t influence the election.
By Jeremy Wilson February 19, 2010 at 6:01 pm
But tell me how Kelly Payne is not qualified?
And I read the emails. It seems as if Kelly Payne was pushing Richard away. I believe that its not fair to attack her.
By BIN News Editorial Staff February 19, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Our Funding Editor just read beentook2′s post. She laughed so hard that her evening Metamucil cocktail came back up an out her nose. She wants to know if the new series will include Tiger. She wants his autograph.
By BIN News Editorial Staff February 19, 2010 at 10:23 pm
And our Funding Editori really loved this email because she missed this article in Redbook. Kind of fits (pun intended) at the FITS Porn Site.
28. From: Richard Eckstrom
Date: Sat, Jan 17, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Subject: GOOD STUFF!!
To: Kelly Payne
Hope you can open this link…seems like the stuff you’d enjoy! Practice anyone? I’m willing to be your guinea (sp?) pig. Hope you had good weekend. Love…
http://www.redbookmag.com/love-sex/advice/best-sex-article-tips
By Uh Oh February 20, 2010 at 5:09 pm
It is true Kelly Payne may have been engaged to a guy named “Buck” during this time period????
FITS, I heard that last night, say it aint’ so…
By Consenting Adults June 7, 2010 at 10:55 am
Divorced and seperated.
Why is this called an “affair” or “scandal”?