By FITSNews || SCGOP Treasurer John Cattano will not challenge incumbent Republican Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom in a primary election this year, but that doesn’t mean the embattled state officeholder is off the hook.
In fact, sources tell FITS that two credible candidates are weighing primary bids against Eckstrom, who last week acknowledged a romantic relationship with another Republican office-seeker, S.C. Superintendent of Education candidate Kelly Payne.
Eckstrom is separated from his wife. Payne is divorced.
Obviously, there is ongoing speculation concerning the intentions of Columbia, S.C. philanthropist Curtis Loftis (who some say will run against Eckstrom instead of S.C. Treasurer Converse Chellis) but one person who is definitely debating a possible challenge to Eckstrom is S.C. Sen. Larry Grooms, who recently abandoned his bid to replace Mark Sanford as governor.
Also considering a primary challenge to Eckstrom? Nick Muzin – son-in-law of the late Jerry Zucker, a prominent Charleston, S.C. businessman who passed away in April 2008.
Sources tell FITS Muzin could self-finance his campaign, which is obviously a tremendous plus in this economic climate.
An advisor to Eckstrom declined to comment on the would-be challengers, telling FITS that the Comptroller General has moved past the scandal and is focused on doing his job.
Again, that’s a vastly different approach than the one taken last summer by S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford, who seemed unable to stop talking to reporters about his affair.
By Barker February 26, 2010 at 10:17 am
You can’t get romantic on a subway line. Conductor don’t like it, says, “You’re wastin’ your time”. But everybody wants some!
I want some too.
Everybody wants some! How about you?
By New Watchdog Needed February 26, 2010 at 11:59 am
Nathan Ballentine??? Young,fiscal conservative,banking exp,part of the reform movement. A Common Sense Statesman.
By They call me Mr. Sinister February 26, 2010 at 12:03 pm
So is this the latest office Larry Grooms wants to run for? First it was Governor, then 1st District Congressman, then maybe Lt. Governor now no wait a minute how about Comptroller??? Perhaps those close to the Senator should remind him its about representing the people of his district and not his ego of running for higher office!!…
By Inside info February 26, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Look for an opponent from the Lowcountry.
By Teddy February 26, 2010 at 1:46 pm
At least it’s not Cattano!
By BIN News Editorial Staff February 26, 2010 at 6:19 pm
sic(k) willie is chumming.
By mackone February 26, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Hey guys, this is getting a little stale. But I guess anything that resembles smut is worth printing.
First, Eckstrom is of consenting age, has been separated for 2 years plus, and the only people making any mention of his quote “relationship” seems to be coming from possible opponents and the media.
Has anyone asked his current spouse’s opinion. I imagine that this has something to do with the way our no fault divorce statute is written. Plus, it this is the criteria that the media is going to place on separation versus divorce, we are in for a lot of smut. No Fault is a great tool if you don’t want to air your differences in court. I would say that the majority of people who are separated pending a divorce end up in some type of relationship before the decree is issued.
Some people would call this adultery, and by the strict interpretation it is. But, let’s get a little more strict. The bible says that if you so much as look at a woman in lust you have committed adultery. Now that is heavy. I know I mentioned the bible word.
I know very few people who could stand up to the test that our self appointed moralist, the media, has developed. I’ve always heard when you point a finger at someone you have 3 pointing at yourself. Take it for what it is worth.
I can honestly say, having read this site many times. From one sinner to another. Lighten up
By Silence F-ing Dogood February 27, 2010 at 12:18 am
At least it appears his advances on Payne were not unrequitted. This way the state didn’t have to use tax payer money to settle a ANOTHER law suit against Eckstrom like it had to do about ten years ago when his love interest wasn’t as pleased about his advances. No fault divorce in S.C. only requires the spouses be seperated for one year…
The text we have SEEN go back at least over a year. So it is seems hard to discern if Eckstrom was trying to date around (AGAIN) because he and his wife were seperated, for if he and his wife were seperated because he was trying to date around (AGAIN)…?