By FITSNews || Members of the S.C. House of Representatives received free tickets to attend the Heritage Golf Tournament on Hilton Head Island on the same day that a majority of them voted to approve a $10 million loan for the tournament.
First uncovered by WLTX TV 19 (CBS – Columbia, S.C.), the timing of the freebies prompted S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford to cry foul.
From WLTX’s report:
Monday, as representatives in the SC House started to pour over the state budget, they received the invitations to the tournament. The invite offers a parking pass and tickets for the lawmaker and a guest, and access to a clubhouse and a skybox on the 16th green.
“This goes on every day in the state government that you all own, that we all own,” said Gov. Mark Sanford. “It’s not by accident that members of General Assembly are invited to football games at Clemson or USC, and Clemson gets about $80 million in benefit.”
Food banquets, receptions and other gatherings are held frequently for members of the General Assembly.
“Those who want money will go to great lengths to try and get money from the taxpayer to their side,” he said.
Well, duh.
Lawmakers getting treats for doling out special favors is – as Sanford says – an everyday occurrence.
But frankly, we’re not sure what’s more surprising here … that Mark Sanford is getting “high and mighty” again on fiscal policy (after he was busted last summer for spending tax money to facilitate a liaison with his Latin lover) or that the governor had the temerity to say something critical of lawmakers.
What happened to “walking humbly,” governor?
The Heritage – which will lose its corporate sponsorship next year – has become the focus of intense debate after a bipartisan coalition of fiscally liberal lawmakers voted last week to leave the $10 million loan in the state budget.
For a list of lawmakers who supported the appropriation, click here.
WEB EXTRA
Lawmakers Received Golf Tournament Invitations as Budget Talks Began (WLTX)
By Lowcountry Hog March 21, 2010 at 9:38 pm
who cares? They get invited every year to that and the BMW Pro AM, the 2 major tournaments in the state. They should be there to represent the state. I’m sure the Governor was invited as well. As a matter of fact, I have friends who have been the recipient of his USC basketball tickets and have seen his box, that’s right BOX at USC games.
By Groundball March 21, 2010 at 10:08 pm
I guess the Governor was too interested in another box to attend the basketball game.
By Doris March 21, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Did the governor and Queen Jean get tickets? Remember, the Queen is into her golf these days. She had to miss the swearing in of a law school class the year she gifted licenses to political cronnies’ children to attend a D list golf tournament at Myrtle Beach that year. Costa will carry her golf bag.
By fastmouth March 22, 2010 at 6:40 am
I’m like Lowcountry Hog – who cares? I was just looking at the list of who voted on the legislation. Our reps. (Vick and Jennings) didn’t even care to vote. Wonder where they were at? They should have at least had the decency to vote. That’s what we send them down there for – at least vote – that way the constituancy will know they stand.
By Calhoun Fawls March 22, 2010 at 6:52 am
This bullshit in its purest form. Let the lawmakers tell a state trooper on the last hour of his overworked shift how this golf bullshit matters.
By Another Opinion March 22, 2010 at 8:15 am
Fully agree with Fawls. Rather have law enforcement, legislative, judicial going after bigger fish.
By Crooner March 22, 2010 at 11:39 am
Aside from the politics as usual it was a smart move by the state to help the tournament. Tourism is big industry in SC and The Heritage is a fine showcase of what the state has to offer.
By Waldton March 22, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Next thing you know they will give the town of Springfield South Carolina 5 million for the annual frog jump because they just cant make those frogs jump without sponsers. IDIOTS WATING OUR MONEY!!!
By Doris March 22, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Ya think the legislature will buy me one of those trailers with a cooker for me to sell bloomin’ onions, corndogs, cotton candy and elephant ears so I can set up beside the 12th green at the Heritage? People ought to hungry on that backside over there. I can use it at the rest of the festivals the rest of the summer, then set up on the statehouse grounds for the demonstration season in the fall. Somebody is always hating somebody about something that time of year.
By James F. March 22, 2010 at 5:28 pm
I dont care who dies it it is absolutely wrong! It is time to clean House here and in the US Congress. We are cutting Teackers and going to golf events. What a damn wonderful state.
By wes smith March 24, 2010 at 6:02 pm
Is there any way to find out just how much the state benefits financially from this tournament? I’m sure our lawmakers know because they approved this so overwhelmingly. How about letting the rest of us know.
In this state that ranks lowest (or next to) in a majority of things, that’a just what I want my tax money going to: a rich white boys hobby. Yea!! Never mind that babies are dying from inadequate or no healthcare, our schools are used as playhouses.
But wait! I’ll forgive all if I send invitations to our caring lawmakers to come watch me gdrive around the Capitol in my new car, providing they front me $20,000 to put down on it. Go lawmakers, go!!!