By FITSNews || Endorsements are like assholes, people … every media outlet has them. That’s why you should always take a media endorsement with an ocean of salt, whether it comes from us or not.
Sure, we’ve got “props” with certain audiences, but do your own research … and vote based on the issues that you believe matter most.
Having said all of that, we are endorsing Bill Connor for S.C. Lt. Governor because based on what matters most to us he’s the best candidate for the job – which it’s important to remember is a part-time position that has zero power or influence. In fact, it’s a position that we feel should be folded into the Cabinet of future governors (and included on the gubernatorial ticket in future elections) if it is ever to become relevant in S.C. governance – a position Connor supports.
More than structural issues, though, it is Connor’s consistent support for core fiscal conservative principles that have positioned him head and shoulders above his opponents in this race, again, in our eyes. And while he doesn’t have a voting record of his own yet (Connor has never held elected office), he has clearly embraced the limited government mantra – and been embraced by the Tea Party movement that is pushing it.
God help him should he ever stray from those principles.
Meanwhile, Connor’s main opponent in this primary election – Florence County Councilman Ken Ard – has embraced the failed tax-and-spend approach of the state’s most prominent RINOs, House Speaker Bobby Harrell and Senate Finance Chairman Hugh Leatherman. Also, Connor’s other “credible” opponent in this race, disgraced Lowcountry Judge Larry Richter, is one of the most ethically-bankrupt individuals ever to run for office in the Palmetto State.
Beyond ideological and political considerations, there’s another reason we like Connor – a reason which was given national amplification in a recent story in Human Events …
U.S. Army Lt. Col. (then major) Bill Connor had experienced little combat action prior to Aug. 21, 2007. It was early in his deployment to Afghanistan, and much of his experience at that point had been IED attacks.
But the series of ambushes that unfolded that day against him as he led a six vehicle convoy south of Forward Operating Base Martello in Kandahar Province was so close (nearly eyeball-to-eyeball) and intense, the 39-year-old Airborne-Ranger infantry officer briefly wondered if he or any of his men would get out alive. Others briefly questioned their survival too.
Connor has been in “the sh*t,” people. Not only that … he’s led troops through it, too, which regardless of ideology is something we can appreciate and something which we believe forms a solid foundation for leadership.
Right now, the Lt. Governor’s Office in South Carolina doesn’t amount to much – even with its recent acquisition of the Office on Aging. Why do you think we call it “Lite Gov?” Our hope, though, is that Connor can use the limited powers of the office along with its bully pulpit to be an advocate for taxpayers, particularly given the increasing likelihood that the next governor won’t be using their limited powers to do that.
The flag of the fiscal conservative movement in South Carolina has been on the ground ever since S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford dropped it last June to go and chase some tail in Argentina … who better than a soldier to pick that flag up?
Incidentally, we’d like to point out that this endorsement was a very close call – not because of Connor’s recent social conservative pandering, but because of former Insurance Director Eleanor Kitzman‘s decision to jump into the race.
Assuming there’s something about Connor that rubs you the wrong way, Kitzman would be another solid choice, although we suspect Connor would be more aggressive in taking on the entrenched status quo in Columbia.
He sure as hell better be … or we’ll be introducing him to our definition of “incoming fire.”
By Money money money money money May 12, 2010 at 2:42 pm
So what’s the going price for endorsements these days?
By Matt May 12, 2010 at 2:43 pm
I hope as president of the Senate, Connor will show some love for the “Back Row Boys” and not be afraid to lay the gavel down on people like Glenn McConnell.
By oh My May 12, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Good reason not to vote for Bull Connor. I’m still with Richter.
By south mauldin May 12, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Kitzman is ten times better than this GI Joe lawyer.
By T-dawg May 12, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Former SC Governot Robert Kingston Scott “led troops through it..” too, but I don’t think anyone wants him to hold office again.
By fitsnews May 12, 2010 at 3:14 pm
“Money,”
That depends … are we talking cash or whores?
“Matt,”
Definitely …
“T-Dawg,”
You’ll note military service was just one of the things we mentioned.
-FITS
By Mike May 12, 2010 at 3:28 pm
I would say your 2nd choice in Kirzman should be your first and here is why: Conner is smart enough to read the tea leaves and say what is now popular to say. Yet, we have no record from which to judge actions. Kitzman has been in “the sh*t” in the way that is really only applicable here. She is self-made, run a successful business, did a hell of a job as Insurance Comish and isn’t nakedly ambitious.
I wish she had been in earlier. You really, really get a slimy feeling being around Conner. Like, “I need a shower and steel wool scrub kind of feeling.”
By Michael May 12, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Very nice call Fits. Bill Connor is certainly the guy to take on the status quo and several times has AFFIRMED his commitment to do so.
Pay no attention to the naysayers (Ken Ard and Larry Richter staff), you made the right call.
By beentook2 May 12, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Fat Ass Knotts was in trouble. He had eaten for three days and not once had a movement. After shutting down a wing of Lexington Medical the doctors began their survey. Not long after the first examination the doctors found a “cause”.
Upon explaining to Fat Ass that they had found Andre Bauer curled up inside his ass, he cut them off. That can’t be my problem he yelled, he is always up my ass, that is where he lives.
At that point another doctor stepped forward and reported “Realistically an ass of your size could and apparently has functioned with one person tucked away. However it is clear that Andre failed to tell you that he was providing some on the job training because Larry Richter is in there with him.
By Jeff May 12, 2010 at 3:41 pm
BRAVO!!!
It’s really an easy choice. Bill Connor has more qualifications for leading this state that any of the gubernatorial candidates and is light years ahead of Larry Richter and Ken Ard.
It looks as though Ken Ard’s staff has already started on ya Fits. Give ‘em hell.
By Harry Nelson May 12, 2010 at 3:59 pm
I was on that line of knobs with Bill shown in his most recent advertisement. But, when I heard that Bill was running for Lt. Governor, I didn’t automatically decide to vote for him. In fact, it had been many years since we talked. I didn’t know where Bill was on issues of fiscal discipline, limited government, etc.
Needless to say, when I called him, I was thrilled. He is the real deal. Someone who I knew had studied leadership as an academic discipline in college, and obviously proved it during his time in Afghanistan.
What really thrilled me was:
1) Bill really stands for limited government and fiscal discipline. Not just as buzzwords to gain popularity, either. Bill really understands macroeconomics and has a true philosophy of government that mirrors our country’s founders. That rights are granted by God to the people, and the citizenry gives a certain amount of authority of government for its own protection.
2) His faith is real. (Don’t mean to offend, Will.) I grew up in Greenville, and knew many whose religion was cultural. But, I did not come to faith in Christ until I was an adult. Bill tells a similar adult conversion story on an earlier video he’s released. Religion did not save me, Jesus did. Bill draws strength from his faith, and has a great understanding of grace. I don’t sense you’ll witness Bill morally browbeating anyone, but rather acting from the humility that his faith gives him.
3) He was willing to sacrifice a financially rewarding career to once again step into public service. He is EXACTLY who we need in government.
In the past and through the campaign, each of the candidates have proven who they are, and what they will be like, if elected. If you are still undecided, do some actual research into each of the candidates and I’m confident you’ll vote for Bill.
By Maria Brady May 12, 2010 at 4:07 pm
There is no better candidate in the race. Ignore the nay sayers. Connor will win this race. He has every tea party I know behind him. No question about it, he will do a great job. I only wish he had been runnign for governor! I admire him for standing up for his religious beliefs. He will not let us down! I wish I could be as confident in the other candidates running in the other races.
By SC lover May 12, 2010 at 4:09 pm
I only hope the voters of South Carolina actually do their homework and research before voting on June 8th. Bill Connor made up my mind for me when I heard him speak and did my own research. We need elected officials that will step in and take on the corrupt good-ole-boys and Bill Connor is the guy to do it.
Vote Connor on June 8th http://www.voteconnor.com
TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS!
By Money money money money money May 12, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Fits –
Cash.
This one kinda make sense, but even y’all are in tuned enough to know Bill Connor could yell “Freedom” til he’s blue in the face and still not have nearly enough money to win this thing.
Nothing against Bill…he’s a good guy. So are people like Duncan Hunter and Fred Thompson, but that doesn’t mean they should’ve been elected pres. And it doesn’t mean that Bill has what it takes to be an effective LG.
If I were Bill I would’ve saved my money for TV and not shelled it out for an endorsement. (Actually if I were Bill I would’ve not run)
Dolla dolla bills y’all.
By DanielSC May 12, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Good choice FITS – while at Beach Banter – we’ve been behind Bill since last Fall.
Take care – Vote June 8, 2010!
By Jeff May 12, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Hey money money, judging by the spots I’ve been seeing on Fox News Bill Connor did save money for TV. Maybe Ken Ard and Larry Richter can’t buy this election after all.
By Michael May 12, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Money how you going to feel about this when Bill Connor wins this election on June 8th, without a runoff?
Establishment is out, reform is in. Vote Bill Connor on June 8th
By Cooter Brown May 12, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Gud choice, Mista Willie!
By Ynotfirst May 12, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Been Took hahahahahahaaa good one~
By vagabond May 12, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Haven’t we had enough of hypocritical philandering politicians? Many Republicans complained after Sanford betrayed his wife less than a year ago, and now they’re supporting Connor, a candidate who had an affair in law school in the fall of 2002 but purports to be all about “family values.”
By WorkingTommyC May 13, 2010 at 7:35 am
I had no real idea about what Bill Connor stood for when I first heard about him. I knew some folks I respected one heck of a lot were for him but did not know if that was due to a lack of good choices or not.
Last summer I saw him speak and was impressed. I asked him a leading question on corporate welfare and he instantly dismissed the premise I falsely put forth as my own. He stated that was for equality under the law for all businesses and not for handing out favors. He stated that he was for getting rid of personal and business income taxes (preferring a sales tax) and making a true level playing field for everyone here rather than pay out huge bribes to mega-corporations as has been the standard practice for years.
I’ve discussed many things with him via email and in person and though we don’t agree 100% (probably more like 90-95%) on foreign policy, that’s an area I don’t expect the Lt. Gov. to deal with much.
I’m sick to death of the same ol’ politicians treating such offices as rewards for past public self-service. Bill is a man of outstanding character and has shown a willingness to fight the system. That’s good enough as far as qualifications are concerned. Bill DOES have a long record of opinion and Republican Party activism in Orangeburg’s newspaper so we know where he’s coming from politically.
Bill has also shown a workaholic’s dedication to running this campaign. We need that kind of energy in office vs. so many who are just sitting back and using their elected offices as cash registers.
From what very little “insider’s” experience I have with political campaigns, I must also say that I’m incredibly impressed with the way Connor and his campaign manager, Joshua Gross have run things. My hat’s off to them. They’ve run a grassroots campaign that has turned into a locomotive and nothing can stop them now. Connor will have 51+% of the vote June 8th with no runoff, I’m sure.
By WorkingTommyC May 13, 2010 at 7:52 am
Vagabond:
Put up or shut up.
By Cliff Seegars May 13, 2010 at 8:37 am
I would love to see Connor pull 51% of the vote on June 8th. If Connor has given his own wife a reason not to trust him, what would make South Carolina voters trust him and his intentions should he be elected to office? Connor, don’t talk the talk if you refuse to walk the walk.
By darby May 13, 2010 at 9:44 am
I understand that the National Inquirer, which broke the John Edwards infidelity story, has evidence of Mr. Obama engaging in an extra-marital affair.
Mr. Seegars and Vagaond, will you vote for Obama?
By Jeff May 13, 2010 at 12:01 pm
We were warned
http://palmstatepolitics.blogspot.com/2010/05/ken-ards-minions-talking-up-coming.html
some of their people couldn’t keep their mouths shut and let the cat outta the bag.
It’s a shame when a candidate such as Bill Connor stands on his platform and outperforms his opponents like Ken Ard they resort to negative attacks to try and steal an election.
Since I don’t work for either campaign, I have a question for you.
When is Ken Ard going to answer to the fact that the tax raise he pushed so hard for actually benefits him personally because he owns land that will have to be purchased with this tax money?
STOP with the negative attacks Ken Ard staff Katie Baham and Robert Cahaly. You’re insulting the process for electing candidates to office.
By alwaysknocktwice May 13, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Bill has a Sanford problem. There are witnesses. Probably the whole USC Law Class of 2002. I am certain that someone from Connor’s class could even supply a name if they were so inclined. I wish Connor would get out in front of it and put it behind him so he could win. BUT he hasn’t. It is awfully tough to run a family values campaign when there is a family values problem lurking in the not so distant past.
By Michael May 13, 2010 at 8:13 pm
alwaysknocktwice, how’s it feel to be so desperate cuz your boy Ken Ard is so far behind you have to spread lies and rumors to try to win?
More lies from Ken Ard, Robert Cahaly and Katie Baham. You better start trying to elect Ken Ard back to county council in Florence. Looks like that will be tougher than you thought.
By Cicero May 13, 2010 at 10:26 pm
michael – Rest assured Bill Connor does indeed have a “Sanford” problem. You can blame the Ard campaign or whomever else you want, but that doesn’t change what Connor did during his first year in law school with someone who wasn’t his wife. I’d reiterate what “alwaysknocktwice” said: Find someone who attended USC Law School in the fall of 2002 and you will probably be able to verify Connor’s indiscretions.
All this wouldn’t be such an issue if Connor wasn’t holding himself out as the family values candidate. It will come back to bite him, mark my words.
By Jeff May 14, 2010 at 7:15 am
Cicero,
This surprises me coming from you. You’ve taken a few rumors from people that despise Bill Connor because he supports tort reform and information generated by the Robert Cahaly sleaze machine and publicly slandering the next Lt Governor of South Carolina. Figured you for more common sense than that.
From an earlier comment, Michael actually was there during that time. Perhaps you guys should understand rumors are are just that, rumors. Especially coming from some spoiled brats in law school.
Give it a break. For over a year now Ken Ard and Robert Cahaly have been doing their best to slander Bill Connor and try to steal this election. They’ve offered no proof of anything nor has anyone come forward as an eyewitness.
Funny thing about rumors. False accusations are hard to prove.
By truthseeker May 14, 2010 at 8:09 am
All of you who think you know Bill Connor because you have spoken to him during his campaign and heard him speak about his dedication to family and Christian values are going to be very disappointed if he gets elected. It takes years to really know a person. Bill has much to hide. If you vote for him based on a few conversations and his family values platform, it is you who is playing the fool. There is more to Connor than meets the eye. And, WorkingTommyC, you clearly have no idea what you are talking about, and you do not know the real Bill Connor! You know nothing of Bill’s character, and if you think he is a new brand of politician, you are sadly mistaken. He is just a great pretender. The only thing you are right about is that he is a workaholic, because he has wanted this office for many years. Everything he has done was carefully orchestrated to get him into office. If he wins, next goal, Governor! All he has done for many years has laid the groundwork for this campaign. He wants to be Lt. Gov. as bad as he has ever wanted anything, but it has nothing to do with all of you people or the other great people of SC. Make no mistake; it has to do with his mighty, mighty ego!
By Jeff May 14, 2010 at 9:20 am
truthseeker I truly do know Bill Connor, unlike you. Your attempt to make him look bad is nothing but sour grapes over Ken Ard losing this election. You idiots have slandered and verbally assaulted Bill Connor for over a year and it’s brought you nothing but shame in the eyes of the voters. The people of South Carolina are sick and tired of those like you, Robert Cahaly and Ken Ard who try to win elections by making their opponents look bad instead of the joke of convincing the voting public that Ken Ard is the best person for the job.
Judging from Ken Ard’s track record, he would be nothing more than a corrupt RINO tax and spender like several we have now. Ken Ard needs to start running as a democrat instead of trying to mislead the voters.
Bill Connor and family have done nothing but volunteer to help protect the freedoms of the citizens of South Carolina and this great country for generations. Your slandering of him has effectively alienated the Ken Ard campaign and a great example of that is the big bbq for Ken Ard at the David Beasley farm that only 35 attended.
Again, tell Ken Ard to come clean on raising taxes in Florence County to help pay for property he owns. THAT is the real story.
By making me sick May 14, 2010 at 10:11 am
I am a supporter of Ken Ard and will vote for him in the primary. If this truly is supporters of ken’s spreading this stuff you should be ashamed of yourselves. I support Ken because I think he’s the best person for us in the Pee Dee to have representing us in Columbia. Stop the nonsense. I hate negative campaigning.
By KBinFlorence May 14, 2010 at 10:41 am
ken ard would not allow us to vote for a tax raise that would benefit him personaly. He is not that kind of person.
By truthseeker May 14, 2010 at 10:43 am
Jeff,
I have never met Ken Ard or Robert Cahaly. But, I am sure they appreciate knowing that everyone in Connor’s camp is so paranoid. And, as far as I know, no one has lost this election. You clearly work for Bill Connor, as you monitor this and other blogs like a hawk. Just remember, Jeff, unless you have been behind closed doors with Bill Connor every day of his life, you really have no idea if he has skeletons in his closet or not. Who are you to call me an idiot? And, how do you know that I do not know Bill Connor personally. Are you omnipotent?
And, Bill Connor is a far cry from his father and grandfather. My comments were directed toward your Bill Connor, the one who is desperate for attention and to be elected Lt. Gov., not them. It is unfortunate that he had such great examples and has chosen the path he has for his life.
Now, take a breath, slow your blood pressure, and stop worrying, Jeff. Your guy, Bill, has it in the bag, right? Oh, and, has anyone ever told you that writing in all caps is like screaming at a person? That’s how I knew you were breathing heavy and your blood pressure was rising. No need to scream, Jeff. I’m not that invested in this campaign.
So, if you want to give Ken Ard, or any other candidate, credit for this post, feel free. You are just showing everyone who reads your comments how unenlightened you are about Bill Connor, as well as the other candidates.
Truthseeker
By FloGOP6 May 14, 2010 at 11:53 am
hey TRUTHSEEKER!
If you seek the truth, try this on for size
http://palmstatepolitics.blogspot.com/2010/05/ken-ard-benefitting-financially-from.html
By Jeff May 14, 2010 at 12:16 pm
LieTeller, again, I know Bill Connor. Don’t work for him but I certainly do support him. If I was on staff I would certainly advise him to root you anonymous comment trolls out and make you pay for your slanderous comments.
Why don’t you identify yourself and qualify your slander?
It’s very easy to remain hidden and throw lies around isn’t it?
As far as the caps go, was simply trying to make it easier for those I’m talking with to understand what I’m clarifying. Obviously, that wasn’t enough for you.
You are the one throwing accusations. Stop being a weasel and show yourself so we know who we’re not listening to. I doubt Bill Connor wastes time checking to see what you punks are posting anonymously on blogs.
By truthseeker May 14, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Wow, Jeff! Now you are resorting to name calling. Very mature. Why don’t you research the definition of slander? Slander refers to a malicious, false and defamatory spoken statement, while libel refers to any other form of communication, such as written words. Besides, if something is true, it is neither slanderous nor libelous.
And, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that you are supporting Bill, if not working for him. However, I do know Bill Connor, despite what you might want to believe. In fact, it is likely I know him much better than you, Jeff.
Have a great weekend, and stop worrying about your buddy Bill. He always lands on his feet, no matter what he does. Like I said, he is no different than any other politician.
By Percy Blakeney May 16, 2010 at 6:34 pm
several comments –the endorsement is like the candidate LITE. Real soldiers don’t need to display a BRONZE STAR on their website and prominentaly use their uniform in the ads, use the ranks and tiles of Military endorsors and flaunt a single OER in violation of DOD Directives on campaigning. If the officer is so proud of his miliatry record then be transaparent and show all his OER’s. Maybe that will explain why he left active duty after 10 years. If we are asked to vote for him for all his great military experienece then he should be running for Adjutant General. Oh yes a REAL soldier is running for that job. We risk turning the LTG job into patronage job. Where’s his real experience. Has he ever met a payroll. Sure he says he’s “led men in combat”. Nope he wasn’t running a rifle platoon in Afganistan he was doing civil affairs support work. Ask him to show you the Bronze Star citation description its not for Valor. We don’t need “support workers”. We need a leader to step in if we need one. We almost did this year, like Illinois, New York and Arizana did when their LTG’s became Governor. Remember many times LTG’s do actually become Governor like Rick Perry when he replaced W in Texas. And what will he do when his “zipper” problem comes out. Yep its out there, we don’t need another Sanford! Hopefully the women will let the truth be told before we go through another year of being ridculed by Leno and Letterman. LITE is the right way to describe the endorsement of the LIGHT Col Connor.
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