By FITSNews || Former Deputy S.C. Attorney General Robert Bolchoz has endorsed Alan Wilson – son of U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson – in a close race for the Republican Attorney General’s nomination in South Carolina.
Bolchoz finished in third place behind Wilson and Columbia attorney Leighton Lord during last week’s primary election.
“I got to know Alan Wilson on the campaign trail,” Bolchoz said in a statement. “His character, principles, values, and work ethic are unrivaled. From the courtroom to the battlefield, he has proved he has what it takes to be Attorney General.”
Wilson called Bolchoz “the real deal” and a “proven prosecutor.”
Bolchoz made the announcement Monday morning in Mount Pleasant, S.C. alongside his old boss, former S.C. Attorney General Charlie Condon, who also endorsed Wilson’s candidacy.
Lord’s campaign wasted little time in framing the endorsements as evidence of Wilson’s proximity to the state’s “good ol’ boy” system.
“Mr. Bolchoz joined the list of various government officials, State and Federal politicians, and other special interests who have come together to support Alan’s ‘status quo’ candidacy,” Lord said in a statement. “Alan has no separation from ‘politics as usual;’ no significant legal experience, no understanding whatsoever of how to manage a large team of lawyers and no private sector record of delivering great service at low cost. Most importantly, Wilson lacks the independence to go in a reform oriented direction. It is no surprise that Wilson is the choice of government officials and politicians, who are perfectly satisfied with the ‘system.’”
Wilson and Lord will face off on June 22.
By libertarian June 14, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Interesting…..
By fred June 14, 2010 at 2:01 pm
My goodness just looking at this “family portrait” scares the hell out of me. I noticed that “daddy’s boy” Alan is positioning his campaign signs right to next daddy’s here in Aiken County. Can’t this kid doing anything on his own?
By oh My June 14, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Just another government worker endorsing someone with longstanding ties to government. When are we ever going to get some fresh faces in government?
I wonder what Wilson offered him since Bolchoz is unemployed now. Hope he didn’t promise the taxpayers’ farm for this endorsement
By DG June 14, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Fred,
Actually, Alan has done A LOT on his own. Was Joe there when Alan was successfully prosecuting criminals and putting bad guys in prison in Lexington County court and at the Attorney General’s office? NO! Was Joe in Iraq with Alan when Alan’s convoy was attacked by an IED and Alan successfully took control of the situation and brought all of his soldiers to safety? NO! If that’s not leadership, nothing is.
Don’t be too quick to judge Alan. He’s his own man. You can’t help who your parents are.
DG
By AI June 14, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Prosecuting, in case you were unaware, is exclusively the province of the Government.
Bolchoz is not unemployed. He works in the private sector and will continue to do so.
By Hmmmmm June 14, 2010 at 2:23 pm
And Lord is trying to buy his way into the AG’s office – how about another video production by the LL company?? LL made his money the old fashion way – suing everyone for anything.
By misty June 14, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Looks like the good old boys are working hard for Alan. So Jakie Knotts is going to be roaming the halls of the AG’s office and now Bolchoz got some sweet deal promised to him. Nobody can look at Alan Wilson and honestly think he is qualified. The only reason he is running is his daddy and now daddy twisted some arms and got him some endorsement.
I bet we will be on the Daily show again when they find out that SC elected an AG that failed the bar!
By do work June 14, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Don’t look into Rox’s eyes… She’ll steal your soul.
By 20gage4life June 14, 2010 at 2:31 pm
How status quo do we have to get here? Wilson probably made a deal with Bolchoz to get him on board. Sound familiar? Daddy’s boy is at it again…
By Kevin Holt June 14, 2010 at 2:33 pm
That’s really funny. Two incompetent lawyers joining forces does no equal a good candidate for AG. What a joke
By DG June 14, 2010 at 2:37 pm
20gage and Misty,
So, you’re making a liar out of Bolchoz? How insulting! Listen to what Bolchoz said. He’s a prosectuor — and knows that a prosecutor needs to be AG. THAT’s why he’s supporting Alan. There’s no deal involved. Gosh, you Lord people are desperate. Let’s stick to the issues involved in being AG.
DG
By Cliff Seegars June 14, 2010 at 2:47 pm
It is time for NEW leadership in South Carolina. I will be voting for Leighton Lord. Not only is he able to stand on his own but he can effectively run a team of attorneys. I am already ashamed of our “YOU LIE” congressman, I’ll be damned if I vote his son into office.
By Dylan Sanders June 14, 2010 at 2:55 pm
The Bolchoz endorsement of Alan Wilson doesn’t surprise me at all. Just like Mr. Lord said Bolchoz is the status quo the don’t change anything guy. I say it’s time for a change,South Carolina needs an Attorney General who can manage the office. Mr. Lord has years of experience in managing a law firm that has twice as many lawyers as the AG’s office has now. What experience does Mr. Wilson bring to the table? After the Governors office the position of Attorney General is probably the second most important elected office in state government. We don’t have time to watch Mr. Wilson try to learn the job we need a person who can hit the ground running from day one. My vote is for Leighton Lord.
By Checking in June 14, 2010 at 3:04 pm
actually hmmmm, he did it the real old fashioned way…he married it. Plus he speaks of running a large team of lawyers. I bet if you did a secret ballot at Nexsen Pruett, he wouldn’t get a 50% favorable report from his own team
By timeforchange June 14, 2010 at 3:14 pm
If you watch the video on http://www.wistv.com Alan does not deny any of the allegations in the daddy’s boy for ag video.
Why did it take Alan Wilson 8 days to renounce Jake Knotts?
8 years of Charlie Condon + 8 years of Henry McMaster = Bolchoz & Wilson
Same old (&*# different year. After 16 years of Crazy it’s time for a change.
Lots of Crazy 8′s ……..
Both Condon and McMaster had failed campaigns for Governor…..They ran the offices for political gain and not in the best interest of SC.
Nikki Haley for Governor
Leighton Lord for Attorney General
By CNChapin June 14, 2010 at 3:25 pm
I’d not tout working as an assistant solicitor in Lexington county. Those people over there shit on the citizens. Want to know why their conviction rate is so high? They don’t prosecute people unless they can win. If they can’t win, they hold people in jail indefinitely until they agree to a plea bargain. That office is disgusting if you are a lover of liberty.
As for Alan in general, he’s nothing more than the status quo in this state. If you’re happy with the RINOs we have in office, then elect Alan Wilson. He’s nepotism you can believe in! Alan is a good ol’ boy and is trying to ride his daddy’s RINO coat-tails to victory.
Want a state that will stand up to the federal government? Don’t elect Alan. Odds are, he’ll have too much of a conflict of interest to do what is right for this state against the feds. Even if he is standing up to something his daddy wasn’t instrumental in passing, how can we be sure he’ll not stand down to avoid bringing heat on ol’ Addison?
I don’t want more of the same. The Wilson clan is simply more of the same.
By her say June 14, 2010 at 3:31 pm
I wonder if Bolchoz can hook Alan up with all of his video poker buddies to give him some cash…
By her say June 14, 2010 at 3:34 pm
I double dare someone to shout out while Bolchez is endorsing Wilson and says Wilson is the real deal, YOU LIE!!!
By SC Mom June 14, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Daddy Wilson gets lots of credit for the “you lie” statement, and I’m sure the #1 son gets a lot of “trickle down” credit for that from the conservative crowd. But what Papa Joe hopes you don’t realize is that he actually VOTED FOR THE BAILOUT! I hope that kind of hypocrisy doesn’t run in the family. We really need some new blood in goverment at all levels- not someone who’s been raised by a career politician that misleads his consituents into thinking he’s Conservative when he’s not.
http://housingdoom.com/2008/09/30/did-your-congressman-vote-for-the-bailout/
By reasonable June 14, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Does anyone remember Charlie Condon’s years as AG? I wouldn’t be moved by anyone closely allied with him.
Leighton has plenty of managerial experience. More importantly, he is smart and tempered. Hmmmm suggests he made his money suing people. The last time I checked Nexsen, Pruett (Lord’s firm) was not a plaintiff’s firm. Nice try, though, Hmmm.
By Cate June 14, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Yes, it is time for a change in SC. Time to get rid of people who can buy a political office. Time to get rid of people who run for one office while vying for another (Governor). Time time to vote for Alan Wilson and NOT Leighton Lord.
BTW, Bolchoz was an honorable candidate. He could not be bought by anyone in SC. This rings particularly true since LL wasn’t able to “buy” him.
By LTC June 14, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Honestly I don’t think there’s anything wrong with your parents helping you out when you are in your twenties and still in college. Um, I bet most of you probably did the same things. Seriously! Give me a break! Alan is completely his own man and will do the right things. I think I’d rather have a “good’ol boy”, as you all would call them, than a man who is in the back pockets of corporations that could buy him off to not prosecute white collar crimes or that might do things to potentially harm our environment. Lord is a corporate lawyer and personally I think those are the most sleaziest out there.
And if you don’t think managing troops in a warzone is good enough then I don’t know what you are! He put HIS life on the LINE…drove through streets with bombs and crazy stuff, put him and others in danger and they never complained and did what they committed to do for our country! If that’s not honor and justice and enough to beat Lord then I don’t know what is!
What has Lord done for our country other than “try to fight Asian Gangs”…uh…duh!
By AI June 14, 2010 at 4:46 pm
I’d love to know what about the status quo at the AG’s office needs to change? What is going wrong there that needs rectified? I’d like to hear policy initiatives that the “change” crowd would like to see enacted.
By fred June 14, 2010 at 5:10 pm
DG “You can’t help who your parents are! Oh come now give me a break. This little boy is trying to ride on Addison’s coat tails in order to make a living by working the system just like his “daddy”. Curious to know what his grades were at Francis Marion and Law School, and how he scored on the bar exam. Hmmm would be most interesting to say the least. His own man and leadership qualities, my goodness you are either working on his or daddy’s staff or his next door neighbor.
By AGIssues June 14, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Someone said whats wrong with the AG’s office and why we need change. Here is why. For at least the last two AGs is been a stepping stone to a run for SC GOV. Condon and McMaster both did this. Press release after press release to try to help them move into that position. This has to stop. Lord has said all he wants to be is AG and to end the politics of the office. Its like the whole spider man thing” with great power come great responsibility” I want someone not looking for the next big crime or issue to make poll numbers go up.
By AGIssues June 14, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Someone said whats wrong with the AG’s office and why we need change. Here is why. For at least the last two AGs its been a stepping stone to a run for SC GOV. Condon and McMaster both did this. Press release after press release to try to help them move into that position. This has to stop. Lord has said all he wants to be is AG and to end the politics of the office. Its like the whole spider man thing “with great power comes great responsibility” I want someone not looking for the next big crime or issue to make poll numbers go up. Lord is the person to end this. I want someone who is a good lawyer and proven leader of LAWYERS.
Also keep in mind both Condon and McMaster lost their bids for GOV. So SC must not have liked the status quo all that well ummmm. Lord is the first real candidate who is different in all this time, we need change and no one should miss this bus. VOTE LORD
By SnakeMD June 14, 2010 at 6:36 pm
To: Hmmmmmm @ June 14th 2:23 pm
Look, I’m not a Leighton Lord supporter, but your statement that LL made his money suing everyone for anytyhing is totally false. He is a commercial real estate attorney. He has never sued anybody, nor has anyone on his team. Why would you make such an ignorant statement? If you are going to criticize someone at least come up with something relevant. Can you run for office without spending money? Maybe you should ask your buddy, Alvin Green. Hmmmmmm. He is the best candidate you can get when you don’t spend $$. Pathetic!
By ClueIn June 14, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Lord has long hair and funny suits (expensive too I bet)……..I guess that would be change for the AG’s office. Oh, and having no prosecution experience would be change too…..like hiring a foot doctor to do heart surgery.
Get a clue.
By Timex June 14, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Sorry, this is one political family DYNASTY, the state does not need!
I have herd Mrs. Wilson brag about things most people would find embarrassing. They are truly weird to be around, makess your skin crawl!
By Calhoun St. June 14, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Leighton Lord is trying to portray himself as a conservative reformer to capture the “anti-incumbent” angst among Republican voters. What a sham!
The anti-Wilson attack ad recently posted on YouTube by Mr. Lord’s supporters suggests he knows quite a bit about “politics as usual.”
By RachelCox June 14, 2010 at 8:37 pm
I am tired of politics as usual. Lord comes straight from the private sector with real-world experience and problem-solving skills. The Wilson family is an embarrassment to South Carolina. We need someone with a little class and a good dose of fresh ideas.
I’m voting Haley for Governor and Lord for AG!
By Rylyn June 14, 2010 at 9:10 pm
Okay – so Wilson is a Prosecutor? Tell me what cases he has sat first chair and prosecuted – ever. In SC it is an accepted rule that you practice law for 8 years before becoming a Judge but we want to elect an Attorney General who has 5 years experience as an attorney. (after having to take the bar exam twice) How many cases has Henry McMaster actually prosecuted (himself) while in office? 2 mayabe? The qualifications for AG should be those of a manager. Someone who can run a business. And besides do you really want Jake Knotts running willy nilly up and down the halls of the AG’s office?
By Walt June 14, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Wilson supporters keep making false medical analogies about the Attorney General’s office. The most recent one here compares an Attorney General with no prosecution experience to “hiring a foot doctor to do heart surgery.”
A more accurate medial analogy would be – Electing a lawyer who failed the bar and went on to become assistant solicitor and assistant attorney general to the position of top-ranking attorney in the state is like promoting a first-year resident to hospital chief of staff.
I’ll take the guy who’s already successfully run a law firm that’s more than twice the size of the AG’s office. Plus, Leighton Lord has said he’d be taking a huge pay cut to become AG and feels the need to serve the state. I sure am glad he took the lead on getting Boeing to come here. It’s was about time someone stood up and started leading SC down a new road.
It’s time to get rid the Wilsons, Jake Knotts and the rest of the career politicians who have been driving this state into the ditch over and over for the past three decades.
By please.... June 14, 2010 at 10:59 pm
I’d rather have someone who is Daddy-whipped, than someone who is Pussy-whipped. Please, Lord Leighton’s wife’s family carefully placed him, and now that he’s at Nexsen P., the Wilkins dynasty is involved. Ol’ C.J. Billy Wilkins and the rest of the boys are gonna be sittin’ pretty when Lord Leighton gets in and gives Nexsen P all those goverment contracts. Can you say, cha-ching $$. The lord himself said that when when he’s AG, he sees no conflict in contracting out cases to Nexsen P. What, no conflict?! The Boeing deal was just the beginning of LL’s greed. He’s pure, slick oil, and he’ll use his position to make all his fat cat friends rich. Otherwise, why the hell does a managing partner of the second largest firm in the state leave to make little more than 100K. Well, because he knows in the long run he’s going to use this State to rake it in! Face it, to leave his Chairman of the Board/managing partner position at the firm, he either did such a bad job and they want to get rid of him, or he’s doing such a good job soppin’ up the gravy for all those white collar crime lawyers at Nexsen P, that they’ve decided it’s time to move him on to bigger and better mob jobs. Whatever Wilson is, he’s not the greedy sleeze stick Lord Leighton is. Enough about LSAT Scores and Bar exams. That’s the devil trying to get you to look the other way so he push the wicked through the door.
By Mo June 15, 2010 at 12:26 am
“Lord has long hair…” Cluein
So did Jesus. What is your point? Why do you hate Jesus?
By OH HELL YES June 15, 2010 at 1:14 am
OH HELL YES Bolchoz needs work, and OH HELL YES there was a deal in this somewhere. Wouldnt surprise me if he shows up as chief of staff. How disappointing and so much for his much-ballyhooed Citadel honor and sense of law and order. He’s Jakie’s bitch now. Wonder if part of the deal included free admission to Jakie’s strip club? I’ve known Robert since law school, but now have lost all respect for Bolchoz. He was recruited to run by a host of prominent attorneys, former prosecutors (state and federal) because Wilson was so grossly underqualified for the position. Rather than adhere to his principles and most importantly, his integrity, he has sold out to the trashiest people in politics and ironically, all for a candidate he told me didn’t have sense enough to get out of the rain. Pot, meet kettle.
By Silence Dogood June 15, 2010 at 2:15 am
I am a Democrat voting for Matthew Richardson, but if I have learned one thing form all this it is that L. Lord is perhaps the most negative person in S.C. politics right now (impressive mi amigo! Good one on ya!). He even goes negative on an unrequired response to an endorsement recieved by his opponent. Whew!
Also, I really got a kick out of his trying to juxtapose himself to Wilson noting that Wilson has “no private sector record of delivering great service at low cost.” I thought L. Lord was an attorney…and not a public sector, pro bono, or in house counsel one. That means he bills a lot of money for his time A LOT.
That zigger by the Lord probably gave everyone who has any idea how much a partner as Flex & Blew-it bills per hour a really, really hardy laugh for about a full minute. I know…I know, I now owe Mr. Lord about $25.00 for that one minute of laughter.
But really, between this and the Daddy’s boy video and his other press releases – what is the reason he is such a negative guy? I hope it is his advisors who are really the mean spirited hateful bunch, but I guess it doesn’t matter either way, since they would be the puppet masters pulling the strings if he were to become AG…
By Calhoun Fawls June 15, 2010 at 4:04 am
I give Wilson credit for being calm. IF that fat SOB running Lord’s campaign had his minions on the internet lying about my mama, I would go knock that SOB on his fat half blind ass.
Lord is telling us a lot about what kind of “reformer” he will be by the people around his campaign. They make you want to take a shower with their outright lies.
By timeforchange June 15, 2010 at 7:38 am
Walt – Great analogy!
I can’t get that song from the daddy’s boy for ag video out of my head. It’s catchy.
If Wilson was running without his dad on his own he would have no name recognition and no way near the amount of votes. If you look at the map he won in all of daddy’s jurisdictions.
Leighton Lord for Attorney General
Nikki Haley for Governor
Rob Miller for Joe Wilson’s seat
By Soft Sigh from Hell June 15, 2010 at 7:58 am
Wilson is just one of Saddam’s sons writ small. A mediocre scion given every opportunity over more worthy others and believing he deserve it. Chosen by last name alone.
By libertarian June 15, 2010 at 11:16 am
Face it…..neither candidate is really qualified for the job and both have their very selfish reason for seeking the job. Lets just hope the AG isn’t needed for anything really important over the next 4 years. The Wilson/Knotts family closeness should at least make one stop and ponder before putting a checkmark beside Alan Wilson’s name next week.
By Kitty June 15, 2010 at 11:56 am
The change at the AG’s office is simple. We need an AG (hell we need everyone running for office) who only wants to do the job (s)he is elected to do. I think past AG’s have been crippled by their desires for other positions. Do what’s best for the State, not your career. Alan is an honorable man, a great prosecutor and a veteran. It’s obvious LL comes from a $$ dynasty. LL wants to be far more than AG.
By The Associate June 15, 2010 at 12:58 pm
We also need an AG that is not interested in eliminating the criminal prosecution sections of the office (since the AG is the highest law enforcement officer in the state) and recognizes that it would be a conflict of interest to refer business to his former employer.
By JustSickofSC June 15, 2010 at 1:23 pm
I agree Kitty we do need someone to do the job and not look for something more. Lord has said all he wants to be is AG, I take him at his word. At least its a pledge he can be called on latter if he breaks it. I have never heard such from Wilson, and would find it unlikely since he is from such a political family. His dad did not stop at one office and has been “movin on up to the east side”,,,It would be logic to assume Wilson the son would do the same.
By AI June 15, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Why would it be logical to assume anything about his future ambitions? And if he did have a desire to seek higher office, wouldn’t that serve as a motivator to do a good job on the current one?
Oh, and The Associate is dead on. Someone should ask Mr. Lord what he proposes the AG’s office do if he is going to eviscerate the prosecution sections.
By JustSickofSC June 15, 2010 at 4:36 pm
AI,
That is the problem with the AG and using it as a stepping stone. It leads a person to make political decisions not legal ones. They look for whats hot to hit the head lines ect,, to further their ambition not the well being of the office or the people. That is why its a problem. As for as a motivator all we need look at is Mcmaster and Condon both wanted to be GOV both used AG to try to get it, both failed as AG and in their run. Did not motivate them to do a better job.
As to “Why would it be logical to assume anything about his future ambitions?” I think my statement shows why it is. Lord says he has none, Wilson has said nothing to my knowledge I think it is reasonable to assume he will be looking for something more. Have him promise not to and I will rethink it.
Also Lord has said he believes the Solicitors need more help to fright crime. Crime is a local issue and these are the front line guys. I think Lord is right in that helping them makes us safer. I like someone saying you start local and not at the state level. Pushing for the AG to do it is a BIG gov IDEA. I want the guy living in my neck of the woods to look for bad guys, he is helping me and his/her family. I don’t want it done in Columbia, where they don’t know my town or most of my neighbors.
By AI June 15, 2010 at 9:47 pm
JustSick,
I don’t think you have a good idea about what the AG’s office prosecutes. Most of the things that the AG does in terms of prosecution are more efficient and better prosecuted through the AG than the solicitors.
Internet Crimes Against Children, Insurance Fraud, multi-county drug offenses, public corruption, environmental crime, medicaid fraud and all the rest of things that are required by the AG to prosecute through the State Grand Jury – all are prosecuted through SLED investigations or task forces that allow for the marshaling of resources and make for more efficient prosecution. This is not to mention criminal appeals, PCRs, and capital litigation.
South Carolina is a small state, allowing easier cooperation and a better understanding of what is going on locally from Columbia. I agree that most crime needs to be prosecuted locally, but SC is better served by allowing the AG’s prosecutors to do what they do, which is mostly big picture, larger scale investigations and enforcement.
I appreciate those that want a fresh face or an outsider, but an outsider that seeks to take away from what the office does best does not benefit the State or its citizens.
As for Lord and his commitment that he only wants to be AG, it’s up to each individual to decide if they believe him.
By JustSickofSC June 16, 2010 at 11:44 am
AI,
I will admit you know more about the office than I do. To me it makes you an insider, that is what I don’t want. Lord is not the “normal” kind of guy for the job just maybe he will shake things up some. Lord never has said he was going to shut the AG prosecution down from what I have seen, but make it more efficient. I don’t know about all the programs you talk about but cock fighting and criminal domestic violence were big deals press release wise. I see them as local issues and don’t see how you have a task force to stop wife beating.
Also thanks for confirming to me Wilson has never promised to not run for something else like Lord has. You sold me with that. Lord for AG.
By AI June 16, 2010 at 12:56 pm
I am not saying some things couldn’t be changed for the better. My issue is that Lord has stated the portion of the State Constitution calling the Attorney General the State’s Chief Prosecutor is outdated. He’s referred to the 700 or so assistant solicitors who are more capable of handling prosecution. This shows a fundamental misunderstanding of what is best for the State for the reasons I stated in my last post.
If you want to vote for Lord, vote for him. But this change for change’s sake makes little sense to me. Most of what is going on at the office is working well and doesn’t require the type of overhaul Lord is proposing.
By JustSickofSC June 16, 2010 at 2:27 pm
AI,
Answer me this since you seem to know a lot about the office. And please don’t take me the wrong way I want to be informed. How many cases did the AG personally prosecute during his 8 years in office. And I don’t mean sat at the table like in the “Darlington Dungeon Case”. I want to know how many he did all by himself. If that number is high your argument makes SOME sense. So what was the number of criminal cases Mcmaster did on his own? how many bad guys did he personalty put away?
By AI June 16, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Sick,
I understand the point you are making. There weren’t many, if any, cases personally handled by Henry other than the Kenny Hinson case. As for Hinson, the AG did actually participate in the trial, not just sit at the table.
You very clearly, however, have misunderstood or ignored my point. How many cases the AG personally handles is not the point. The point is Lord is a person that has little to no perspective about what 75% of his troops are doing because he’s never done it. More importantly, however, it’s about the candidate’s vision for the office. I believe Lord’s vision is bad for the office and bad for the State. It’s a vision that does not marshal resources, but wastes them.
Again, if you think Lord has a better vision, by all means, vote for him. But it sounds to me like you want change for change’s sake.
By OH HELL YES June 17, 2010 at 1:50 am
AI, Medicaid fraud (all three sections) are not part of SGJ. PCR appeals are civil but the staff is supervised by the same Atty who supervises another section. Insurance fraud is part of Pros, not SG, unless that has changed in the past few years. SGJ stands alone in the criminal division. They are linked to Securities section which is part of the Civil division through statutes that allow their cases to be prosecuted through SGJ. And actually PCRs were intended to be handled by solicitors offices anyway…the AGs office began voluntarily handling them from the beginning. Having said all that, Lord never proposed scrapping the criminal division, he referred to changing the pros section, which consists of a handful of special programs. The basic duty of that small section is to handle cases conflicted out of the solicitors offices. Budget cuts are coming, and Lord is showing courage and leadership by examining the existing structure of the office, and recommending change. I have yet to hear anything like that from Alan Wilson.
Funny that all the “conservatives” want to maintain the status quo of an overstaffed agency with programs that are not central to the mission of the office. Leighton Lord proposes change in the name of efficiency and fiscal responsibility, and everybody starts hollering.
By OH HELL YES June 17, 2010 at 2:10 am
And one more thing. Wilson has only practiced law for 5 years. In that time, he has had at least 3 different jobs. In the real world, that would be a red flag to an HR resume sorter. Also, Wilson is not even rated in Martindale Hubbell.
Leighton Lord, however, has practiced law for over 20 years, and is rated by Martindale Hubbard as AV (preeminent) with a perfect 5.0 score.
“Guess what Daddy! I can see Jakie’s strip club from my house!”
By AI June 17, 2010 at 9:06 am
The SGJ and the Prosecution sections were merged under one person a few years back. There are plenty of prosecutors who handle both SGJ cases and conflicted prosecution cases. All the specialty sections (ICAC, insurance fraud, enviro, etc.) are under that umbrella. Further, the SGJ is not “linked” to the securities section. The SGJ prosecutes securities fraud but is not “linked” to the offices civil section.
By DG June 17, 2010 at 9:54 am
OH HELL YES,
The Hubbard rating is for private practice lawyers — not prosecutors. That’s why Alan doesn’t have it. It’s not fair to compare Lord and Alan on that.
~DG
By JustSickofSC June 17, 2010 at 1:56 pm
AI and Oh Hell Yes,
Thanks for the inside discourse on the office. Sounds like a mess to me. Look forward to Lord cleaning it up. No wonder nothing seems to be getting done. So who is in charge of cock fighting lol…..
By AI June 17, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Sick,
Wow. Just vote for Lord and be done with it. But please don’t present yourself as someone who is informed or has any desire to be informed about what goes on at the office or how it is currently run.
By Justsickofsc June 17, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Thanks AI for that insight. Just bc I do not agree I must now care umm. I just have a dif point of view and wanted to know more which you and oh hell yes provided. I do want to be informed that is why I asked questions. I have just seen nothing to change my mind. As for the office it’s clear it’s buracratic and looks like it’s all over the place. I know my local procecutors office is not like that. So between you and he’
hell yes I can see more than just a prosecutor is needed to run and reform the office.
By AI June 17, 2010 at 6:02 pm
I don’t have any idea how you got that the office was bureaucratic or all over the place based on the things I said.
By timeforchange June 17, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Lord now has the endorsement of 3 current Solicitors:
Scarlett Wilson – Charleston
Bob Arial- Greenville
Jerry Peace- Greenwood
I would think these people would know best who would be a good Attorney General.
By OH HELL YES June 17, 2010 at 7:42 pm
AI – I’m extremely familiar with the structure of the office, and there was no merge. Linked was probably not a good word to describe that relationship, but you are itching for the last word whether it is the right word or just an opportunity to blow smoke up everybodys ass when it comes to your candidate’s lack of credentials and experience.
Securities is part of the civil division, any criminal cases are investigated by SLED agents and prosecuted within SGJ as provided by the law passed giving SGJ jurisdiction. Pros and SGJ were never merged. I have my AG org chart at hand, and it clearly shows that.
As to Martindale Hubbell, I know it rates private practice attorneys. I would hope any person running for this office would have enough time in the practice of law to be rated.
“Daddy Daddy Dadddeeee! I can see Jakie’s strip club from my house!”
By AI June 17, 2010 at 8:59 pm
OH HELL YES,
The two sections (SGJ and Pros) were merged under one department head in 2004.
By Calhoun Fawls June 18, 2010 at 3:08 am
Talk about good old boys. Jerry Peace is in tight with defense attorney and former solictor Townes Jones. Rumors abound around Greenwood that there ain’t a case good ole boy Jerry won’t put on the back burner for his buddy Townes. Bob Arial? Yeah. The guy who let the millionaire off easy for driving his car through some poor guy’s house and killing him. Lord is touting two of the most unpopular and controversial solicitors in SC. Backed by the good ole boys, telling you he is not one. But, of course, he wanted us to believe he was a cop. What’s next?
By timeforchange June 18, 2010 at 7:08 am
What’s next is…..
Leighton Lord for Attorney General
Nikki Haley for Governor
By Geoffrey June 18, 2010 at 2:03 pm
SC needs an AG who at least understands the criminal process. You learn theory in law school, and then you get welcomed to the “real” world. Law school won’t prepare you for court. While McMaster didn’t prosecute many cases (sigh of relief), you need a leader who knows which cases are good, which cases you should plead, and which ones to dismiss. You can’t just look at an incident report, a couple of statements and think you have a case. You have to meet the victim (are the jurors going to believe them?), talk to the officer, find out criminal histories, realize and understand what will or won’t get into evidence, think about what the jury will actually get to hear and how they will perceive that evidence. Common pleas cases require a preponderance of the evidence–roughly there is a 51% the person did what was alleged. In General Sessions, you need beyond a reasonable doubt–closer to 99% certain.
While it’s disheartening to victims and police officers, not every case is winn-able or try-able. You need someone with experience and foresight to see the hurdles before they occur. That’s why it’s vital to have an AG with criminal experience. If you haven’t been a soilder, then why would you lead a troop into battle? If you only do plastic surgery, then why are you interviewin to be head of the pediatric unit?
Has anyone thought that perhaps the reason the current AG didn’t win the primary may have something to do with how he handled being AG? The AG’s office has become a laughing stock–because of unreasonable policies. If you know you can’t prove it, then you shouldn’t take it to a jury…but someone at the AG’s office didn’t attend that class in law school…
Wilson has 8 years of trial experience. Lord may or may not be a good person. He may or may not be an excellent manager. I don’t know. I do know that the AG’s office desperately needs someone in charge who understands criminal law. The AG’s office employees also need a morale boost (let the beatings continue until morale improves seems to be the motto). Wilson can do that.
Wilson has no intention of being anything other than AG.
By JustSickofSC June 18, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Geoffrey,
I agree with you for the most part. I do not know a lot about the law, but on Wilson’s page he says he does not think there is a legal separation between church and state. But you think he knows the law or a good case. That kind of freaks me out and I am conservative. Now one of you may be able to take me to school on that, but I was taught there was one. Is he going to be AG or Pope. Just something else that scares me. And 8 or 5 years as a lawyer does not impress me much. Nor failing the bar. I would not hire him to do a case for me. Why would I want him doing them all for SC.
By SnakeMD June 18, 2010 at 8:57 pm
I would like to see Leighton Lord win this race, but I’m afraid he doesn’t understand what it takes to be a “politician.” He is perhaps the most purblind fellow ever to enter SC politics. He has what it takes, but he has the wrong people running his campaign. I’ve seen them in action at the Silver Elephant Banquet, the Camden Cup, and other venues. The first thing they need to do is enroll in Glad-hand 101 and Grip and Grin 202. Aloof might work in the silk-stocking law office, but you got to sell yourself to the man on the street. I have neckties older than these “kids” running this show. My advice is to take some campaign money and buy yourself some personality. I know it’s tough shaking hands with the great unwashed, but they have more votes than the deep pocket snobs you are courting.
While the Wilson folks were working the crowds at The Cup the Lords were sipping wine in the VIP tent. At the Silver Elephant Banquet the Wilsons were passing out business cards like a blackjack dealer in Vegas, while Sir Lord’s campaign manager was busy tweeting with his minions. To run for elected office requires being uncomfortable with people you do not normally associate with. It is easy to sip cocktails with the Heathwood Hall crowd, but you need to be drinking coffee with lunch-bucket crowd at Elsie’s Cafe.
I could be wrong–’cause I’ve been wrong before. My “Hundred Points of Illumination” that I sold to Lee Atwater was in turn sold to elder Bush’s speech writer and became a “Thousand Points of Light.” It might be a little late in the race to change your strategy, but then again anything can happen in SC politics. I still can’t figure out Alvin Green. To quote REM: /…it might be the end of the world as we know it…/
Dr. Snake
By Walt June 18, 2010 at 10:27 pm
There’s a new ad out in the AGs race and it’s a doooozy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dp4GqfTqKE
By Boomer Drummond June 19, 2010 at 1:37 am
I just watched that YouTube video. Daddy’s Boy Wilson is a joke. Can this guy get a job on his own? He’s even running for AG as a Daddy’s Boy. He should run on his own merit – woops, nevermind. And, what’s with Bolchoz endorsing him? Very disappointing that he wanted to endear himself to the politics as usual crowd. It’s time for a fresh start, new blood and truly qualified people holding high political office. Lord is my choice for AG. A guy who can run a top private law firm with over 100 lawyers can handle the myriad of issues that come with being AG. Sorry Alan, Daddy can’t buy my vote.
By SnakeMD June 19, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Wow Walt! You are easy to impress. Wonder how many airline pilots failed their first exam? Of all the Medal of Honor recipients wonder how many were officers? Maybe we should pass a state law that requires a minimum S.A.T. score for holding office. 1300? This is getting ridiculous. Accentuate the positive–but wait, this is South Cackalacky.
“Eyes better than U ’cause I got me this here degree.”
By Caty June 19, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Dr. Snake: You are dead-on with your analysis of Lord’s campaigning efforts. As a Wilson supporter, though, Lord’s train-wreck campaign makes me pretty happy. Generally a negative campaign = “I know I’m losing, let’s do as much damage as possible”.
The separation of church and state idea originated from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson. It’s a common misnomer for people to believe the Supreme Court stated it first in an opinion, or the Constitution in it’s text; however, neither is true. Our Forefathers were intensly aware of the British government, and how the “state” dictated to the church who, what, when, where, etc. The pilgrims came to America in search of religous freedom and to start afresh. That being said, the idea of separation of church and state was intended to protect the church from the state, not the other way around. In an effort to be “fair”, it appears our government has gone over board on it’s separation efforts.
For you to say Wilson stated he doesn’t believe in separation of church and state is not entirely accurate. Wilson is of the mindset that neither should hinder the other. Whether Americans want to believe it or not, most of our policies and laws were written based upon Judeo-Christian beliefs. Public policy encourages people to marry and stay married. It’s extremely difficult to get divorced in SC–that originated from Judeo Christian beliefs….It’s incredibly difficult to get an abortion in SC (once again, public policy)…Sounds like the government is indeed enforcing religous beliefs, or at least the ones the government benefits from…So, if you get right down to it, maybe there is no real separation at all.
By timeforchange June 21, 2010 at 11:41 am
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/21/joe-wilsons-son-hammered-in-new-tv-ad/?fbid=CCUu6bax-Y1
Looks like the race has now made national news.