By FITSNews || In a story six weeks ago questioning whether S.C. Senator Vincent Sheheen was “all that” for S.C. Democrats in 2010, we raised the issue of the gubernatorial candidate’s ten-year voting record. In fact, more to the point we described it as “a decade of unabashed fiscal and social liberalism that is likely to cut against him with both fiscally-minded independents (i.e. the voters who will decide this race) as well as socially conservative democrats.”
To read our analysis in all its brilliance, click here.
Anyway, Sheheen – who is viewed by many (but not us) as one of the Democrat’s strongest-ever statewide candidates – got yet another reminder of what’s in store for him as Republicans work to hang that liberal voting record around his neck.
The latest swipe comes courtesy of SCGOP Chairwoman Karen Floyd, who took the opportunity to weigh in on the news that liberal Congressmen John Spratt and Jim Clyburn were holding a fundraiser for Sheheen in Washington D.C. on Thursday.
“If John Spratt and Jim Clyburn are looking to export Pelosi-style DC liberalism to South Carolina, they have found their man in Vincent Sheheen,” Floyd said in a statement. “The people of our state will quickly learn that Sheheen’s idea of governing is eerily similar to that of the Obama Administration’s, and Senator Sheheen’s voting record bears that out. He has consistently voted in favor of more spending and higher taxes, and South Carolinians simply cannot afford his approach to spending if we want to move our state forward. We need a Governor who will stand up to Washington’s intrusion into our lives and wallets, not one who will embrace its liberal elitism.”
Sha-zam!
Needless to say this isn’t the first time that the GOP has unloaded on Sheheen – nor will it be the last. In fact if Republicans have their way, this will be the defining narrative of the upcoming general election.
With GOP gubernatorial nominee Nikki Haley clearly in no rush to articulate a specific agenda of her own (but possessing a solid fiscal conservative voting record), expect plenty of contrasts to be drawn on specific votes – but little in the way of specific policy being articulated.
After all, Haley is looking to make nice with the “Republican” establishment, and proposing specific tax cuts, spending reductions, structural changes or other anti-status quo measures would not sit well with that crowd. No wonder with the general election now more than a month old – we’ve still seen just one concrete policy proposed, which is pathetic in a state that is crying out for new ideas.
Unfortunately, we don’t see that dynamic changing anytime soon, as this is one “status quo” that accrues to the benefit of Haley, who is up on Sheheen by double-digits in recent statewide polling.
By Woodrow July 28, 2010 at 2:48 pm
This is typical bullshit GOP talk and nobody is listening to it other than your dumb ass. Nikki has no platform because Neo-Libertarians don’t have platforms. They want to do away with all government: big and small. The GOP in this state is scared shitless about Nikki because she doesn’t even identify herself as a Republican. The State Chamber of Commerce got this so right and everybody is waking up to the reality of Governor Nikki Sanford. SC does not want our own Sara Palin or Sharon Angle. Many, many true blood GOP members can not stand her and that is from all over the state.
Sure Vincent is raising money with the help of Spratt and Clyburn just like I am sure Nikki will take help from Lindsay “Screw the GOP, Indy for Me in 2016″ Graham, Joe “You Lie” Wilson and Mark “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” Sanford. Who gives two shits? Karen Floyd can talk about Pelosi and Obama and try to “define” Vincent all she wants but they are going to get a big can of whoop ass from Kershaw County. Vincent is a moderate Democrat that will get things done in Columbia instead of being blinded by ideology and sitting on her ass!
By Fred July 28, 2010 at 2:51 pm
The difference in Vincent Sheheen and Nicki Haley is that Vincent practices what he preaches! He has a voting record and constituent record that matches his promises to his District (and the State).
Vincent is very intelligent, very articulate and has an uncanny ability to move issues forward in the Legislature. He is very Carroll Campbell-esque in his ways.
I hope the State Republican Party thinks they can give Sheheen the old liberal smear and he will disappear, cuz this guy has alot of fight to him.
…it helps that more and more of the same Republican party are running scared from their own Libertarian candidate!
Fred
By yarrrr July 28, 2010 at 2:57 pm
http://blog.scgop.com/2010/07/28/sheheen-spratt-and-clyburn-birds-of-a-feather/
By Fred July 28, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Woodrow:
Lay it one ‘em big boy. Let me know when you want to load this caravan up and head to Columbia to show ‘em what us rural folks are made of.
Telling us over and over and over that “He’s a big Government Liberal” ain’t gonna cut it this time!
Fred
By so much for family values (again) July 28, 2010 at 3:29 pm
I recall an article on the percentages of instate vs. out-of-state donations to their campaigns, and the majority of Haley’s donors were not from South Carolina.
By BadNewsMulvaney July 28, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Karen Floyd is no expert in statewide elections. Jim Rex whon Education Supt. simply because he wasnt Karen Floyd. Vincent is no liberal. You can attempt to show his voting record in any light you want, but if he is liberal, then everyone is liberal in the state senate, minus crazy ass Lee Bright and Kevin Bryant. SC needs performance not ideology. I suspect we’ll have us a Governor from Camden come January.
By vicupstate July 28, 2010 at 4:20 pm
So Karen Floyd sends out a press release with all the standard conservative talking point drivel. Must be a REALLY slow news day.
By Stinkbait July 28, 2010 at 4:24 pm
– well crafted opening salvo to get Obama stink on Sheheen, but come on, who really wrote it?
By bqueen July 28, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Agree with Fred. Labeling Sheheen as a “big government liberal” is not going to cut it anymore. There are far too many more concerning things about Haley than there are about Sheheen. I’m no fan of higher taxes and the resulting government spending, but I’m going with Sheheen in Nov.
Find something else to hang your hat on.
By Greg Joye July 28, 2010 at 5:38 pm
Your comments regarding Vincent assumes that everyone in South Carolina is against Healthcare Reform, Financial Reform, BP having to put up 20 billion dollars for the gulf disaster claims and support the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The silent majority will be heard in November and I believe the support will be there for Vincent. Vincent is running to be Governor of South Carolina and not a federal office in Washington. The voters of South Carolina will be able to judge for themselves who is the most trust worthy candidate and that person is Vincent Sheheen.
By Dick July 28, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Saw Sheheen interview on SCETV “Big Picture” or whatever.
I was very impressed. He didn’t sound like the yokel you described.
And where’s Nikki? Hiding behind her sofa waiting for Nov 2 to get here.
By GDI July 28, 2010 at 5:49 pm
I can see a Calcutta bank from my house! Then again, I can see a money center northeastern bank, too. This election isn’t going to be about programs, proposals and policies from either side. Lots of politicians, no statesmen/stateswomen. Oh, wait, I forgot, it is politics, which has nothing to do with what’s good for the state or the nation.
By snodgrass July 28, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Haley is no libertarian; she’s too elusive with ideas. Generally speaking, even the worst libertarians insist on telling you where they stand on any given issue.
A true libertarian will draw supporters and enemies from both sides of the aisle. Libertarians might back Haley over Sheheen, but only because they’re pragmatists.
By TaylorSC July 28, 2010 at 6:06 pm
I think Fits is being very complacent about Nikki Haley…on the one hand she has no agenda and no concrete ideas but on the other hand she’s better than Sheheen? If all Haley can talk about is transparency(of which she’s not blessed), then transparency alone in our government isn’t going to advance education in this state nor is it going to bring in jobs.
Tip off might be the way Nikki kept saying she would “fight” for the people of this state. I guess she will fight as she battles both Dems and Republicans, to advance her libertarian agenda, much like Sanford, but I can’t see how this has helped or will help our state.
By eggaday July 28, 2010 at 8:19 pm
the first post is right. real republican people all over the state have big concerns about haley.
she’s sanfraud in a skirt
By cfd007 July 28, 2010 at 9:38 pm
I see the liberal loons are out from under their rock today. Sheheen has never met a tax raise he didn’t like and is all for big spending and he’s a backstabber.
By Cancerman July 28, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Free Times
South Carolina’s Queen of Transparency, GOP gubernatorial hopeful Nikki Haley, hasn’t been in the local media much lately.
For South Carolina Democrats, that’s because she’s caught in a media bubble by her campaign handlers in an attempt to bypass serious scrutiny for as long as possible. They cite only two local media interviews over the past month, although one reporter we know said he’s encountered her at least four times and had little trouble with access.
Perhaps after rough-and-tumble primary and runoff campaigns, Haley and company just wanted to lower their profile so they could do what needs to be done at this point in a campaign — raise money for the fall.
Still, that doesn’t mean they’ve been pouring out affection to the local media, compared with the courting of national media such as Newsweek and The New York Times. When we called the Haley campaign to ask some questions, Haley campaign spokesman Rob Godfrey sputtered semi-hostile inquiries about what we were writing — which wasn’t clear yet, because we hadn’t been able to ask anything other than whether Haley had taken a vacation recently. He said he’d call back then hung up the phone — without taking a number to call.
So while Haley might not be in a bubble as Democrats allege, her campaign is certainly playing it close to the vest with a kind of four-corners offensive strategy to try to stall the coming political war long enough to try to cruise to a November victory.
Veteran political operative Phil Noble of Charleston, who runs the South Carolina New Democrats initiative, said it isn’t that unusual for candidates to put off the media. Just look at how the GOP kept the national press at bay for weeks after former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Haley’s role model, became the 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate.
Noble said Haley’s campaign is trying to do three things by selectively interacting with state media:
Avoid mistakes. The fewer times Haley talks or takes questions, the less of a chance for a bonehead mistake that can stir up reporters.
Control the message. By relying on staff and surrogates, Haley can stay somewhat in the news without actually having to say anything. Controlling the message helps to keep a perceived front-runner advantage in her corner.
Keep the business community on her side. Ultimately, the third reason might be the most important. Why? Because word on the street in the Upstate, Midlands and Lowcountry is that the monied, GOP business community has serious concerns with Haley because she’s a political unknown to them and because she started out as a big supporter of Gov. Mark Sanford, who many see as a failure.
In the last couple of weeks, Haley has been having closed-door meetings with business people in the Upstate to explain why she’s different from Sanford and why she will be a good governor. In at least one meeting, it didn’t help that two former Sanford aides, a fund-raiser and a deputy chief of staff, were in the room. In another, the candidate was 45 minutes late, according to a media report.
Brad Warthen, former editor of The State newspaper and a well-known South Carolina political blogger, has criticized Haley for meeting business folks in private because he says it allows her to bypass public scrutiny of what she’s saying and promising to different audiences.
“For her to say things that would be persuasive to sensible, pragmatic business people (who are fed up with that ideological firebrand Gov. Sangfroid [Sanford]), it seems to me that she would have to say things that are pretty different from what she says in front of her Tea Party fans,” Warthen wrote earlier this month. “With them, she definitely doesn’t say, ‘No way I’ll be like Mark Sanford.’ But doing it in private allows her to get away with that.”
Message to Nikki Haley: Come out into the sunshine. Your advisers might think it’s smart to limit your public visibility. But for a candidate who has campaigned on transparency and accountability, such shenanigans ring hollow.
By General Washington July 28, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Bahahahahahaha. You screw her, she screws you and you are still carrying her water.
With no agenda, anything you say about Sheheen only hurts Haley. You see, criticism of a platform is valid. But if the other girl doesn’t have one, as articulately pointed out by you recently, it only highlights her vapid, sanfraudian attempted magic trick. The irony of the hope and change the tea party has brought to SC politics is AWESOME. “but you see, it is OUR hope and change, so its different, even if equally undefined.”
By piepton July 29, 2010 at 12:32 am
Whoa, whoa, whoa. A politician is raising money for an election? That definitely changes my vote. There have been better Democrats to run for governor in SC but none have run against a worse candidate than Nikki Haley. The question is whether a majority of SC voters will stand for a candidate that meets in private with big business while hiding from the media just to avoid voting for somebody with a D next to his name.
By Dr. Hunley July 29, 2010 at 8:07 am
These are the best comments I have read from this site in a long time. Keep it up!
By Rick July 29, 2010 at 8:38 am
What is it about Nikki Haley that brings out the venemous hatred? You have numerous examples of whats wrong with the democratic party like Clyburn, Spratt, Obama, Reed, Pelosi, Sheheen and you worry about Haley?
Well, I guess its the “can’t stand the thought that a girl might win” thing….
By Fred July 29, 2010 at 10:19 am
Rick:
Its not the “can’t stand the thought that a girl might win” thing….
Its the “can’t stand 4 more years of Sanford” thing!
Thanks for writing.
Fred
By Catherine July 29, 2010 at 10:51 am
K-Flo can’t even run her own Party, how the hell would she know what’s going on across the street from her? Hey, K-Flo tells us again how Jakie Knotts bitch-slapped the state GOP regarding the meeting on June 26…you know, ya’ll were going to censure him, throw him out of the Party and all….remind us again of just how that went?
There are two Repubs that run this state — Jakie Knotts and Hugh Leatherman. Period. K-Flo is a joke.
Haley is getting her marching orders behind closed doors right now from the Good Ole Boys — they are ‘splaining to her just how this is all going to go down — ’cause Jakie has the “goods”. Haley WILL play ball with the GOB’S — she has no choice. I’m sure they’ve been able to pound that thru her thick skill by now.
Haley’s “fiscally conservative” voting record? What voting record? She missed 70% of the votes last session, including the vote on her “pet” bill. Yes, Haley has a wonderful legislative career — unlicensed hair-washers everywhere have her to thank for their jobs.
What else has she sponsored that has gotten thru? {{{crickets}}}}
Sheheen isn’t “all that”, I don’t think anyone (except FITS) has claimed he was….but he’s a damn sight better than Sanford in a skirt.
If people really want to throw the GOB’s for a loop — Elect Sheheen, I guarantee, they’ll HATE that!
By Florida Watching July 29, 2010 at 10:53 am
“With GOP gubernatorial nominee Nikki Haley clearly in no rush to articulate a specific agenda of her own (but possessing a solid fiscal conservative voting record)”………what voting record? She was never around to vote……..
By Florida Watching July 29, 2010 at 10:56 am
“Well, I guess its the “can’t stand the thought that a girl might win” thing….”………or perhaps it is the mansion raiding non-transparent ho-down every Friday night thing……….
The mansion has enough permanent stains in it………….
By ceilidh10 July 29, 2010 at 11:12 am
liberal elitism? you mean there is no such thing as conservative elitism?
what a crock!
The GOP wants all those tax breaks for themselves so they can become richer and thus increase the divide betweent rich and poor in America. The Tea Party movement is fake grassroots movement designed to fool voters into thinking it represents the people of America when actually it is a front for rich moneyed interests.
The GOP wants to limit government and entitlements so that it can take those tax dollars for itself. If the GOP gains control, America will be owned and operated by big companies like BP that wrecked the Gulf of Mexico and who remain unaccoutable.
The people are in charge, not big money. The people own America, not big rich companies. Nikki Haley is not for the people; she is for the big rich interests in SC. She is for the moneyed oligarchs.
By Christopher Gustavus Memminger July 29, 2010 at 11:19 am
You are right. This is all about the fact a girl might win. Way to see through the BS and really drill down to the core issues. Vote for Nikki, Vote for Hope and Change!
By Christopher Gustavus Memminger July 29, 2010 at 11:22 am
Also, is it just me or are almost all people who have “don’t tread on me” as their web avatar, decidedly out to tread on someone else? Just an observation.
By Politics Rocks July 29, 2010 at 11:57 am
good job karen …. no one is paying attention right now
By FunkyChicken July 29, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Hate to say it as a proud member of the Grand Old Party, but we are now suffering from our lack of leadership in the party. Karen Floyd is a dumbass and everyone here knows it. Haley has too many negatives for this lifelong Republican to even consider her candidacy. My choice then is to not vote for Governor or vote for Sheheen. I will vote for Sheheen because I believe he can work with both sides of the aisle.
By Elizabeth July 29, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Vincent is the intelligent choice. Period! Nikki Haley has too much baggage! He’s not a liberal…he just wants the best for our state. I read your blogs because you seem fairly intelligent…except on this matter!
By Gomer Pile July 29, 2010 at 9:07 pm
TO Fred: Really, do you just happen to be a “personal friend” of Sheheen? Woohoo! I’m sure he is a nice guy, but that’s not what this is not a popularity contest. I for one have voted against many people with whom I am personal friends. Please read carefully… Democrat = big government spending.
By Fact July 29, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Please help me understand, does Nimrata Randhawa’s (also called Nikki Haley) support to unlicensed hair washers has something to do with the fact that Sikhs have long hair???
By Deskk July 30, 2010 at 2:48 am
Jake Knotts is popular among minorities while Haley is not … Jake Knotts is qualified while Haley is not… Jake Knotts is honest while Haley is not…
By Joe July 30, 2010 at 5:26 am
ceilidh10 says: “The GOP wants all those tax breaks for themselves so they can become richer and thus increase the divide betweent rich and poor in America. The Tea Party movement is fake grassroots movement designed to fool voters into thinking it represents the people of America when actually it is a front for rich moneyed interests.
The GOP wants to limit government and entitlements so that it can take those tax dollars for itself. If the GOP gains control, America will be owned and operated by big companies like BP that wrecked the Gulf of Mexico and who remain unaccoutable”
Whoa boy…and you think the Democrats aren’t in the pockets of big-moneyed lobbyists and interests at the expense of the “average guy”? Seriously? Can you say “UNIONS”?
Big companies are unaccountable? What about our legislators? What about our so-called lawmakers? They are as corrupt as the day is long and yet they sit there high on the hog in judgment of the private sector time and again. From both parties – ceilidh10 – both parties.
You say BP ruined the Gulf of Mexico, but what exactly did our Federal Government do in response? Besides reacting very slowly (playing golf, taking vacations), turning away foreign offers to help (for fear of the unions), etc.
Both parties are failing us people. Wake up.
By Crooner July 30, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Wait: the federal government should have done something in response to the BP oil spill? I thought the federal government was incompetent and we should rely on “private sector” solutions to problems. Especially problems the private sector created.
By James the Foot Soldier July 30, 2010 at 5:26 pm
There’s someone on the ballot besides Nikki??
Golly, yet another dumb-ass son of a “legendary” politician….
Ravenel, Thurmond, Campbell, Quinn, and now She-he…..
Sorry BOYS….
Your daddys were movers and shakers in SC…..the offspring are hangers on and RUINING your family names.
By Gomer Pile July 30, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Moderate Democrate = Sheheen. How Sweet! SC needs a conservative. Haley = fiscal conservative.
By Joe July 31, 2010 at 3:00 am
Crooner says: “Wait: the federal government should have done something in response to the BP oil spill?”
Uhhh, well, according to the POTUS, yes: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jH4fZaUECU_YG3V9mD8wYGBxICdQ
Of course aside from the 3 vacations and 8 rounds of golf, turing away foreign aid time and again, looking like the bumbling inept fools that they are, they did a helluva job.
Crooner also says : “We should rely on “private sector” solutions to problems. Especially problems the private sector created.”
Really? Well then I guess goverment regulations had NOTHING to with oil companies being forced farther away from shore to drill….nothing at all
By Embarassed in SC. August 4, 2010 at 11:12 am
Let’s get to the heart of these issues. And the bottom line is who can we trust to use both their heart and ther head to lead SC. We have for eight years been lead by someone who has some idealistic notions which no one can figure out. There’s been no heart in our state for too long. Maybe idealistic actions should be about living up to marriage vows and parenting by example. Is it conservative to have affairs when you are married and have young children? Not in my book!
If you look at Sheheen vs Hailey from the perspective of I’m looking to hire an employee to come into my business, you will realise that what you need the most is someone with a strong core. Someone who will not embarass your busness. If you can relate to anything you should be able to relate to a spouse who has vowed to be true to you through sickness and the bad times. Well Folks SC is sick and we need a leader with a heart for this state and the fortitude to look at SC with their heart and head connected. Vincent Sheheen has these qualities and he will get my vote!
By Gomer Pile August 5, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Yes. I know hot-blooded american women think Sheheen’s hot. But realize the Candidate who supports small business and not BIG Gov’t is not Sheheen,
By C20H26N2O August 6, 2010 at 11:28 pm
It’s easy to get excited about a progressive like Sheheen, when you don’t pay any taxes. If I looked to the political machine for my next hand-out, I’d be excited too. You can make a much todo as you want about Sanford’s personal problems, but the truth is – he held the line against wreckless, irresponsible spending. Thank you Mark Sanford for executing the job as you promised. I can only hope that your successor can do the job as well.
By Gomer Pile August 11, 2010 at 3:31 am
more spending, higher taxes. Bring it on Sheheen!