Fiscally-conservative (but charismatically-challenged) S.C. Rep. Ralph Norman has reportedly signed on to run against liberal tax-and-spender Bobby Harrell for Speaker of the S.C. House of Representatives – arguably the most powerful elected office in the Palmetto State.
Of course there is considerable speculation within Palmetto political circles that Norman’s rumored candidacy is merely part of an effort to earn a prestigious cabinet post in a Nikki Haley administration come 2011.
According to emails obtained by FITS, Norman has told a group of Tea Party activists that he will challenge Harrell – which of course prompted “much rejoicing” among their ranks.
“We have a new opportunity to dethrone King Bobby Harrell,” one email reads. “Anyone would be better then Bobby, but Ralph isn’t just anyone!”
These Tea Party groups are allegedly working closely with the S.C. Policy Council, a Republican think tank that has sparred with Harrell in the past over spending and the issue of government transparency.
Harrell, who was elected Speaker five years ago, has plunged the state down an unsustainable course of reckless government growth.
Under his leadership, the House has raised taxes and fees to pay for all sorts of new spending, and he’s the primary legislative author of our state’s failed government-run economic development model – the so-called “pillars and pyramids” scheme. This, of course, is the genius concept that has produced notorious boondoggles like “Innovista,” a speculative real estate deal disguised as a “research campus” that has sucked up over $150 million in taxpayer funds (and counting) with nothing to show for it but empty buildings.
Harrell has also emerged as the preeminent defender of South Carolina’s failed education establishment, which isn’t surprising considering the money he’s pumped into the system and the fact he authored the costly “accountability” measures that were supposed to turn things around a decade ago (but which have similarly failed).
On a personal level, Harrell has also made numerous enemies in both parties given his legendary temper tantrums and failure to keep his promises. Among Republicans – both fiscal liberals and conservatives – Harrell is viewed with disdain when compared to former Speaker David Wilkins, who was also known for his volatile temper but was generally considered to be a man of his word
By contrast, Norman (who just regained his seat in the S.C. House after losing a 2006 bid for the U.S. Congress) has one of the strongest fiscal conservative voting records in the S.C. General Assembly. He’s also a supporter of universal parental choice and is generally well-liked by his colleagues.
Giving the current ideological makeup of the S.C. House, however, we see absolutely no way for Norman to win. There simply aren’t enough fiscal conservative votes when you consider that the majority of Republicans vote with Democrats on most issues.
That’s why the other rumored challenger to Harrell – Judiciary Chairman Jim Harrison – was reportedly seeking to duplicate the current Speaker’s “center-left” coalition in creating his path to power.
Which means nothing would have changed …
Also, multiple sources tell FITS that Norman is high on GOP gubernatorial nominee Nikki Haley’s list to become the next Secretary of Commerce (along with Upstate Alliance CEO Hal Johnson) – which let’s face it, is a lot more likely to happen than him becoming the next Speaker.
The bottom line is that real change will not come to South Carolina’s legislative leadership until the ideological composition of both the S.C. House and State Senate changes … and changes dramatically.
That means fiscal conservative leaders must engage the Republican primary process and aggressively support reformers over status quo incumbents – something S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford never attempted to do in any meaningful way and which Nikki Haley appears similarly disinclined to do based on her subservient position on the state budget.
By the constitutionalist September 8, 2010 at 11:56 pm
“Harrell has also emerged as the preeminent defender of South Carolina’s failed education establishment, which isn’t surprising considering the money he’s pumped into the system”
Also not suprising Will, in view of the fact that he sleeps with an educator. LOL
By Elizabeth September 9, 2010 at 1:22 am
Fits…You just don’t get it. There are sooooo FEW people who actually share your opinion on this!
Bobby Harrell has fought for the things that are RIGHT. He might not get everyone’s approval, but at least he’s been FAR more sane than Sanford!
We like the fact that he’s stood up to the RIGHT WING nut cases to get things accomplished.
Politics are DIRTY….
I am, however, sad that he now says he’s excited about working with Nikki Haley when everyone KNOWS he can’t stand her and has NO respect for her at all. I really was hoping that he would openly endorse Vincent….guess I was dreaming! I’ll bet he votes for Vincent!
Again, Politics are Dirty!
By James September 9, 2010 at 1:49 am
Ralph is a typical Republican. He thinks money and power place him above every body else. When he was in the house the first time he threatened to hold up state funding on a road project unless the city of Rock Hill agreed to clear his land for him. He also used his influence to direct road projects through his property. Finally, he employed illegal aliens on his construction company payrolls while simultaneously running on secure the border platform against John Spratt. As I said typical Republican hypocrite. He would fit in well with Sanfraud and C Street. Same old BS. If you place Ralph Norman over the state budget you will accomplish one thing. You will create a lot of new jobs at Norman Development Company, trying to keep up with all of the government projects they will suddenly land.
By Marty September 9, 2010 at 1:52 am
I live in Florence and cannot count on two hands the number of house members who have told me — in the past year — that they would support “anyone” who ran against Harrell.
He is widely despised, and these people take Harrell’s insulting behavior VERY personally.
They sound like a chorus.
Harrell must be a real prick.
By Old Bike Dude September 9, 2010 at 7:40 am
Damn James, preach on brother. Tell us more. One of the great things about this site is that the real info comes from the comments section.
By Bull$h*t September 9, 2010 at 8:13 am
@James/statist: Recycling that old tired BS the Demo’s threw at him in ’06 doesn’t make it any truer today then it was then. A subcontractor using an illegal without his knowledge is a whole lot different than having a bunch of illegals “on the payroll”.
Fact is that Norman has the balls to stand up and call BS on the current regime even when he knows what the consequences will be for him. He is taking a stand against the spendthrift do nothings who continue to lead us off a cliff.
Go Ralph!
By Upstate Rep September 9, 2010 at 9:08 am
Ralph made his bid for Speaker at last month’s Caucus meeting. Harrell was not there because he was sitting next to his father’s death bed, and that is the time Ralph chose to attack Bobby. It was one of the most classless, cowardly acts I’ve ever seen a person perform. Ralph might have had 4 or 5 votes on his side, but after that tactless showing, I seriously doubt anyone would stand by that man.
By Ha September 9, 2010 at 10:15 am
Ha! Few people in the House like Ralph, even less respect him. This is a joke.
Will, I really think you jumped the shark with this one.
By fitsnews September 9, 2010 at 10:33 am
“Ha”
You mean Ralph jumped the shark.
We’re just reporting on a House member who says he will challenge the sitting Speaker – and providing our analysis of his chances.
-FITS
By Watching from Afar September 9, 2010 at 11:16 am
Ole Norman…talk about someone always posturing for a higher office. He left to get clobbered by Spratt, and now he’s back jockeying for a position in the Gov’s office. Hey Ralph, how’s about the people of Rock Hill?? How about you start representing them instead of yourself you douchebag.
By Elizabeth September 9, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Bobby Harrell is good BECAUSE he can be tough…it takes that you know!
Not to mention…he is one of FEW up in Columbia with a BRAIN!
I cannot believe the IDIOTS we have serving us in Columbia!!!
By Harrell's Hussey September 9, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Bobby Harrell is a disaster as Speaker. He could probably be beaten until Norman pulled this move. I think Harrell paid Norman to be such an Idiot to solidify his Speakership. As far as him having a brain, the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz has a bigger brain after all the boneheaded stunts Harrell has made as Speaker.
By James September 9, 2010 at 7:23 pm
Bull$*t,
It was not one illegal working for a subcontractor. Ralph had a work crew building an office building for Wachovia to rent on a site owned by his company at the corner of Celenese Road and India Hook, in Rock Hill. The crew was mostly Hispanic. The Charlotte Observer came down and interviewed several who admitted they were illegal. Ralph’s response when questioned was, “I don’t know who they work for. I guess they work for Wachovia.”
By KELLIE ARNOLD September 9, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Harrell is a complete IDIOT!! Norman would run laps around him as speaker – and actually get something done and help make decent decisions for this great state. I would be willing to bet that Harrell is shaking in his boots because a guy like Norman, with some guts, is actually willing to stand up for for what he believes in and put his name out on the line. It’s time for business men and women to stand up and take over all of these carreer polititions……GO RALPH!
By Gene Simmons September 9, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Elizabeth who pays you from the Harrell camp. Yea he has a brain but but its the most liberal Republican brain in the House. He is already doing what he does best which is hide-and then threaten. if you replace harrell then you also replace the liberal regime he created and its people. Harrison will surround himself with superior people compared to Harrells yes men brain dead fluffers. That guy must go for real change to happen.
By WorkingTommyC September 13, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Harrell has been speaker for waaaaaay too long. It’s time for a change. It wouldn’t matter who was speaker, being in power that long is not healthy for a representative republic.
And the proof is in the corruption that arrogant power broker wallows in. It’s time for him to go!
ANYBODY BUT HARRELL!!!!
After that, we’re getting rid of Jake Knottzi.