To hear supporters of Alan Wilson tell it, the first-term Republican Attorney General is a “Boy Scout” who is handling a politically-charged investigation into S.C. Lt. Gov. Ken Ard by the book.
In fact that’s the prevailing view among both Republicans and Democrats – and as much as we distrust conventional political wisdom in this state, we’re inclined to believe this account based on everything we’ve seen from Wilson’s office.
Specifically, FITS has spoken with several sources this week who indicated that Wilson’s investigation into Ard is progressing quickly – although obviously not as quickly as some (including us) would like.
“He’s getting close,” one source familiar with the investigation said this week.
Ard is facing a host of allegations stemming from his illegal use of campaign funds for personal expenses – and while he’s already paid a fine related to the ethics violations, his efforts to cover up these illegal expenses has landed him at the center of a criminal probe. Wilson referred Ard’s case to the grand jury two months ago after an ethics report revealed that he spent tens of thousands of dollars in campaign cash on personal expenses – including football tickets, iPods, a Playstation, a flat-screen TV and women’s clothing – and then lied about those expenses on his state ethics forms.
More seriously, sources tell FITS that Ard’s campaign illegally traded cash for contributions early on during his candidacy in an effort to make it look like he was receiving more financial support than his GOP rivals.
According to the sources, this “cash for contributions” plan was devised in early 2009 by S.C. political consultant Robert Cahaly – an advisor to Ard (and S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley). A notoriously unethical advisor, Cahaly was indicted last November for illegal campaign activity on behalf of S.C. Speaker Bobby Harrell.
We know that Wilson’s investigators have interviewed Cahaly – and we know that several of Ard’s former campaign employees have been interviewed as well. Several of these individuals have also already appeared before the grand jury.
We also know that Wilson’s investigators have requested an incriminating tape recording from The (Columbia, S.C.) Free Times – the news outlet which first broke the news of Ard’s campaign issues back in January. In addition to containing Ard’s admission that he was trying to recoup a vast amount of his “personal wealth” via these improper expenses – a statement Ard initially denied making – the recording (click here to listen) also features numerous instances in which Ard denies using campaign cash on personal expenses.
Ard’s rejoinder to all this? According to our sources, he’s blaming everything on his consultant in an effort to save his own skin …
It’s good to hear that Wilson’s investigators – and the grand jury – are making progress on this case. As we’ve noted on many previous occasions, you’re not going to find a more open-and-shut case of corruption than this one.
We’re also pleased to hear that Wilson is moving forward because an indictment against Ard – which we expect sooner rather than later – should put an end to the conspiracy theories that have been floated from the beginning of the drama.
Specifically, some Democrats have expressed concern that Wilson and Ard may have cut a deal involving the latter’s secretive grand jury proceedings (perhaps in an effort to avoid dragging a prominent Republican fundraiser into the investigation).
At this point, it looks like we can safely put to bed that first part of that theory …
But Wilson needs to keep the pedal to the floor. This cloud has been hanging over the state for nearly six months now, which in our opinion is ample time to conduct an investigation and win indictments against those who deserve to be indicted.
Hopefully Wilson really is “getting close …”
Ard isn’t the only South Carolina “Republican” battling campaign finance issues. Newly elected S.C. Ways and Means Chairman Brian White (RINO-Anderson) was recently busted using campaign cash on personal expenses – although unlike Ard any investigation into his activities would have to originate in the S.C. House.
Obviously, that’s not happening …
Meanwhile S.C. Sen. Jake Knotts recently received a slap on the wrist from his buddies in the “Republican-controlled” South Carolina Senate for similar violations.
Finally, during her gubernatorial campaign, Haley failed to provide required occupational data for the vast majority of her campaign contributors – another example of her dubious commitment to transparency in government. To her credit, though, Haley’s latest campaign finance report included this data.
The most plausible conspiracy theory we’ve heard regarding the Ard case is that Wilson’s office might not want to act because it fears the “Ard fallout.”
“If Ard winds up getting indicted (and resigns or is removed from office as a result of his ethics scandal) will these other ‘Republicans’ also be held accountable for their actions?” we wrote a month ago. “And is concern over the Pandora’s Box that Ard’s case might open for politicians in both parties one reason that it is taking so long to unfold?”
We believe that Wilson will do the right thing … regardless of the potential consequences. We just hope he does it quickly so that the many other elected officials in this state who are guilty of the same behavior can also be held accountable.
***
By BigT October 13, 2011 at 8:57 am
The problem: FITS has gotten personally vested in this by Boldly going after Ard, and guaranteeing that he would be indicted…Now if it does not happen, it’s another black-eye among FITS’ many.
And it’s just another example of how journalistically Inept FITS is, while claiming to run a NEWS site…
Sadly I admit, I come on here for entertainment. But that is pretty much it, except for the bizarre gossip often found. It is something I’m not proud of.
If I’d get off my lazy ass, and turn down some of the other projects I’m working on, I could produce so much more colorful copy. Creativity, talent and insight are so lacking in the media world of SC. Much like it is in politics.
For a Real Conservative (not left-leaning, pop culture worshiping FITS) to play Offense is what we truly need.
By Sam October 13, 2011 at 9:12 am
Only one thing is for sure. Alan Wilson will do what is in his political and financial interest. Period.
By I'mYourHuckleberry October 13, 2011 at 9:37 am
An additional problem is how you are supposed to report these things that can have an effect on the outcome of a campaign DURING the campaign. In this case, if you review Ard’s ethics reports, the “cash for contributions” is clear as a bell. And he did it early on in the campaign – a year before the primary. I supported Bill Connor during the race. If the journalists (or regulators?) did their job during the campaign, Bill would be Lt. Gov. now. A rival campaign can’t rightly accuse without being attacked as just political.
Agreed that Wilson should charge forward, and soon… Justice delayed is, well, you know… Be careful what you ask for, South Carolina (Haley and Ard), because you just might get it.
By Billy Bob October 13, 2011 at 9:42 am
It is somewhat sad that a dumbass newby like Ard will get the fryer while all the super crook politicos in our state run free.
By That's the way of things... October 13, 2011 at 9:55 am
“I’mYourHuckleberry”, stop being an imposter.
:)
As far as Wilson goes, I’m quite sure he doesn’t want to open Pandora’s box. The bigger question is how to get their sacrificial lamb to the alter when it doesn’t want to go.
Personally, if I was a filthy pol…I’d buy him off with a cushy administrative position in the bowels of the bureacratic monster if he agrees to plead “guilty”, step down and get a symbloic slap on the wrist.
Then all my filthy pol buddies are protected, the sheeple are happy, and business as usual ensues.
But then again, I’d never be a filthy pol…so what do I know?
By cash October 13, 2011 at 10:11 am
Hope Alan does the right thing here. Aunt Suzanne will only be helped in her bid for clerk of court if he does what’s right. Suzanne Moore…the next clerk of court..you go girl!
By That's the way of things... October 13, 2011 at 10:13 am
edit: “altar”
By ceilidh10 October 13, 2011 at 10:20 am
just further proof how the GOP in this state is very corrupt
By BigT October 13, 2011 at 10:41 am
If you DON’T INDICT….means FITS’s a BLIGHT!!!!….
Jackie Cooper, Esquire
By Chris October 13, 2011 at 10:50 am
Where are the results of the Lancaster investigsation. He’s been cleared of any wrongdoing.
By Billy Mulligan October 13, 2011 at 12:28 pm
Let’s hope fatboy Cahalay is indicted on something more flimsy than his pending robo call charge along with Ard. Considering his proximity and influence over Trikki Nikki, that would be another blow to her credibility.
Tater T, how is that blog of yours working out? Like a fart in cyberspace?
By not gonna say my name October 13, 2011 at 12:35 pm
||| By ceilidh10 October 13, 2011 at 10:20 am
just further proof how the GOP in this state is very corrupt |||
When all is said and done it will be shown that certain very wealthy white PeeDee area Dems (and not just the Branhams by any means) had a great deal to do with getting Ard in there, and have a great a great deal to do with protecting him now. Or they will until they can figure out how to throw him under the bus without him pulling them under too.
Keep trying to make it all partisan and/or ideolgical, and you will never get to the heart of corruption in this state.
Remember, it was corrupt as hell even back when EVERYBODY was a Democrat. If you think the Dems are pristine pure in SC at this time, you are delusional and hopelessly brainwashed in a total state of intellectual paralysis.
By kenney macdavis October 13, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Hope WIS does “steal” this so called story. At least Jody Barr would actually report facts and get us answers, instead of Sic’s rumors and tabloid. We’ll wait for you to link to it William.
By ohboy October 13, 2011 at 2:31 pm
It doesn’t matter what Wilson does now. He is too late and waited to long to get the job done. Lip service does not serve well by me. I hope another Republican runs for this ticket next time if not I will likely vote for Richardson if he runs again. They think this boy scout had a smear campaign before just wait until his term is finished. I am sure many politicians are guilty of what Ard did and I am sure Wilson doesn’t want to start a political witch hunt. One that witch hunt could involve him and who knows what he did with his money. Not saying our beloved bald eagle scout is guilty but I am sure he doesn’t want to upset daddy’s friends.
By Captain America October 13, 2011 at 2:34 pm
Alan is doing a great job. He’s the most credible and reputable of the statewide GOP officers — with the most integrity. I’m glad to call him my friend and wish him well. I know he’ll do the right thing.
By Cid October 13, 2011 at 3:43 pm
He could Indict Ard TODAY if he wanted to
Remember we are not talking about a conviction just an indictment
So the question remains
What is he waiting for?
By Blind Justice October 13, 2011 at 4:06 pm
I’ll cast my ballot in the next AG race based on Wilson’s performance here.
By did you see that October 13, 2011 at 5:38 pm
@ Captain America- You need to look in the mirror and wipe the brown off your nose. You are always kissing Wilson’s butt. I bet you are either his polish bride or himself. I hear he is in to action figures and super heros. I honestly don’t know of anyone other than you and the other and I do mean ONE other butt kisser that say that AW is doing a good job. He’s not and he won’t! He is a inexperienced lawyer and this state voted him to be our top prosecutor. GOD help us!
By Garcia's Girlfriend October 13, 2011 at 9:47 pm
Is Sunny Phillips the “prominant fundraiser” that may get dragged into this? She was the fundraiser for Ard and Wilson (daddy and son)and now she is raising money for Rick Perry.
By countrybumpkin October 13, 2011 at 11:00 pm
During the race for AG, Alan Wilson took out a substantial loan in order to make it look like he was raising money on the same level as Lord. And now you think Wilson is going to prosecute Ard for this “cash for contributions” scam that was also designed to deceive and give the appearance of financial strength?
Alan Wilson will find a way out of this.
By i smell a rat October 14, 2011 at 7:02 am
Alan is a crappy as the rest of them and he’s evolved into a shady POS since taking office. Power and ego do a lot to people, unfortunately it brings out the worst in most and has in boyscout Wilson. He can take his 3 fingered boysout salute and shove it! I am not buying it!
By fitsnews October 14, 2011 at 3:20 pm
Garcia’s Girlfriend-
Sunny Phillips? No.
Its a prominent GOP “fundraiser” – i.e. a donor who raises funds from others (i.e. bundling).
Sorry for the confusion.
-FITS
By Grow more dope, plant a Republican October 14, 2011 at 4:00 pm
Ard needs to do us all a favor and resign now. His continued presence – as well as that of Icky Eckstrom, just extends the joke that SC Republican politics has become.
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