There’s a line in our founding editor’s forthcoming book in which he refers to his own ego as being “scarcely containable within the state of South Carolin’s 31,189 square miles.”
Critics of S.C. Rep. Boyd Brown (D-Winnsboro) would probably say that the same description fits this cocky second-term state lawmaker … who five years ago was serving as a congressional intern (and four years ago was graduating from college).
“His mouth enters a room before he does,” said one Democratic lawmaker granted anonymity to speak freely. “He’s obnoxious.”
A Republican lawmaker was less kind.
“He’s a son of a bitch.”
Why does Brown matter?
Technically, he doesn’t. He’s been in Columbia, S.C. only three years and occupies a back-bench role in the Democratic Party – which currently holds only 48 of the S.C. House’s 124 seats.
Yet Brown, 25, is quickly becoming one of the most important lawmakers in Columbia – in part because of his outspoken personality, and in part because he’s one of the Democrats’ most aggressive policy voices (even on issues that aren’t typically associated with the “Democratic” agenda).
To wit: On several occasions, we’ve actually found ourselves praising Brown for positions he’s taken on issues like government restructuring and term limits.
Along with S.C. Rep. Bakari Sellers (D-Bamberg), Brown is emerging as a real force for Democrats – a brash, articulate and substantive young leader who isn’t afraid of controversy and isn’t afraid to mix it up with the state’s GOP leadership (most notably S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley).
In fact, Brown has become the Democrats’ leading gubernatorial critic in recent months – which probably explains why he was one of the lawmakers left off of the guest list at Haley’s end-of-session soiree at the S.C. Governor’s Mansion.
“He’s in their heads,” one State House insider tells FITS, referring to a recent incident involving Brown and Haley’s legislative liaison Katherine Veldran related to the governor’s “Savannah River Sellout.”
“Look, I wasn’t sent to the State House to smile and nod, I was sent to Columbia to work for my constituents, my generation and the future of our state,” Brown tells FITS. “Part of my duty is to hold folks responsible, and in doing so, I’ll forget to sugar coat what I say from time to time. But I think that’s okay. I think folks are tired of politicians who are full of it, so I just shoot it straight.”
Indeed.
Like Sellers, Brown is also reportedly giving Sic Willie’s legendary “State House game” a run for its money (with some particularlynotable conquests, if rumors are to be believed).
Damn … play on, player.
Brown’s notoriety has Republicans targeting him for defeat. In fact, the Fairfield County GOP has a webpage devoted to “Boydisms” – with the website refering to Brown’s mouth as “the gift that keeps on giving.”
“You might not like where I stand on an issue, but you’re going to know where I stand,” Brown says. “If you don’t like that sort of honesty, well, you don’t have to vote for me.”
Is Brown vulnerable? After all, he is a rural white Democrat – a dying breed in South Carolina politics.
Still, we think not …
Brown won in 2008 with 80 percent of the vote (compared to Barack Obama’s 66 percent in his home county) and was unopposed in the 2010 general election. He also beat back an aggressive primary challenge in 2010.
Obviously if a real Republican were ever to challenge Brown, we’d give that candidate strong consideration. In fact, we would likely endorse them. However if it’s yet another “Republican In Name Only” spouting conservative rhetoric but pledging their allegiance to the crony capitalism of Speaker Bobby Harrell and his band of command economists, we’ll take the devil we know.
***
By abannerday November 21, 2011 at 8:59 pm
At least he’s not a hypocrite……yet.
By Talbot November 21, 2011 at 9:03 pm
I like Boyd, keep up the good work.
By Giles November 21, 2011 at 9:09 pm
His car tag is;
SC Punk 1
…for a reason, by the way
By Tommy Bowden November 21, 2011 at 9:15 pm
He might be a son of a bitch, but he’s our son of a bitch. Keep sticking it to Haley I hear she likes that…
By Thomas Magnum November 21, 2011 at 9:17 pm
The Fairfield County GOP is just half a dozen fat white guys that live on Lake Wateree; I doubt Boyd has much to worry about from them. A Republican won’t win District 41 any time soon. Not to mention the best challenger he had in the last primary from the Democrats was a convicted rapist.
By BillyBob November 21, 2011 at 9:18 pm
Thank God he’s not wearing that gayass bowtie!!
By SC Club November 21, 2011 at 9:20 pm
A little truth and honesty doesn’t hurt…Go Brown!
By Your conscience speaking November 21, 2011 at 9:22 pm
I know the guy well and I like him. I work for and vote Republican;but, He is the check and balance, badly needed.
By snodgrass November 21, 2011 at 9:28 pm
There’s a difference between “compromising” and forming coalitions. You don’t have to compromise your principles to work with friends across the aisle. Look for common ground issues that you happen to share the same view on and then join forces to pursue a favorable outcome. If you’re successful, it’s a win-win. Give credit where credit is due.
On those occasions where they choose to take an opposing view, respect their right to dissent, but don’t hesitate to consider them fair game.
By merv November 21, 2011 at 9:46 pm
What’s the Welfare rate in his district? I don’t know the exact figures but I suspect only about 30-37% of his constituents even pay income taxes…Anybody with a (D) behind their name will soar to electoral victory under such demographics… hell, his re-election bid is almost as guaranteed asthat of Clyburn…
By YellowDog November 21, 2011 at 9:52 pm
Sic is for anybody who’s against Haley. And if it involves sex Sic is even more swayed. He’s hornier than a double dick dog.
By Research Librarian November 21, 2011 at 9:55 pm
The S.C. Legislative Web site shows that he introduced
10 General Bills,
4 Joint Resolutions, and
1 Concurrent Resolution.
Though none were passed, many are thoughtful and helpful to the general welfare of the state. They seemed very non-partisan to me.
For instance, “H 3132 General Bill, By H.B. Brown,” addresses “domestic abuse.” And “H 3666 General Bill, By H.B. Brown [Similar (S 0477, H 3439, H 3969)]” addresses the “Prosecution Coordination Commission.”
Many of them had lots of co-sponsors.
This one caught my eye.
NOTE THAT THERE ARE NO CO-SPONSORS; I.E., NOBODY HAS THE COURAGE TO CO-SPONSOR.
******************************************
H 3489 General Bill, By H.B. Brown
Summary: Lobbyist principals
A BILL
TO AMEND SECTION 2-17-110, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ACTS PROHIBITED BY LOBBYISTS, LOBBYISTS’ PRINCIPALS, PUBLIC OFFICIALS, AND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, SO AS TO
>>>>>> PROHIBIT LOBBYISTS’ PRINCIPALS FROM OFFERING, MAKING, OR FACILITATING A CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION TO A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR A STATEWIDE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICER FROM DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST THROUGH JUNE FIRST OF THE CALENDAR YEAR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING.
******************************************
I like that kind of law.
By fastmouth November 21, 2011 at 10:05 pm
At least he’s not afraid to go against the “norm”. Maybe that’s what we need in this state. It damn sure can’t hurt.
By Good Ole Boy November 21, 2011 at 10:41 pm
By the tone of that article, sounds like a bromance is brewing.
By political hack November 21, 2011 at 11:30 pm
The only thing growing is the literal Brown shit flowing from this blog. Unless this kid pulls a Strom or gets educated on real issues he is just another legislator with a feather in his hat. Winnsboro folks are good people though. If you ever went through that part of God’s country you would know why they have a Democratic machine there.
By Jared November 21, 2011 at 11:48 pm
political hack, your nom de plume is right on-point. Got anything intelligent to write besides scatology? The kid seems educated on the “real issues.” And “pull a Strom…” some secret conceit of yours?
By hank November 21, 2011 at 11:55 pm
Show some real leadership. Sell off 20% of our state parks with environmental stipulations, of course, and return the money back to us overburdened tax payers and thus stimulate our torpid economy…
By Keith November 22, 2011 at 12:17 am
Better idea: privatize the State Ports Authority and sell Santee Cooper (market cap. $4 billion). Then TAX Santee Cooper like any other corporation. Huge cash inflow from sale, predictable, annuity-like tax revenues thereafter. Jenny Sanford was onto this good idea. Why is the state in the electricity business?
By RAS November 22, 2011 at 3:26 am
@Snodgrass:
“There’s a difference between “compromising” and forming coalitions. You don’t have to compromise your principles to work with friends across the aisle. Look for common ground issues that you happen to share the same view on and then join forces to pursue a favorable outcome. If you’re successful, it’s a win-win. Give credit where credit is due.
On those occasions where they choose to take an opposing view, respect their right to dissent, but don’t hesitate to consider them fair game.”
Sounds like a quote from Obama’s “Audacity of Hope”
By Smith November 22, 2011 at 6:47 am
Typical young politico. Full of himself, probably gay, and drinks too much. Boring.
By Joe November 22, 2011 at 7:11 am
Hey Hank what do you have against the state park system? Are you a developer? You do realize that some parks are federally own and managed by the state. Land for other parks were donated to the state and can not be sold out of state ownership. People and companies are donating land to the state’s Heritage Land program. This indicates to me that the people of SC care deeply about the natural beauty of their state and are willing to share that with others. So why don’t you just pack up and move to Florida where the idiotic governor is proposing to sell off portions of that state’s park system.
Have no problem with selling off Santee Cooper as long as the lakes and shoreline remain in the public domain.
Besame cula.
By snodgrass November 22, 2011 at 7:56 am
“@Snodgrass: Sounds like a quote from Obama’s “Audacity of Hope”
Nope, it’s just a sentiment often expressed – and demonstrated – by Ron Paul. He’s allied with Democrats from time to time in areas where they shared a common goal, but he’s never been accused of compromising with them. He doesn’t believe in bipartisanship. He’ll even vote against his own party to avoid compromise. Just look at how he gets treated by the GOP for his position on foreign policy. His values aren’t for sale, so he isn’t interested in the “go along to get along” philosophy.
By toyota kawaski November 22, 2011 at 8:19 am
what about the team he plays for??
By BigT November 22, 2011 at 8:29 am
Democrats can say and do what they want. The people who elect them over and over are so IGNORANT, merit or reason is meaningless….Failure and poverty are a way of life. So what is there to lose…???
It’s like FITS (and why FITS praises them.) When you are a hypocrite, a liar and immoral…you can say what you want, and never have to worry about being held accountable…
Just don’t be suprised when it ends up, all your worshipers are a bunch of irrelevant losers and Dumbasses…(See Vincent Sheen)….
It is ironic that FITS points out the similarities….But when you’re too stupid and immature to see yourself as your really are…I guess it’s not really that big of a deal…
By Jeremiah Johnson November 22, 2011 at 8:52 am
@Joe. Very well said on the State Parks. SC state parks are one of our finest resources.
What happened to your other avatar? Trade in a pic of an old white fart for a can? I can’t reads the label!
By Joe November 22, 2011 at 9:28 am
Jeremiah, It is a can of South Carolina possum. Tastes just like chicken.
By Tommy Bowden November 22, 2011 at 9:53 am
@BigT I’m glad you had your helping of pissy Corn Flakes this morning. I think it’s clear that the guy doesn’t play party politics judging by the comments from law makers from both sides. He has his own ideas and does what he thinks is best for his district and for this state. If you don’t “toe the line” and do what everyone else is doing, you get called “obnoxious” and a ” son of a bitch.” Think about it…
By RAS November 22, 2011 at 10:35 am
Political parties are the source of most of our problems. They have power because of the money they collect and allocate to elected officials that “toe the line”. If you somehow take the money out of political campaigning, elected officials could once again represent their constituents rather than the party. There are not many politicians with financial resources sufficient to “thumb their noses” at political parties. Ron Paul, a few independently wealthy candidates are the only exceptions. Political parties, corporations, unions and the wealthy have a vested interest in keeping campaigns expensive. It’s their source of power. Boyd Brown will learn.
By cash November 22, 2011 at 11:28 am
Boyd…stay on course. What’s the relationship with Veldran? Did he influence her as far as telling the truth about Nikki?
By BigT November 22, 2011 at 12:06 pm
I represent the free-thinker that FITS and you all CLAIM you want…and what you Claim this idiot democrat is doing…
He’s just an idiot bigmouth like FITS, who says it’s EGO, not Stupidity, that drives him, even though we know what it is…
And despite the fact that people like me are THE COUNTER CULTURE Revolutionaries…you HATE me…
You Suck at the Status Quo, and live among Cliches and the ol’ boy corruption that is felling us….
You, or FITS, would not know a REAL Maverick if it Bit you on the ASS.
You are Cowards, who fancy yourselves different, but you are nothing but weak followers…
And this fool is your poster boy…
By Lance Riprock November 22, 2011 at 1:19 pm
I for one am grateful that we have a patriot with backbone like Big T who will not flinch, cower, or submit to the liberals and those of similar ilk. He tells it like it is. Hey, T-Dog, how are we supposed to feel about niggers, queers, Jews, and Catholics, and what are we supposed to do about them? Oh, yeah, spics, too.
By tr pk boy November 22, 2011 at 1:39 pm
WTF Lance, you’r asking T to cover a hell of a lot of ground there.
By toyota kawaski November 22, 2011 at 3:11 pm
Lance why dont you start by taking those hateful words out your head. Trying to be funny shows what and who you really are.
By Lance Riprock November 22, 2011 at 4:25 pm
toyota, Or I could start by cutting off your head and shitting down your neck. Apparantly we didn’t kill enough of you gook sonofabitches in WW II. Korea, and ‘Nam; same applies whether you call yourself a gook, slope, or slant. Just seeking guidance from Big T; wouldn’t want to be politically incorrect now, would I? How about it T? How do we deal with the aforementioned sacred cows of the liberals?
By BigT November 22, 2011 at 4:25 pm
If FITS really wants to prove to us how Radical his democrat pal is: Why not ask him if is for ObamaCare, Solyndra and Fast and Furious…????
When a democrat tears into the Liberals and their filthy Corruption…Then you may start to pat him on the back,…
As it is: FITS is just trying to manufacture a reason to peddle democrat failure in the guise of something other than it is…
Nice try, Dumbass…
By FCGOP November 23, 2011 at 5:22 am
All,
The Fairfield GOP is more than a few fat white guys who live at the lake. We are a diverse group with African American among our membership.
Boyd is an immature, unprofessional spoiled kid who is trying to be relevant in an irrelevant state party and continue his family political legacy in Fairfield County.
He will face a democrat and republican challenger in his next election. Help the Fairfield County Republican Party defeat Boyd Brown.
Contribute
https://secure.piryx.com/donate/xYcn0kmG/Fairfield-County-SC-Republican-Party/
http://fairfieldcountygop.net/boydisms/
By Normal_Nav November 23, 2011 at 9:07 am
I find myself in agreement with FCGOP. Boyd Brown brings very little save naivete to the State House, I’m afraid that if he remains in office he will do little for Fairfield County and Much for Boyd Brown, perhaps it’s genetic, but the Family dictionary is missing the page that includes conflict of interest. Fits, you ought to do your homework.
By AssTalker November 23, 2011 at 10:38 am
@Normal_Nav I am sure everyone would like for you to enlighten us on what you mean by your post… unless you’re doing what we already assume, and that’s talking out of your ass.
By Tommy Bowden November 23, 2011 at 11:37 am
I just find it HILARIOUS that the FCGOP believes a Republican can win that district. I’ll save all of the political jargon and just say “good luck.”
By Hit the Road Boy (d) November 23, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Unfortunately, Boyd is my representative. He is unbelievably foolish and rude. He speaks without knowing the facts and while it appears that he opens his mouth to speak without thinking, I truly don’t believe he has the ability to think. Fairfield County is a sad, sad place, and this dolt is not helping. No where else in the real world could someone like this even possibly get elected.
Sigh.
By Normal_Nav November 23, 2011 at 4:06 pm
@@ss talker, (strange nic-name for someone who is acusing me of talking out of mine)obviously you are unfamiliar with Fairfield County Politics and politicians, or you choose to be blind. In the first instance you cannot be blamed, in the second you can,
By SCLibertarian January 8, 2012 at 3:40 pm
I’ve known Boyd for 6 years now, he’s a good friend. I wish him well in his political endeavors and think he has the crossover appeal to make Republicans in this State accountable again, because he’ll call them on their bs.