S.C. Treasurer Curtis Loftis affirmed his intention to seek reelection to his current office this week – confirming reports first published here on FITS over a month ago.
“Having my name mentioned for higher office is flattering, often amusing and usually harmless,” Loftis wrote in a statement. “But recently those who oppose our efforts to bring transparency and accountability to how your money is managed have been using that harmless parlor game to thwart our efforts. Inside the corridors of power the special interest whispers that ‘it is all about Curt running for governor.'”
Loftis’ decision is good news and bad news for those of you who care about how your tax money is spent …
It’s good news because Loftis will remain at his post, where he has emerged as a true champion for transparency in state government (unlike some elected officials who have utterly failed to live up to their rhetoric on that front). It also means Loftis will continue fighting to reform the state’s $25 billion retirement fund – a battle he has waged non-stop for the past two years.
The bad news? Loftis’ decision means he won’t be challenging S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley in a 2014 Republican gubernatorial primary – a major win for the scandal-scarred incumbent. While Haley currently enjoys decent numbers among South Carolina Republican primary voters, pollsters tell FITS her support is incredibly thin. Also she fares much worse among Republicans than former S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford did at this stage of his first term (in 2005) – and Sanford wound up surrendering 35 percent of the GOP primary vote to a protest opponent with no money.
If Haley receives a credible primary challenge next summer her already dicey 2014 general election prospects are likely to take another hit.
In fact she desperately needs to avoid primary opponent so she can begin the process of rehabilitating her abysmal general election poll numbers.
That’s why Loftis’ decision is so important …
So … will anyone challenge Haley in a primary? Loftis previously told a reporter he would run against the governor in a primary election in the event no one else stepped forward to challenge her. Does his announcement mean he knows something we don’t?
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16 comments
So … will anyone challenge Haley in a primary?
are you kidding me? There is no downside to being in politics, so why not? a small herd will soon stampede towards the Gov’s office in 2014… Why? for one…
1. Lexington ring – pork and porcine, large and largesse, power and more power..and no indictments. And Knotts goes on to work for organized gambling. Politic$ pay$.
2. eleventy-seven people running for the new 1st circuit….These people came out of the woodwork, Sanfraud resurrected, he’s running, she’s running, their running, etc. Even Ted Turner Jr. is running. why the hell not?
Politics is the new American Dream. The way for the rich to buy power, for the influential to obtain riches, then power.
Nicely done sir.
New 1st circuit?
But then you have guys like loftis. He works lots of hours and will battle with those that do wrong even though it will clearly cost him campaign contributions. He pays most of his expenses as Treasure (like driving his own car). he generally is a loner so he is not out 365 days out of the year soaking up freebies.
For some people it is about pubic service. Loftis is like that and has been since we were in college. he is a good man and will be good for this state.
It is all about public service.. Are you real? Loftis is all about himself and his male friends. Vile, violence charges against women, assault charges,abuse of court, violent temper, breaking windows, turning table over., and foul, loathsome disease. He gave 2million dollars to his friend. Where did he get the money to pay his friend ?Who paid for this? We need transparency on this. Did the tax payers pay for this? Transparency, please.
woops- should have said district. thanks.
wouldn’t he be even more capable of fighting the good fight, especially in terms of the investment commission, as governor?
I would think it would garner national attention in terms of public pension reform too…
Really? Get real! Loftis answering his own post! No one believes he is capable of fighting the good fight especially in terms of the investment commission. Sworn testimonies, foul man, needs to go.. Please wash your hands
Loftis has done a great job. In my 30 years of watching state government I have never seen anyone fight as hard as Loftis. he has made real headway and in the end will remembered as the real deal.
Oh, my, my, Dear, dear, what do I find here. Loftis answering to his many altered egos. He thinks he can run for governor, and he thinks he has made real headway and he will be remember as the real deal. Get real, A vile , foul , disease man. South Carolina needs to move on. Vote him out..
This is great news and more proof to me that Loftis has his heart in the right place. He had a real opening to run against the Guv but chose not too. Most of the pols in this state would kill for the opportunity. He. Did the right thing for this state .
Loftis should run. He’d beat Haley for sure. It’s time for a change.
Money is what government runs on and Loftis is perfect for that job.
Does anyone think Loftis resembles Bill Clinton in that photo?
More like a Clinton/Leo DiCaprio mix.
The Treasurer stood up for my business and got me paid. A state agency kept dragging their feet and it was about to put me out of business. I called the Treasurer and he then called the agency several times. They were still slow and he got in his car and went to the agency and I got my check in 24 hours.
he did not know me but he spent his time working for me and he saved my business and I am very thankful.