SC

Steve Benjamin Plotting Gubernatorial Bid

Columbia, S.C. mayor Steve Benjamin is planning to campaign for governor of the Palmetto State against “Republican” incumbent Nikki Haley in 2014, sources familiar with his thinking tell FITS. In fact Benjamin – who has been crisscrossing the state in recent weeks – is reportedly planning to file for the…

Columbia, S.C. mayor Steve Benjamin is planning to campaign for governor of the Palmetto State against “Republican” incumbent Nikki Haley in 2014, sources familiar with his thinking tell FITS.

In fact Benjamin – who has been crisscrossing the state in recent weeks – is reportedly planning to file for the top statewide office in March 2014 after he wins reelection as mayor of South Carolina’s capital city in November (a race in which he is not expected to encounter serious opposition). No word yet on whether Benjamin’s statewide ambitions mean shifting salary responsibility for his political advisors Mike Wukela and Sam Davis off of the taxpayers’ backs, though.

So … does Benjamin have a shot at becoming South Carolina’s next governor?

Yes … which is too bad, because aside from Haley we can’t think of another Palmetto politician who is this duplicitous.

Like Haley, Benjamin campaigned on transparency in government … yet like Haley he also abandoned the issue well before taking his oath of office. Also Benjamin is – like Haley – a command economist who believes in purchasing jobs with tax dollars as opposed to creating them via a friendly business climate.

But Benjamin’s proximity to a shady pro-gambling cabal as well as the supporters of a rigged tax hike election make him far more dangerous than Haley. Then there’s the way he celebrates his electoral victories …

Frankly, we could not think of a worse choice for the citizens of this state than Haley v. Benjamin.

For months, the conventional wisdom has been that S.C. Sen. Vincent Sheheen (D-Camden) would run against Haley in 2014. Sheheen nearly pulled off an improbably upset over Haley in 2010 – the mother of all Republican “wave” elections – and recent polling showed him narrowly ahead of Haley in a hypothetical general election matchup.

However in recent weeks Haley and Sheheen have been cooperating on various pieces of legislation … including a watered down version of government restructuring.

***

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64 comments

? February 26, 2013 at 1:31 pm

Lord help us. Actually, if there was a Lord…he is either a cruel son of a bitch or clearly doesn’t give a rats ass.

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Jay February 26, 2013 at 2:10 pm

Or has gotten a hold of some of the libtard koolaid.

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? February 26, 2013 at 1:31 pm

Lord help us. Actually, if there was a Lord…he is either a cruel son of a bitch or clearly doesn’t give a rats ass.

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Jay February 26, 2013 at 2:10 pm

Or has gotten a hold of some of the libtard koolaid.

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rwwllms February 26, 2013 at 1:35 pm

Which explains why he ignores the crime and violence in Five Points, He has his interest on (to him) more important things. Five Points will be someone else’s problem to solve if he can get elected Governor.

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rwwllms February 26, 2013 at 1:35 pm

Which explains why he ignores the crime and violence in Five Points, He has his interest on (to him) more important things. Five Points will be someone else’s problem to solve if he can get elected Governor.

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Lesser Evil February 26, 2013 at 1:38 pm

Of COURSE he is. He is a ladder climber if there ever was one. His association with the payday lending scam artists, and his proximity to the illegal gambling cabal are scary enough. But, when you look at his “chocolate city” dream and his propensity to spend tax money on fantasy land projects like the ice rink, he really becomes a scary and delusional character. It can only get worse for this state if our options consist of T-Bone Benjamin, or Trikki Nikki. Both are outright liars, but the personal issues of both put them into the “biggest mistake of our lifetimes” category.

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Lesser Evil February 26, 2013 at 1:38 pm

Of COURSE he is. He is a ladder climber if there ever was one. His association with the payday lending scam artists, and his proximity to the illegal gambling cabal are scary enough. But, when you look at his “chocolate city” dream and his propensity to spend tax money on fantasy land projects like the ice rink, he really becomes a scary and delusional character. It can only get worse for this state if our options consist of T-Bone Benjamin, or Trikki Nikki. Both are outright liars, but the personal issues of both put them into the “biggest mistake of our lifetimes” category.

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Prick Quinn February 26, 2013 at 1:47 pm

Sounds like Steve has been hanging out with local fatass Rick Quinn and his minions at Ruth’s Chris too much, and they’ve started to believe their own bullshit. Governor… seriously? Is Benjamin’s boy Jonathan Pinson going to run for State Treasurer? This guy has hit his ceiling until Sly Jimmy Cly goes somewhere else.

Now, digging deeper, it may be that the Quinns want to keep Sheheen out of the Governor’s Mansion because they don’t have any pull with him. Knowing they have infiltrated Haley’s office with Walker (now at USC), Godfrey, and now Sterling, they’re hoping Benjamin would knock Sheheen out of primary, knowing a black Democrat would certainly lose to a Republican for statewide office.

What’s the worst that could happen for Rick’s fatass? Benjamin (a client of the Quinn’s) wins, or Haley (who the Quinns miraculously have major influence over) wins.

Thus ends your lesson in SC politics for the day. Oh yeah, make sure you pick the check up from RQA at their office in West Columbia, Will.

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Prick Quinn February 26, 2013 at 1:47 pm

Sounds like Steve has been hanging out with local fatass Rick Quinn and his minions at Ruth’s Chris too much, and they’ve started to believe their own bullshit. Governor… seriously? Is Benjamin’s boy Jonathan Pinson going to run for State Treasurer? This guy has hit his ceiling until Sly Jimmy Cly goes somewhere else.

Now, digging deeper, it may be that the Quinns want to keep Sheheen out of the Governor’s Mansion because they don’t have any pull with him. Knowing they have infiltrated Haley’s office with Walker (now at USC), Godfrey, and now Sterling, they’re hoping Benjamin would knock Sheheen out of primary, knowing a black Democrat would certainly lose to a Republican for statewide office.

What’s the worst that could happen for Rick’s fatass? Benjamin (a client of the Quinn’s) wins, or Haley (who the Quinns miraculously have major influence over) wins.

Thus ends your lesson in SC politics for the day. Oh yeah, make sure you pick the check up from RQA at their office in West Columbia, Will.

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Jay February 26, 2013 at 1:57 pm

I can think of nobody that I’d like to see the governor of SC less than Steve Benjamin, except maybe for Barry Soetoro.

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TaylorMarshallCalhoun February 26, 2013 at 3:17 pm

Poor Jay. Everyday he is consumed with living in Columbia. Advice: LEAVE!

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Jay February 26, 2013 at 1:57 pm

I can think of nobody that I’d like to see the governor of SC less than Steve Benjamin, except maybe for Barry Soetoro.

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TaylorMarshallCalhoun February 26, 2013 at 3:17 pm

Poor Jay. Everyday he is consumed with living in Columbia. Advice: LEAVE!

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TaylorMarshallCalhoun February 26, 2013 at 2:00 pm

In fairness is there any blame to go around for the Governor?

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TaylorMarshallCalhoun February 26, 2013 at 2:00 pm

In fairness is there any blame to go around for the Governor?

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Moman50 February 26, 2013 at 2:19 pm

Why in the world would one believe Benjamin has a chance of winning a race for Governor?Haley(or any Republican for that matter) would EASILY defeat him.

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BigT February 26, 2013 at 3:41 pm

If you’ll notice: FITS’ enthusiasm for democrats is even higher than Harpo’s….
FITS may be the top cheerleader for the Bass-Acwards Party…in a state where the voters actually see the left for what it is…
Not to mention, Benjamin is the kind of politician FITS “likes” when he HATES anybody exept for: Sanford, Davis, Ron Paul or McCain..

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Moman50 February 26, 2013 at 2:19 pm

Why in the world would one believe Benjamin has a chance of winning a race for Governor?Haley(or any Republican for that matter) would EASILY defeat him.

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BigT February 26, 2013 at 3:41 pm

If you’ll notice: FITS’ enthusiasm for democrats is even higher than Harpo’s….
FITS may be the top cheerleader for the Bass-Acwards Party…in a state where the voters actually see the left for what it is…
Not to mention, Benjamin is the kind of politician FITS “likes” when he HATES anybody exept for: Sanford, Davis, Ron Paul or McCain..

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jimlewisowb February 26, 2013 at 2:37 pm

Now that T-Bone is running for Governor of South Carolina you may be thinking about which machete is right for you?

Generally speaking, if you need a machete at your work site then go for carbon steel.

If you need a decorative piece just to hang in your rear window to let the locals know you ain’t going to take no shit, then go with a stainless steel machete.

However if you are looking for an all-purpose close contact machete to take with you when you dine out at Five Points, take the kids to Riverbanks or when you shop at Sam’s out at Harbison, then you need to go with a bush or bolo machete.

Please note it is not illegal in South Carolina to carry your machete on your person 24/7 as long as it is in its sheath. If you happen to get stopped, just tell the Blue Doughnuts you are an illegal immigrant looking for the nearest sugar cane field.

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shifty henry February 26, 2013 at 3:05 pm

Thanks for the info – any tips on blade shapes?

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Charlemagne, King of France February 26, 2013 at 5:31 pm

i have been using the cold steel kukri for years, in fact i bought a spare to keep in my camping backpack and one to keep in the car. the blade has a really heavy point that narrows down towards the handle, and has an inward curve.

Reply
? February 26, 2013 at 5:43 pm

Gerber makes a pretty badass zombie apocalypse kit:

http://www.gerbergear.com/Apocalypse/Gear/Apocalypse-Kit_30-000601

I just CCW and a small hand axe when camping myself.

I was made aware of the kit a while back by a colleague discussing the “Walking Dead” series. Apparently the knife Rick put in Shane’s chest was one in this kit.

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shifty henry February 26, 2013 at 3:13 pm

How about some tips on language classes, such as “Bantu”, or even (yes, it’s real) “Bangi-me” – we need to be prepared!

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Bubbas Brother February 26, 2013 at 5:24 pm

I favor a Cold Steel Gladius or Cutlass machete – with the former I can pretend to be Maximus, with the latter I can be Jack Sparrow…

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Soft Sigh from Hell February 27, 2013 at 9:22 pm

I like the classic WWII US military version of the Woodman’s Pal.

http://www.woodmanspal.com/

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jimlewisowb February 26, 2013 at 2:37 pm

Now that T-Bone is running for Governor of South Carolina you may be thinking about which machete is right for you?

Generally speaking, if you need a machete at your work site then go for carbon steel.

If you need a decorative piece just to hang in your rear window to let the locals know you ain’t going to take no shit, then go with a stainless steel machete.

However if you are looking for an all-purpose close contact machete to take with you when you dine out at Five Points, take the kids to Riverbanks or when you shop at Sam’s out at Harbison, then you need to go with a bush or bolo machete.

Please note it is not illegal in South Carolina to carry your machete on your person 24/7 as long as it is in its sheath. If you happen to get stopped, just tell the Blue Doughnuts you are an illegal immigrant looking for the nearest sugar cane field.

Reply
shifty henry February 26, 2013 at 3:05 pm

Thanks for the info – any tips on blade shapes?

Reply
Charlemagne, King of France February 26, 2013 at 5:31 pm

i have been using the cold steel kukri for years, in fact i bought a spare to keep in my camping backpack and one to keep in the car. the blade has a really heavy point that narrows down towards the handle, and has an inward curve.

Reply
? February 26, 2013 at 5:43 pm

Gerber makes a pretty badass zombie apocalypse kit:

http://www.gerbergear.com/Apocalypse/Gear/Apocalypse-Kit_30-000601

I just CCW and a small hand axe when camping myself.

I was made aware of the kit a while back by a colleague discussing the “Walking Dead” series. Apparently the knife Rick put in Shane’s chest was one in this kit.

Reply
shifty henry February 26, 2013 at 3:13 pm

How about some tips on language classes, such as “Bantu”, or even (yes, it’s real) “Bangi-me” – we need to be prepared!

Reply
The Colonel (R) February 26, 2013 at 5:24 pm

I favor a Cold Steel Gladius or Cutlass machete – with the former I can pretend to be Maximus, with the latter I can be Jack Sparrow…

Reply
Soft Sigh from Hell February 27, 2013 at 9:22 pm

I like the classic WWII US military version of the Woodman’s Pal.

http://www.woodmanspal.com/

Reply
BigT February 26, 2013 at 2:40 pm

What are the odds FITS takes a leave of absence to manage Benjain’s campaign?
PS: Don’t get on the road on election night if Benjamin wins….

Reply
BigT February 26, 2013 at 2:40 pm

What are the odds FITS takes a leave of absence to manage Benjain’s campaign?
PS: Don’t get on the road on election night if Benjamin wins….

Reply
Sailor February 26, 2013 at 2:57 pm

Looks like a real happy bunch standing behind him!

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Sailor February 26, 2013 at 2:57 pm

Looks like a real happy bunch standing behind him!

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TaylorMarshallCalhoun February 26, 2013 at 3:14 pm

Poor Jay, a sad and tragic, frustrated individual. There are enough ways to exit the state of South Carolina. He might consider using one of them.

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TaylorMarshallCalhoun February 26, 2013 at 3:14 pm

Poor Jay, a sad and tragic, frustrated individual. There are enough ways to exit the state of South Carolina. He might consider using one of them.

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Squishy123 February 26, 2013 at 3:34 pm

If he won, how many people would he run over driving drunk on election night?

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Squishy123 February 26, 2013 at 3:34 pm

If he won, how many people would he run over driving drunk on election night?

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JC February 26, 2013 at 3:38 pm

He’s an idiot if he thinks he has a chance in hell. No Black Democrat will be elected in any statewide race in South Carolina any time in the near future. Even with extremely high black voter turnout and him getting 99% of the black vote, he would likely need anywhere from 32-35% of the white vote. That’s not happening in this state any time soon.

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JC February 26, 2013 at 3:38 pm

He’s an idiot if he thinks he has a chance in hell. No Black Democrat will be elected in any statewide race in South Carolina any time in the near future. Even with extremely high black voter turnout and him getting 99% of the black vote, he would likely need anywhere from 32-35% of the white vote. That’s not happening in this state any time soon.

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BrigidBernadette February 26, 2013 at 4:13 pm

Hell NO!

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Brigid February 26, 2013 at 4:13 pm

Hell NO!

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Smirks February 26, 2013 at 4:46 pm

If it ends up a bid between Haley and Benjamin, I’m just going to stay home.

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Charlemagne, King of France February 26, 2013 at 5:21 pm

vote third party. thats what i did for the obomney election

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Smirks February 26, 2013 at 4:46 pm

If it ends up a bid between Haley and Benjamin, I’m just going to stay home.

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Charlemagne, King of France February 26, 2013 at 5:21 pm

vote third party. thats what i did for the obomney election

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Bubbas Brother February 26, 2013 at 5:19 pm

Lil’Stevie and Ol’ Markie Mark have one thing in common – a snowball’s chance in hell of winning.

I can’t think of a worse choice on the Democrat side than Benjamin with the possible exception of Ol’Enos. Lil’Stevie brings the “Bauer baggage” of not being able to drive along with the Beasley’s ability to exaggerate and Hodges’ personality (none). He makes Nikki look like a good choice.

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The Colonel (R) February 26, 2013 at 5:19 pm

Lil’Stevie and Ol’ Markie Mark have one thing in common – a snowball’s chance in hell of winning.

I can’t think of a worse choice on the Democrat side than Benjamin with the possible exception of Ol’Enos. Lil’Stevie brings the “Bauer baggage” of not being able to drive along with the Beasley’s ability to exaggerate and Hodges’ personality (none). He makes Nikki look like a good choice.

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Charlemagne, King of France February 26, 2013 at 5:24 pm

does benjy have a chance against haley? well, she beat a moderate(republican if he was in the north) who is well liked in this state and people will cross party lines to vote for him last time around, what do you think

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Charlemagne, King of France February 26, 2013 at 5:24 pm

does benjy have a chance against haley? well, she beat a moderate(republican if he was in the north) who is well liked in this state and people will cross party lines to vote for him last time around, what do you think

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Charlemagne, King of France February 26, 2013 at 5:36 pm

fits for mayor of cola?

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Charlemagne, King of France February 26, 2013 at 5:36 pm

fits for mayor of cola?

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Scooter February 26, 2013 at 8:53 pm

Just what we need. He will have SC in the position that Detroit is in.

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Scooter February 26, 2013 at 8:53 pm

Just what we need. He will have SC in the position that Detroit is in.

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9" February 26, 2013 at 10:43 pm

I don’t hate him because he’s black.I just hate it ’cause he’s so hard to see coming down the street at night……..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGcM_tcJ6Tk

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9" February 26, 2013 at 10:43 pm

I don’t hate him because he’s black.I just hate it ’cause he’s so hard to see coming down the street at night……..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGcM_tcJ6Tk

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Billy K Mulligan February 27, 2013 at 2:33 pm

Keep in mind that if Benjamin, or Sheheen for that matter, they would be appoonting a US Senator if say LOG or Scott were to resign. So, as much as I really dislike, Haley, the idea of either of them appointing Jim Clyburn to the Senate will get me over the edge enough to vote for Trikki Nikki. The crime/thug/incompetence problem for Benjamin will be hung around his neck like a Hatian necklace. I’m twice a classmate with good O’l Steve, he even convinced me to vote for him for AG but he finally came out of the closet as the farleft wingnut, communist and Cultural Marxist that he actually is.

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Billy K Mulligan February 27, 2013 at 2:33 pm

Keep in mind that if Benjamin, or Sheheen for that matter, they would be appoonting a US Senator if say LOG or Scott were to resign. So, as much as I really dislike, Haley, the idea of either of them appointing Jim Clyburn to the Senate will get me over the edge enough to vote for Trikki Nikki. The crime/thug/incompetence problem for Benjamin will be hung around his neck like a Hatian necklace. I’m twice a classmate with good O’l Steve, he even convinced me to vote for him for AG but he finally came out of the closet as the farleft wingnut, communist and Cultural Marxist that he actually is.

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David Soul Patch March 1, 2013 at 10:40 am

Does anyone else thinks it’s dumb to promote diabetes awareness with a cornbread festival — sponsored by PEPSI? Was Benjamin behind that?

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David Soul Patch March 1, 2013 at 10:40 am

Does anyone else thinks it’s dumb to promote diabetes awareness with a cornbread festival — sponsored by PEPSI? Was Benjamin behind that?

Reply

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