SC

Report: SC Lawmaker Calls Colleague A “Mother F*cker”

“REPUBLICAN” REPORTEDLY PLACED ON WATCH FOR THREATENING BEHAVIOR By FITSNEWS ||  We’ve frequently referred to South Carolina’s all-powerful, ubiquitously corrupt General Assembly as “taxpayer-funded adult day care”- and this week we received further validation of this characterization. We’re referring to an ongoing spat between a pair of “Republican” lawmakers – Eddy Southard…

“REPUBLICAN” REPORTEDLY PLACED ON WATCH FOR THREATENING BEHAVIOR

By FITSNEWS ||  We’ve frequently referred to South Carolina’s all-powerful, ubiquitously corrupt General Assembly as “taxpayer-funded adult day care”- and this week we received further validation of this characterization.

We’re referring to an ongoing spat between a pair of “Republican” lawmakers – Eddy Southard of Berkeley County and Chris Murphy of Dorchester County.

According to documents obtained by FITS, Southard and Murphy got into a heated dispute at a “Republican” Caucus gathering in Myrtle Beach, S.C. earlier this year.  During this dispute, Murphy is accused of verbally assaulting Southard in a hotel lobby – calling his colleague a “mother f*cker.”

Nice …

The altercation between the two lawmakers stems from Murphy’s contention that Southard endorsed his opponent in a contested primary election – which goes against an unwritten rule that “Republican” House members are not to oppose their fellow incumbents (or face censure).

CHRIS MURPHY
CHRIS MURPHY

Anyway, in communications between the lawmakers – and Dorchester (S.C.) county councilman Larry Hargett (the candidate Southard is accused of endorsing) – further allegations are made against Murphy.

In addition to verbally accosting Southard in “an extremely loud, obnoxious, abusive and profane manner,” Murphy is accused of engaging in threatening behavior as it relates to two additional “Republican” state lawmakers – Bill Taylor of Aiken County and Deborah Long of York County.

As a result, Murphy has reportedly been placed on watch “for any future abuse or misconduct” by S.C. House sergeant of arms Mitch Dorman.

In an email to Murphy dated August 18, Southard – writing from his government account – tells his fellow lawmaker he “just can’t forget” the outburst.

“I am requesting a very formal apology or I will file ethics violations against you,” he wrote. “Fortunately, I have the best witness I could have, being the Speaker (Bobby Harrell), even though I was disappointed in his lack of leadership.  I have reviewed our House ethics statue and have determined that your actions have violated a number of them.  Also, I understand you demonstrated very unruly behavior in the lounge Thursday night.  This was towards a lady accompanied by her boyfriend.  I would expect you to take this very seriously since now alcohol does not play into your behavior.”

Murphy’s response?

“File the complaint Eddy,” he wrote back the same day – within minutes, actually.  “I will also move that the caucus censure you for outwardly supporting an opponent in a contested Republican primary. FYI I have already spoken to majority leader (Bruce) Bannister about your behavior.  Do not contact me again.”

Well, well …

Never a dull moment in South Carolina politics, right?

No word yet on whether an ethics charge has been filed against Murphy … but we all know how the House “ethics” committee handles its business, right?

Yeah …

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61 comments

Squishy123 October 9, 2014 at 11:52 am

Big deal, they’re all motherfuckers and one just called another one as he saw him.

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Dave Chappelle October 9, 2014 at 12:11 pm

+10

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Steve October 9, 2014 at 11:53 am

Deborah Long is from Lancaster County, not York County, and is one of the nicest and most well mannered people you will ever meet. She is a fine southern lady and way to nice to even deal with House members such as that. If the allegations are true she is certainly due a formal apology.

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Mike Wallace October 9, 2014 at 2:27 pm

She has portions of both counties. I agree, though, Murphy owes her an apology.

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Respect Women or ur not a man October 9, 2014 at 7:56 pm

Call me me a chauvinist, but depending on exactly what Murphy said to the women he probably deserves a good punch in the mouth.

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Centrist View October 9, 2014 at 11:54 am

Is it Eddy Southard & Chris Murphy who talk like that?
Or, Eddy Murphy & Chris Rock?

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CorruptionInColumbia October 9, 2014 at 11:59 am

Report: SC Lawmaker Calls Colleague A “Mother F*cker”

Did Grand Tango get hired by Fits to write the titles for articles?

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Buz Martin October 9, 2014 at 12:11 pm

Yeah. Don’t see the point in the asterisk there. The Mother Fucker is Mother Fucker, and you read it that way no matter how many letters are missing. What a weird journalistic convention to be followed by our friend here who proudly claims not to be a journalist.

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well-i-am into it October 9, 2014 at 12:06 pm

These enraged verbal spats, I suppose, keep the “Republicans” sharp and contest ready. Seems like they thrive in an abusive environment with each other….and that surely helps them stay sharp and win verbal confrontations with opponents during elections in this part of the world. Otherwise, just look at cool Sheheen…shy boy Sheheen cannot talk like that…and the Republicans will take on Sheheen all day and treat him as a polite alter boy who puts up his hand and waits for his turn to say something on his mind. Where is the aggression, Sheheen….in the words of Folks…Sheeesh!

How about Vida Miller…how about that….running a very decent and polite campaign with a crook charged with a crime….how is that working out for you, Ms.Miller? Goldfinch, the goon, can take that all day and brush it off like his thinning hair. Show some aggression dems….people need to know you will literally argue and take on the FIGHT and win the fight for people in our state halls……we need some engagement and action to come out and vote in numbers….there, I vented !!!

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Mic October 9, 2014 at 12:07 pm

Southard is one of the easiest guys in the world to get along with…I can’t imagine someone swearing at him.

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Buz Martin October 9, 2014 at 12:09 pm

These people should not be allowed to drink.

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Utah October 9, 2014 at 12:14 pm

Can’t believe you didn’t mention Murphy’s wife is a circuit court judge. Another instance of judicial elections being perverted for personal gain by the legislature.

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G.O.B. October 9, 2014 at 12:16 pm

Sooooo…. Did I read that right? House members are not allowed to freely endorse whoever they choose? If they don’t endorse a current sitting House member then they are subject to censure?

Holy Shiite, SC is so effed up.

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Tazmaniac October 9, 2014 at 12:17 pm

“– which goes against an unwritten rule
that “Republican” House members are not to oppose their fellow
incumbents (or face censure).”

A rule that needs to stay unwritten and unused. That is a leftover from the “Good Ole’ Boy” dictatorships of both parties.

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Sam October 9, 2014 at 12:37 pm

And here I thought that they met to discuss ways to improve the lives of South Carolinians, improve our economy, etc. You know, governing stuff.
This post would lead one to believe that republican house members are mostly concerned with how to remain in office, trade favors and generally act like immature twelve year olds. Shocking.

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John October 9, 2014 at 1:28 pm Reply
Bible Thumper October 9, 2014 at 1:38 pm

Routinely members contribute to other members campaigns directly or through their PAC. I wonder if this occurs during a primary challenge. If they couldn’t support any side in a primary, that would be one thing but being only forbidden to support a challenger is unethical.

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Bible Thumper October 9, 2014 at 1:40 pm

I’m surprised Fitsnews didn’t ask for confirmation or denial from Eddy Southard’s mother.

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Mike Wallace October 9, 2014 at 2:26 pm

Did you see where he tried to dictate how the voting for Dorchester County Chair would occur? It didn’t matter to him that the Executive Committee had already spoken on the matter.

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They're all jerks October 9, 2014 at 3:23 pm

Ever been around the “horrible” State Treasurer Curtis Loftis? Calling colleagues, co-workers, employees and his constituents M-F’ers and the like is a normal part of his daily routine. Not to mention the rest of his colorful vocabulary. That man is trash.

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Mark October 9, 2014 at 3:50 pm

Gees, the losers are after Curtis again.

Curt throws them off the government tit, and they post crap against him. Such losers. They must have really loved that easy tax money!

Congrats on your reelection Curtis, and I am glad you will be Treasurer till 2019. Of course, your 5 detractors will be losers till the end of time.

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He's gone October 9, 2014 at 10:37 pm

He won’t last til 2019.

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Manny October 10, 2014 at 10:10 am

Good luck with that.

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Who needs luck? October 10, 2014 at 10:59 pm

No luck needed. Friends in law enforcement are so much better than luck. Enjoy your freedom for a couple more months, Curt. Tell you high paid piggies to do the same. It’s short-lived.

Manny October 11, 2014 at 8:46 am

I have known Curtis for 20 years and he is the least likely guy to take a cent from anyone. Why don’t you man-up and print your real name and I will do the same. Then we can put a little money on it.
Of course you cant. Liars lie and the truth always catches up with them.

George October 11, 2014 at 9:33 pm

Wow, Manny…er….Curt, are you feeling a little guilty? No one mentioned you taking “a cent from anyone”. Anything you’re trying to own up to here? You are SO right. Lairs do lie, and the truth is about to catch up with your narcissistic self, Curt. I will be in the front row laughing. Keep making enemies. They are my best allies.

Thomas October 9, 2014 at 4:00 pm

What a crap statement. So easy to slander from the safety of your basement.

Grow a pair and quit the 2nd grade stuff.

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Mark & Thomas are Curt October 9, 2014 at 10:50 pm

It’s not slander when it’s the truth. Plenty of witnesses to his behavior and language, and just FYI, I don’t need to grow a pair, I already have a pair. I’m sure you would like to see for yourself, Curt, but that’s not how I roll. You’ll see them when I’m ready for you to see them. In due time, son, in due time.

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David October 10, 2014 at 7:58 am

You are correct. Only his abusive behavior extends beyond verbal remarks to physically throwing things at his employees. SMH.

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Ed October 12, 2014 at 12:00 am

Yes, that was circulating all over the Capitol complex several weeks ago. Sounds like Loftis has a temper he cannot control. I’ve overheard his language and its not for the faint of heart. I lost respect for him at that point. I just expect more from an elected official. There’s a lot of them who need to be removed.

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Eugene October 12, 2014 at 3:55 pm

Sadly, there aren’t many respectable people being elected anymore. Gone are the likes of Grady Patterson. It truly is a shame. Step back in time a few years and compare The Honorable Mr. Patterson to Curtis Loftis. You will be sickened to think of what that office has become. I knew Mr. Patterson since I was just a wee little lad and I never once heard him use profanity, and never knew him to lose his temper. He was a true southern gentleman. Too bad others haven’t followed suit.

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Jack October 12, 2014 at 9:15 pm

Mr Patterson shook down more people in that office than you can imagine. If you were a local official, or banker, you paid to his campaign and for his travel. When he retired those people that made money off of the office bought him a new vehicle.

Loftis has bruised some egos because he has decades of neglect and bad practices to overcome. Those that like the “old way” despise Loftis. Thats understandable.

Loftis has a few enemies that post nasty things on the internet. I am sure he feels that is a small price to pay for real change.

Steve October 12, 2014 at 10:05 pm

Jack/curt, nice try. Unfortunately for you, your reputation is already tarnished and you will NEVER compare to Grady Patterson. It makes sense that you would try to denigrate the reputation of someon who is deceased and whose shadow you will always try to crawl out of. You are the lowest form of low. That will never change. No matter how many lies you tell.

Trip October 13, 2014 at 3:26 am

The only egos Loftis is responsible for bruising are those belonging to the folks he brought on board to work for him by luring them in with false promises. Once they were on staff and didn’t break the laws he demanded them to, they were forced to quit. Well, actually a couple of them had some integrity about them and left on their own before loftis could let them go. One year probation period for new hires sure is convenient for some bosses. Explains some of the short term employees, ie, staff attorneys & public relations positions. (Well rumor has it there are other reasons the public relations “guys” left, but still, they left.) to quote you, “loftis has a few enemies…”, no, get it straight, he has a plethora of enemies. No wonder he is so paranoid that someone is after him all the time.

Paul October 10, 2014 at 10:01 am

So easy for the envious to post on anonymous blogs, and to talk about public figures, knowing that slander and liable laws don’t protect public people like they do nonpublic people.

But that is the price public figures pay when actually doing their job and making a difference. Politician that shake things up are going to be slandered repeatedly, and viciously.

That is how you know they are doing the job they were elected to do.

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Manny & Paul are curt, too! October 10, 2014 at 11:05 pm

And every time there is a post on fits defending Curtis you can bet its…well… Curtis! You truly are transparent. Everyone will soon see exactly how well you’re doing the job you were elected to do. You, sir, (and I used the term loosely) are a complete failure and an embarrassment to our state.

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Manny October 11, 2014 at 8:47 am

Haha. No, just friends.

How easy you lie. Such a talent you have.

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Got to love it October 11, 2014 at 9:35 pm

You are such an easy target. Doesn’t take much to work you up. I love my job.

Jimbo October 15, 2014 at 6:59 pm

Don’t mean to offend you with bad language but, yes, Curtis is a real shithead. I’ve known him for years and he’s still the same spoiled brat now as he was way back when. Nobody’s ever going to fix him.

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The Dome October 9, 2014 at 3:45 pm

What’s the big deal? Didn’t Harvey Peeler say something similar recently?

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Who's the biggest SOB? October 10, 2014 at 8:02 am

Didn’t curtis loftis call Darry Oliver a son of a b#%*$ last year which resulted in Darry resigning his position, and costing the state a settlement for a hostile work environment?

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Sam October 10, 2014 at 9:55 am

Nope. The incident was never investigated. Only person that said that was Oliver. In the real world, both sides are heard. In politics, the smear is easy.

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Check it Curtis October 10, 2014 at 11:07 pm

Easy to get via FOIA

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30 years of watching it... October 10, 2014 at 10:09 am

You will find that crooks and insiders, sucking at the tit of the taxpayer, hate anyone that is passionate about putting a halt to the thieving that goes on in State Government. Loftis makes a modest government paycheck, but the thieves looting government make millions. The insiders, and their pitiful minions that due their dirty work, will do anything to keep the tax dollars fling to their pockets. Anything!

Calling reform politicians names and making up or exaggerating stories is the tamest things these crooks do.

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Mills October 9, 2014 at 3:51 pm

Southard is a fine man. Murphy, not so much.

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Hal October 9, 2014 at 3:52 pm

Politics in SC is a blood sport. I would not get too worked up over this little dust up.

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Tigers October 9, 2014 at 3:54 pm

Is it illegal to duel in SC?

If not, we could settle a lot of stuff in a few days time!

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shifty henry October 9, 2014 at 4:41 pm

Actually, I am beginning to study the subject of dueling which I believe should be allowed. And if anyone is interested the following book is excellent:

CARNIVAL OF BLOOD: DUELING, LYNCHING, AND MURDER IN SOUTH CAROLINA, 1880 – 1920.

John Hammond Moore (University of South Carolina Press)

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Just Me October 10, 2014 at 8:02 am

It would certainly ease the perceived need for “term limits”. Politicians dueling each other would be both entertaining and useful. I think swords would be best. Guns would be too quick.

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snickering October 10, 2014 at 11:39 am

How about a rusty chain saw or dull knife. All up and personal.

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snickering October 10, 2014 at 11:38 am

I’m going to read this book.

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WW October 9, 2014 at 7:22 pm

I’m in!

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GOP October 9, 2014 at 4:36 pm

A little power goes a long way. Murphy needs to put the donuts down and get a grip. a reality check would do him well.

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Donny Deutch October 9, 2014 at 5:03 pm

Southard is an idiot and Murphy was drunk the whole weekend. What’s new?

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euwe max October 9, 2014 at 7:19 pm

so what?

After Cheney, all the shock value of words is gone.

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Mike at the Beach October 10, 2014 at 11:55 pm

Or as your hero Biden would say, “This is a big fucking deal!”

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euwe max October 11, 2014 at 3:14 pm

My hero?

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Kirby October 10, 2014 at 6:58 am

But who called these motherfuckers legislators?

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Squishy123 October 10, 2014 at 11:19 am

Let’s all sing along…

I’m a motherfucker
You’re a motherfucker
Wouldn’t you like to be a motherfucker too

(repeat)

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SCHOUSE October 11, 2014 at 2:18 pm

Boo Boo, will keep’m straight.

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Pat October 12, 2014 at 9:20 pm

Maybe the fellow deserved it. We live in a time when it is ok to steal the taxpayer blind but one cant use anything but the Queen’s English. Government will not stop being wasteful and ineffective because some politician says “please.” It is going to take tough actions and someone’s feelings may be hurt. So what, this is not Tee Ball.

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