SC

#ProbeGate: Alan Wilson’s Top Aide Busted Plotting Against Special Prosecutor

THE UNRAVELING OF SOUTH CAROLINA’S ATTORNEY GENERAL CONTINUES … The very worst suspicions of those of us who follow Palmetto politics for a living continue to be confirmed with each new revelation in the unraveling scandal involving the South Carolina’s attorney general. For those of you who missed Alan Wilson‘s worst week ever, click…

THE UNRAVELING OF SOUTH CAROLINA’S ATTORNEY GENERAL CONTINUES …

The very worst suspicions of those of us who follow Palmetto politics for a living continue to be confirmed with each new revelation in the unraveling scandal involving the South Carolina’s attorney general.

For those of you who missed Alan Wilson‘s worst week ever, click here

The long and short of it?  Wilson appears to be actively obstructing an ongoing investigation into public corruption at the S.C. State House – and doing so in an effort to prevent his political cronies from being indicted.

Wilson claims he’s intervening in the probe (after previously recusing himself due to unspecified conflicts) because the special prosecutor he appointed, David Pascoe, is “tainted.”  However Wilson has offered absolutely no evidence to support that contention.

Now, text messages and emails obtained by The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier reveal the extent to which Wilson’s office is attempting to smear the prosecutor behind the scenes – hoping to turn the affair into a partisan scuffle, not a potentially criminal attempt to torpedo an active investigation.

ALAN WILSON
ALAN WILSON

“Matt, if there is a way for the party to reveal David Pascoe is Dick Harpootlian’s Mini-Me/Sock Puppet/Clone, it would be beneficial for years to come for the party,” Wilson’s top political aide Adam Piper wrote in a message to SCGOP chairman Matt Moore.

Dick Harpootlian was a former S.C. Democratic party chairman – and is widely-regarded as one of the Palmetto state’s shrewdest political operatives.  Invoking his name in this context represents a transparent effort to attack Pascoe by association – “tainting” him politically in the absence of any evidence to suggest he isn’t doing his job.

“Idea for you: ‘Pascoe is tainted for other reasons. He’s a Democrat political hack and Dick Harpootlian’s mini-me who has relied on Harpootlian throughout his career,” Piper continued in his message to Moore.

Wow …

“Amateur hour,” one prominent Palmetto politico told us.

Piper is a taxpayer-funded employee in Wilson’s office who makes $80,100 a year (not counting benefits).  He has previously worked for the neo-Confederate political consulting empire of Richard Quinn and Associates.

Richard Quinn’s son, Rick Quinn, is one of the state lawmakers said to be at the heart of the ongoing probe.  Several of its other rumored targets are clients of the “Quinndom.”

Of interest?  There is a reference to “Quinn’s” participating in a planning meeting prior to last week’s disastrous press conference in which Wilson repeatedly and angrily attacked Pascoe.

It’s not clear whether that reference is to Richard Quinn, Rick Quinn or both, though.

Also alleged to have participated in that meeting?  S.C. lieutenant governor Henry McMaster and lobbyist Tony Denny.  Another lobbyist involved in the plotting?  Former McMaster advisor Trey Walker – who was briefly an aide to governor Nikki Haley.

Walker currently lobbies for S.C. Blue Cross Blue Shield.

The explosive Post and Courier article confirms our reporting from last week …

 … we’re told (Wilson) and his allies repeatedly tried to get (Matt) Moore and other party officials to engage in the fray on his behalf – hoping to turn the issue into a partisan fight.

It also further reinforces the perception that Wilson and his allies are trying to smear Pascoe for self-preserving political purposes as opposed to having any legitimate ethical grounds to call for the termination of his investigation.

“(They are) clearly trying to impede an investigation. That’s criminal,” one former state lawmaker told us, referring to the meeting to discredit Pascoe.  “Whoever is the ringleader of the bunch should see jail time.”

We concur …

We would also reiterate our call for Alan Wilson to step down or be dismissed from office.  At the very least, at this point it should be abundantly clear to everyone (well, almost everyone) that he cannot be trusted to impartially discharge the duties of his office.

***

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63 comments

jimlewisowb April 4, 2016 at 12:17 pm

Always a great day in Carolina when the Cockroaches begin to gnaw on each other

Reply
shifty henry April 4, 2016 at 12:57 pm

‘Dick Harpootlian’s Mini-Me/Sock Puppet/Clone’

Jim, and not even ADULT Cockroaches..!!

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Bible Thumper April 4, 2016 at 1:23 pm

Richard Quinn’s Mini-Me/Sock Puppet/Clone’, Alan Wilson

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Trumpism April 4, 2016 at 2:20 pm

Holy Cow. Fox News is running the story about DC Madam and Ted Cruz. It’s starting to hit the main stream media.

Reply
Annie April 4, 2016 at 2:25 pm

Bet she has some SC numbers! But, they don’t have a Sheriff Metts to cover up the names!
I do hear old James R. plans to get out in May, get a pardon and run for Sheriff again!
Guess the Mafia “gambling ring” and their associates just cannot give up.

CorruptionInColumbia April 4, 2016 at 3:30 pm

Wouldn’t surprise me one bit. And you can bet there would be no shortage of fools standing in line to vote for the old POS, too!

Soft Sigh from Hell April 4, 2016 at 6:34 pm

Who is “Mr. Republican” James R. (Jailbird Jimmie) Metts going to back in the GOP presidential race?.

Bible Thumper April 4, 2016 at 3:46 pm

DC Madam? She’ll never talk. ?

CorruptionInColumbia April 4, 2016 at 4:29 pm

I got my Ouija Board out!

Thomas April 4, 2016 at 6:40 pm

Are the targets of a state grand jury Freemasons? Is Wilson a Freemason or Rotarian? Are any judges on our Supreme Court Freemasons? They always stick together when it comes to advancing careers or preventing criminal prosecutions. Ever notice?

I can’t accept Wilson would throw his career in public service away for a childhood friend, a family acquaintance, or for the Grand Old Party. For a secret blood oath and a fellow ‘brother’ at the Lodge I can see. And if thrown out of office Wilson will land softly in some big law firm ran by fellows with the same associations. SC is chock full of Masons. They command real influences in commerce, law, banking, and public service. They are part and parcel of the establishment.

CorruptionInColumbia April 4, 2016 at 7:07 pm

Good questions, Thomas! I don’t really know the answers to them.

A couple of close family members were Masons, long years ago. They were pretty secretive about it but let a few things slip here and there.

I do recall the stuff about they looked out for each-other, weren’t supposed to run against each-other for public office, and stuff like that.

I recall one instance when a Mason ran against the incumbent Sheriff, who was also a Mason. I don’t know how that played out in their local lodge. Unfortunately, the incumbent remained in office for a couple of additional terms.

I apparently have a mannerism that fits one of their recognition signs because on about three occasions in my life, I have had strangers I was in conversation with ask me something which I didn’t understand and on asking for clarification, they would ask if I “was a brother” or something to that effect. On questioning them further, they just came out and asked if I was a Mason, which of course, I am not.

Slartibartfast April 4, 2016 at 11:31 pm

I married a sock puppet, once. After 16 years I realized it was my own foot. But the sex was great! (OK, that last part was a bit much, but I’m still reconciling Renaissance goat-raising with Greek Tragedians of the late 5thC BCE.)

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shifty henry April 5, 2016 at 12:10 am

A Greek billionaire bought an island upon which to build a palace to honor his family heritage. As he walked with the architect he stopped and pointed to a tree. “That tree must not be disturbed in any way. Under that tree is where I lost my virginity.”

“Aaah, that is so romantic.” replied the architect as he marked it on his papers.

“Also, do not disturb that tree over there,” he again spoke, “because that is where her mother stood and watched us.”

“My heavens,” exclaimed the architect in amazement. “What did her mother say?”

“Baaaaa
..!”

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Guest April 4, 2016 at 12:52 pm

If Matt Moore were smart, he’d stand behind the Attorney General and his office on this one – instead of acting like a pussy and someone’s doormat. Who’s lining Matt’s pockets? He’ll never get my vote again.

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Guest April 4, 2016 at 1:15 pm

Also – why didn’t Matt send out a response in response to the one the Democratic party did? Matt Moore needs to get a backbone.

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CharlieChan April 4, 2016 at 1:21 pm

“Stand behind the Attorney General…” even when he is criminally corrupt? So, that’s the high moral standard of the SCGOP, stand behind the criminals as long as they put an (R) behind their name. The entire SCGOP needs to get a backbone and stop using this state as a personal cash cow.

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Buzz Martin April 4, 2016 at 1:41 pm

SC Dems like Harpootlian, Clyburn and Toal cooperate with the Repubs on much corruption. That is the truth that only a few of us in these comment threads are willing to look at.

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Watching Republicans Squirm April 4, 2016 at 2:12 pm

What do the Democrats have to do with this?Jean Toal is gone.What position does Harpootlian have?

There hasn’t been a Democrat elected to statewide office in SC in TEN YEARS.

This is about a REPUBLICAN AG desperately trying to protect his cronies.

Nothing more,but nice try at diverting attention from that fact .Sort of like what Wilson and his Republican buddies are doing.

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Buzz Martin April 4, 2016 at 4:08 pm

You are like the left-wing (or maybe just blue-dog Dem) version of pogo, the mainstream RINO who pretends to be a crazy-ass far rightie-tightie who worships Grand Tango.

The chamber of commerce has ALL y’all by the balls. And it is actually as close to being a commie organization as you can get, Bizarro Pogo.

Watching Republicans Squirm April 5, 2016 at 8:11 am

Wow!That was quite a comeback there Republican.

Also grossly irrelevant to the point.

Just can’t admit the obvious can you?SC ,in statewide elections ,is a ONE party state and your pathetic attempt to rope some Democrats,two of whom hold No office at all, into this Republican scandal is typical of how you Republicans are always trying to blame someone else for the corruption that daily plagues this state .

You see we are talking about 2016,not twenty. Fifty, or a hundred years ago.Yet ,every time one of these Republican crooks reveal themselves we have to put up with apologists,like you,bemoaning real or imagined stories from the past which,of course, have Nothing to do with the present.

Bible Thumper April 4, 2016 at 1:27 pm

A party official should never insert himself in a criminal investigation, period.
He has done the right thing.

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mamatiger92 April 4, 2016 at 1:51 pm

From the Post & Courier article:
“Your old school SCGOP predecessors would have instinctively opened fire Monday on this whole Democrat driven Harpootlian/Pascoe/SCDP motivated charade without hesitation. That mentality is how we took majority. But that’s your call now,” Walker wrote.

Moore responded: “OK. If you say so. But it’s laughable to think any chairs would run guns blazing into an open criminal investigation. Take off the rose colored glasses man.”

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Tom April 4, 2016 at 1:59 pm

Wow, I mean is that not unbelievable. Typical of the Republican party since Karl Rove. If you don’t want to discuss the issue attack the person. Good for Moore, for not just reflexively continuing to play the same old BS political game, when there are serious issues at stake. If anyone believes the powerless SC Democratic Party, inflicted this wound, they are nuts.

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Jack April 4, 2016 at 2:03 pm

“That mentality is how we took majority”

What a hilarious admission. The Republicans took control by making up crap and smearing people. I never doubted it, but i guess I never thought I would see the day one of them admitted it.

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Bible Thumper April 4, 2016 at 2:11 pm

“Your old school SCGOP predecessors would have instinctively opened fire Monday on this whole Democrat driven Harpootlian/Pascoe/SCDP motivated charade without hesitation. That mentality is how we took majority. But that’s your call now,” Walker wrote.

It is bad enough that “open fire” Is figurative, but let’s remember when to Democrats took over at the end of Reconstruction, the Red Shirts, Gun clubs and KKK opened fire with real guns.

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Watching Republicans Squirm April 4, 2016 at 2:13 pm

Yes let’s go back a hundred and fifty years.

Another typical Republican.

Jack April 4, 2016 at 2:23 pm

Republicans long for those days. Their current membership would be happy going back 150 years in time. Rich old white men running everything is their style. “Gun clubs” and the KKK are all Republican these days.

Jill April 4, 2016 at 2:29 pm

Sounds better than young black thugs and illegal spics burning down our cities and planting their lazy asses on the perpetual welfare rolls.

Flip April 4, 2016 at 2:47 pm

Speak of the devil, one of his agents is here now…

Conservative "values" April 4, 2016 at 3:17 pm

And now we hear from the “conservative values” crowd.

Thump This, Asshole! April 4, 2016 at 4:43 pm

I long suspected it, but today you have proven that you are one stupid motherfucker!

Buzz Martin April 4, 2016 at 1:09 pm

Now I’m conflicted. Who to despise today … Harpootlian or Wilson? Tough choice. Some of y’all know how I feel about Pootie-Poot.

jimlesisowb is right. Fuckin’ cockroaches!

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Poofer April 4, 2016 at 2:29 pm

And most of us don’t give a shit what you think.

Reply
Flip April 4, 2016 at 2:44 pm

Actually most of us like Buzz and don’t give a poo about you.

Reply
Flip April 4, 2016 at 2:44 pm

Actually most of us like Buzz and don’t give a poo about you.

Reply
Buzz Martin April 4, 2016 at 4:04 pm

Thank you. You know, Faux Flip, you are definitely an upgrade from the Flip that is pogo/Poofer, etc.

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flip's youngest son (D) April 4, 2016 at 4:37 pm

Yeah, I wish faux Flip was my dad instead of the NAMBLA member, sick twisted pedophile, perverted shitstain who calls himself Flip/pogo/poofer/fluffer.

flip's youngest son (D) April 4, 2016 at 5:48 pm

Flip works for FitsNews.That wasn’t hard to find out.

flip's youngest son(D) April 4, 2016 at 5:56 pm

Fuck off, dad, you kiddie raper, wart dick motherfucker! Don’t you have a NAMBLA meeting to go to?

Rocky Verdad April 4, 2016 at 8:29 pm

Junior, that’s enough.

flip's youngest son (D) April 4, 2016 at 8:54 pm

Aw, come on Uncle Rocky, it’s so much fun bashing that nitwit blowhard!

Flip April 5, 2016 at 9:01 am

Why thank you. : )

Destroy The Empire April 4, 2016 at 1:21 pm

Major crimes being committed in this matter. Time for people to call the USDOJ in Washington pleading for help from outside the entire state. Lawmakers are totally lawless! …………………………………. NO WONDER HARRELL HAS NOT PROVIDED INFO AND VIOLATED HIS SENTENCING AND PROBATION …. His Probation Better Be Revolt like RIGHT NOW.

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Slartibartfast April 4, 2016 at 11:37 pm

Yeah. The Federal DOJ. That’ll do it. They have a great rep.

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The Water Cooler April 4, 2016 at 1:58 pm

Developing____Rumors in D.C. ___ Special Prosecutor and 25 Federal Agents to be reassigned from other states to South Carolina.

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truthbetole April 4, 2016 at 3:34 pm

Fucked.com

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totally Fed UP!!! April 4, 2016 at 2:20 pm

Right Nixonian don’t you think!
This guy gets more and more disgusting.
The Republican Party seems full of immoral, unethical miscreants!

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9" April 4, 2016 at 2:39 pm

At first I thought that state seal read,ORIFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.Not sure which,but it sounds like he’s gonna be getting a new one…

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CorruptionInColumbia April 4, 2016 at 3:31 pm

Yep!

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TSIB April 4, 2016 at 2:57 pm

I honestly thought Pascoe was a Republican …

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nitrat April 4, 2016 at 6:16 pm

Since Wilson said Pascoe was his 4th or 5th choice (if Wilson isn’t lying about that), can we assume that no Republican solicitors would take the job of investigating their friends and fellow party members in the legislature?
There are no crusading prosecutors of the SCGOP variety, only the grandstanding, railroading variety. Just what the SCGOP voter wants in their Rs.

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SuperDoob April 4, 2016 at 3:35 pm

Has Adam gotten braces yet?

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Mika Johnson April 5, 2016 at 3:03 am

Not nice but I’ve wondered about that as well. Why he hasn’t done something about his grill.

Reply
truthbetole April 4, 2016 at 3:35 pm

“The wheels of justice are about to roll…” to quote a “famous” SC Attorney General. Let’s see who’s next up to pick up the soap! You’re fucked Wilson, Quinn, Jackson….need I continue…. Literally.
Bobby is a good man. Fucking cockroaches.

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truthbetole April 4, 2016 at 3:46 pm

Settle down boys. Prison life ain’t so bad. We’ll make sure your wife is served while you pay your debts to society.

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shifty henry April 4, 2016 at 4:55 pm

A felon was convicted and sent away to the state penitentiary with no chance for parole. His wife came to see him. As they talked, she remembered something and said, “Oh, honey, I just had to tell you — I’m not frigid anymore!”

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shifty henry April 4, 2016 at 4:57 pm

As he waited to be taken down to start his prison term, he was allowed a final minute with his wife.

He said “Listen Susan, prison is a horrible place that changes people for
the worse, and when I come out I doubt I’ll be the same man you know and love. For that reason, I don’t expect you to wait for me, so get on with your life
and try and meet someone else who can hopefully be a father to our children.
Most of all though, just stay strong and be happy.”

“Stay strong?” his wife snapped, “You’re only doing a week for unpaid parking
tickets, you stupid prick!”

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Tig Ol' Bitties April 4, 2016 at 3:55 pm

I don’t know which of these three douchebags will enjoy their time in prison more. At least they’ll have fat boy Quinn’s big ol’ titties to remind them of a woman… not that Piper or Walker would be the least bit interested. For what it’s worth, Tony Denny gets my vote for “most likely to get prison shanked.”

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Thomas April 5, 2016 at 7:01 am

There is a pattern in SC. When our elected get caught, they always angle for the feds to finish them off. Why? The elected know our state prisons are so fouled up, they welcome a federal indictment rather than risk spending a single day in our state prisons. Pontuis Pilate treated his prisoners better the SC does.

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Sic Semper Tyrannis April 4, 2016 at 4:51 pm

A little early for Christmas, but I don’t mind!

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Soft Sigh from Hell April 4, 2016 at 6:37 pm

Tony Bartleme seems to be a pretty good investigative reporter, judged by casual watching over the past several years.

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Lone Ranger April 4, 2016 at 7:17 pm

Alan rebutted on Monday…well at least my pappy Joe was in
the know and wasn’t found to be lying

You know—he didn’t stab SC conservatives by sticking his
head up RINOs Boehner and Paul Ryan

And at least he said Hell no we won’t rip down the flag of patriots
by NOT letting YOU get to vote

And he didn’t give the most incompetent presiDENT in history
fast-track and try to make you a goat

Yep…he and mammy refused that taxpayer-PAID vacation to
Hawaii—their most modest move to date

And of course we KNOW you’ll be slow and reelect Joe and me
the next chance you get…NO…WAIT !!!

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Henry April 4, 2016 at 8:58 pm

Wipe away all the superfluous material and you are left with a judgement call. Wilson and Pascoe disagree, they made their calls, their decisions were not illegal.

Move on, there is nothing to see.

Reply

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