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You don’t have to look far for signs which reveal the true nature of South Carolina “Republicans.” Consider their ongoing addiction to big government, their institutional enabling of corruption and their whorish devotion to corporate cronyism, to name just a few.
Oh, and let’s not forget party leaders’ ongoing efforts to oust the handful of GOP lawmakers who dare to stand on the principles the party purports to represent…
The Palmetto State may be bright red, but its legislature is anything but… and the anemic outcomes produced by this limp-wristed GOP “supermajority” bear witness to a deeper ideological anemia.
The latest indicator of the extent to which South Carolina Republicans are infected with left-leaning woke rot is the tale of S.C. House reading clerk James L. Mann “Bubba” Cromer Jr.
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For those of you unfamiliar with the position of reading clerk, it is the No. 2 administrative post in the chamber – and is elected every two years by the members of the House of Representatives.
Cromer was elected reading clerk on December 1, 1998 – four years after the GOP claimed control of the House. He has continued in this role for the past 26 years, during which time “Republicans” have swelled their ranks within the chamber. While Cromer has made waves with some GOP lawmakers for his love of drag queens (and other public flamboyances), few minded his flair for the dramatic so long as he kept his political persuasion to himself and did his job within the chamber.
This most recent election cycle, however, Cromer came completely out of the closet – and some would say completely unhinged – as a hardcore #NeverTrumper. Throughout the 2024 election cycle, Cromer littered his Facebook feed with all manner of broadsides against U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and his running mate, vice president-elect JD Vance – touting his allegiance to the Kamala Harris/Tim Walz ticket.
When Trump won, Cromer posted how he was barely able to make it out of bed the next day…
Cromer also endorsed a Democrat over a Republican in a competitive House district, reportedly drawing the ire of the ruling GOP caucus (which invested heavily in unseating the Democrat candidate).
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Certainly, Cromer is well within his right to endorse anyone he chooses – for president, state lawmaker or dogcatcher. He is also well within his right to express whatever views he chooses on his social media. But… are GOP lawmakers (who continue veering wildly to the left despite their “conservative” rhetoric) really obligated to continuing electing him? And continue giving him a massive taxpayer-funded annual salary plus benefits?
No, they are not…
The upcoming election of House staffers is by no means worth labeling as a “litmus test” for members. The upcoming vote does not impact public policy, and has no bearing on the ideological direction of the chamber. FITSNews will be tracking and grading state lawmakers on their votes this year, but whom they choose to serve as their glorified errand boys is of no consequence to us.
It is telling, however – especially for S.C. House speaker Murrell Smith – and could be the first opportunity for conservative lawmakers relentlessly targeted by the establishment to showcase the true nature of the ruling “supermajority.”
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
Will Folks is the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. Prior to founding FITSNews, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and seven children.
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6 comments
The Job of the Reading Clerk is to Read the Bills across the desk. Cromer is an Excellent reader and Keeps up with the calendar and does not include his political ideals during the House session. If anything from the outside looking in he appears to get along well with the Speaker and Speaker Pro Temp. Making Comments about a man with a 26 year career just because you don’t like his politics and he works for State Government you will be cleaning House at a lot of Places. Mr. Cromer did not run for Political office and he is well qualified for his job. Should everyone who holds a job in the State be a member of the far right now? This is just an observation but has he done something wrong or just post his opinion on a personal Facebook page?
Definition: A Reading Clerk is responsible for the reading of all bills, resolutions, amendments, motions and Presidential Messages that come before the House; reports formally to the Senate all legislative actions taken by the House.
Looks like it’s about time for FITS to learn the meanings of “rabid” and “liberal.” Looks like you’ve become a MAGA shill, and nothing more. Leave qualified civil servants alone!
It’s because of how many of those legislators have been at his wild drag queen parties. Bet me.
No, because you would likely win .y monry.
Isn’t this the clown who hosted the drag show on state property? That’s all that one needs to know
If one would take the time to look, one might see that Mr. Cromer was in fact supporting former governor Nikki Haley. Perhaps he started supporting Harris, because he found it hard to support a womanizing, narcissistic criminal to once again be the leader of our nation.