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South Carolina Senator Vows To ‘Unmask’ Controversial Health Czar

“Republican” governor’s controversial nominee faces stiff resistance…

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South Carolina’s “Republican” governor is doubling down on his nomination of a controversial health czar many see as an extension of Anthony Fauci – architect of the heavy-handed, fact-challenged Washington, D.C. Covid-19 regime that nearly ended America’s economy in 2020. Not surprisingly, opposition within the GOP-supermajority Senate to his selection is growing in response to the governor’s recalcitrance.

As of this moment, Dr. Edward Simmer does not have the votes to become the first permanent director of the newly formed S.C. Department of Public Health (SCDPH) – an agency he has led on an interim basis since July 1, 2024. Previously, Simmer led the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) – an agency which was disbanded as part of the Palmetto State’s latest underwhelming government “restructuring” efforts.

“Dr. Edward Simmer joined DHEC in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and immediately proved to be an exceptional leader and invaluable member of Team South Carolina,” S.C. governor Henry McMaster noted last November in nominating Simmer. “As interim director of DPH, he has successfully guided the agency through a smooth transition, once again proving he is the right person to lead. I am grateful for his continued commitment to serving our state and know he will build upon the progress he has made in advancing public health in South Carolina.” 

McMaster is facing withering criticism for his choice – with members of the S.C. Freedom Caucus in particular voicing their staunch opposition to Simmer.

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“South Carolina deserves leadership that prioritizes our freedoms, respects evidence, and stands firm against the overreach of unelected bureaucrats,” state representative April Cromer, a leader of the caucus, told FITSNews. “Dr. Edward Simmer’s track record reveals a troubling commitment to failed policies — from advocating ineffective mandates and shutdowns to pushing divisive DEI agendas. Appointing Dr. Simmer to lead the Department of Public Health is not a fresh start — it’s a return to the very overreach and mismanagement South Carolinians have fought to reject.”

Cromer also noted that installing a Fauci-style bureaucrat goes against the “Make America Healthy Again” mantle being advanced by president-elect Donald Trump and his incoming health czar in Washington D.C., Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

“The MAHA movement is about restoring accountability and putting South Carolinians first, not Washington bureaucrats or corporate interests,” she said. “I urge governor McMaster and the Senate to reject this appointment and choose leadership that truly represents the will of the people.”

Cromer and her caucus colleagues in the House are not the only ones raising the alarm. Simmer’s nomination – assuming it reaches the floor of the Senate – will face stiff headwinds from GOP lawmakers there.

State senator Matt Leber, a Republican from Johns Island, S.C., told FITSNews he planned on putting several pointed questions to Simmer during the confirmation process. Leber said he currently “lacks confidence” in McMaster’s choice – although he acknowledged many senators “remain open to (Simmer’s) nomination.”

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“I recognize the Senate’s crucial advisory role and intend to fulfill it diligently,” Leber said. “Dr. Simmer will be given a full and fair hearing. Prior to our vote, I have requested, through FOIA, documents pertaining to his communications with the CDC, WHO, NIH, and other relevant entities concerning business and school closings, masking requirements and vaccine policies. I am particularly interested in understanding his stance on how these policies affected children and businesses during the COVID-19 period.”

According to Leber, Simmer’s nomination “will depend significantly on the clarity and the transparency of these documents and his responses during the hearing.”

“My questions for him at his hearing will be based on forthcoming evidence and his answers will likely be a very important deciding factor in whether he is confirmed,” Leber said.

One senator who is decidedly not open to Simmer’s nomination is Josh Kimbrell of Boiling Springs, S.C.

“I opposed Dr. Simmer’s re-nomination as director in 2024, because I feel that his legacy at DHEC (now the Department of Health), is one of undermining individual rights in healthcare decisions, expanded bureaucracy, and a die-hard dedication to a progressive, political ideology that better fits with Bidenomics than South Carolina values,” Kimbrell said.

To be installed as SCDPH director on a permanent basis, Simmer would need 24 votes from the Senate. Assuming all twelve Democratic senators vote for him, that would mean he would need votes from 12 “Republicans.” According to our sources, Simmer is currently well short of that mark with only two GOP senators on the record supporting him and three (3) others indicating they are likely to back his nomination.

Count on FITSNews to keep tabs on Simmer’s controversial confirmation process as it moves forward… obviously a failed confirmation would be a body blow to McMaster, who is already something of a lame duck governor as he winds down his second full term in office.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …

Will Folks on phone
Will Folks (Brett Flashnick)

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 eight children.

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2 comments

Balaboosta Top fan January 19, 2025 at 9:11 am

Simmer’s not the only one. McMaster nominated Eunice Medina — a far left wing liberal — to head SCDHHS.

Reply
SUSAN FORD January 21, 2025 at 4:43 pm

SOUTH CAROLINA DOES NOT NEED A HEALTH CZAR. NO SHUTDOWNS, NO FORCED CRAPPY VACCINES OR ANY OTHER KINDS OF FORCED “SHOTS’ OR MEDICATIONS

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