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Lt Gov
Mar 9, 2012 15:53:18 GMT -5
Post by Jack Frost on Mar 9, 2012 15:53:18 GMT -5
S.C.'s corrupt Lt Governor Ken Ard has now resigned (hours before being indicted), and S.C. Senate President Glen McConnell has taken his place.
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Lt Gov
Mar 10, 2012 8:53:45 GMT -5
Post by gunsey2u on Mar 10, 2012 8:53:45 GMT -5
So, let's examine the new one. Is he just another good 'ole boy?
I don't trust ANY politician.
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Lt Gov
Mar 10, 2012 10:20:03 GMT -5
Post by elephant on Mar 10, 2012 10:20:03 GMT -5
My impression of Ard was that I never felt like I knew enough about him (pre-election). I do not remember who I voted for in the primary but know it wasn't him. I could never find in the information about his education so I assume he did not go to/graduate from college.
Seems that folks that know him consider him to be a nice and "honest" guy - though not the smartest. From the charges it seems he both did not keep good records (I'm guilty of that) and made some poor judgements. I have not read everything but it seems that for the most part he was using his own money but that he donated some money in other folks' name to make it appear his support was wider than it may have been.
and he probably should have resigned earlier. Sounds like a bunch of stupid stuff.
Don't really know anything much about S.C. Senate President Glen McConnell except that being the Lt Gov is a step down, but gather he is doing it because constitutionally he is supposed to. (Lt Gov has no real power in SC - Gov has little power.)
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Lt Gov
Mar 10, 2012 17:11:20 GMT -5
Post by Jack Frost on Mar 10, 2012 17:11:20 GMT -5
Ard was giving cash to people, and in turn they would cut a check to his campaign (to make it look like people were lining up to donate to him, making him the presumed front-runner). That's very much illegal, and he knew it, and knew about it. That's why he plead guilty. Several of his staff also came forward yesterday, and said that he was having an affair with a long-time employee. Sorry, I don't think he's a "nice guy," but that's just my opinion. In fact, when the judge was told of Ard's good character and how well he was liked by his community, the judge replied, "Perhaps they haven't read the indictment." "In summary, the State Grand Jury charges Mr. Ard with a scheme, developed as part of his candidacy for Lt. Governor, to create the false appearance of a groundswell of political support through fictitious or bogus campaign contributions. These donations to Mr. Ard's campaign were not a genuine demonstration of financial support. Instead, they represented cash in the amount of $75,000 which was funneled from Mr. Ard to others and ultimately back to his campaign as purported contributions from citizens in the community." ~ Attorney General, Alan WilsonGlen McConnell just took a huge demotion. He's been in the Senate for 31 years. His position as Senate President, and head of very important committees, made him unquestionably the most powerful (and highest paid) legislator in S.C. He is the man who runs South Carolina government. Even the office of Governor would be a step down from the power he wields. He is definitely part of the good ol boy's club, however, as Lt Gov, he really has very little power at all. Personally though, I've always liked McConnell. He's the most skilled parliamentarian this state has seen in decades. He's a down to earth proud Southerner, and he's smart too. He's a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, was a leader in the raising of the H. L. Hunley, and was the person directly responsible for having the Confederate flag raised at the Confederate monument after it was taken off the Statehouse. I don't always agree with him (Boeing for example), but heck, I don't always agree with anyone. I wouldn't mind seeing McConnell as Governor - he would be a helluva lot better than the one we've got. Part of McConnell's statement:“My entire political career, I have fought to uphold the Constitution, and I will not stop today no matter how difficult it may be to me personally. It is more important that I exercise the duties of the office for which I have been elected and uphold my oath. I will not contort the words of both the Constitution and my oath of office to keep a position that I might personally prefer.
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