Legislators fear governor has 'hit list'
COLUMBIA — For years, Bobby Harrell has done as little political fundraising as possible — usually just a letter to past donors, maybe a casual picnic for supporters at $25 a family.
In a state Legislature in which half the members often run unopposed, and powerful lawmakers such as Harrell rarely face a serious challenge, that has always been enough.
But with campaign filing still weeks away, the House Speaker already has held three fundraisers and has three more on the books. Several other influential incumbents, including Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, have raised more money to date than they spent in their last re-election bids, and many others are trying to do the same.
They feel like they must, because they might be on The List.
Ken Hawkins/The Post and Courier
From left to right, Sen. Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, Rep. Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, and Rep. Dan Cooper, R-Piedmont.
Rumors of a legislative "hit list" have been around so long it has become a Statehouse legend — an almost mythical sheet of paper said to hold the names of state lawmakers Gov. Mark Sanford wants to get rid of, at least politically.
Sanford insists no such list exists, but he makes no secret of the fact that he has, and might again, endorse challengers to incumbents with whom he disagrees.
No one at the Statehouse disputes the governor's right to campaign for or against whomever he wants; but they fear that political action committees friendly to Sanford's causes, and operated by his friends, are recruiting opponents with the promise of out-of-state campaign funding.
It is enough to make everyone, no matter how comfortable, take notice.
"Nobody likes to raise money," said Harrell, R-Charleston, who has $230,000 in his war chest for this year's election, "but when you hear rumors all the time that someone is looking for an opponent for you, you realize you'd better. I don't know that there is a hit list. But the reality is you'd better take the rumors seriously."
Most lawmakers are doing just that. Quietly, many incumbents are holding fundraisers in Columbia every night the General Assembly is in session, casual drop-ins nestled among the almost nightly receptions. Some insiders call the fundraising frenzy an electoral arms race, the idea being that you are less likely to draw an opponent if you are sitting on a sizeable amount of campaign cash.
"I don't think I'm on any list," said McConnell, R-Charleston, who has raised nearly $500,000 this cycle, "but I'm not taking any chances. I am putting together a rather large re-election fund."
The rift exists
The List, whether real or not, is symbolic of five years of eroding relations. The rift between governor and Legislature has been growing so long it's hard to say exactly how it all started — personality conflicts, differing philosophies or political styles.
In short, Sanford complains that the Legislature isn't fiscally responsible enough and is unwilling to make the monumental changes needed to reform state government. Lawmakers complain that Sanford isn't pragmatic enough about what can be done and bristle at what they describe as his "my-way-or-the-highway" approach, his vetoes of programs they deem worthy.
Sanford contends he is just doing what he was elected to do: bring the government into modern times, regardless of party; and he's having to drag some people kicking and screaming.
"A lot of people get on their surfboard, paddle out, catch the next big wave and ride it," Sanford said. "We're trying to create the next big political wave."
Part of the problem here centers on the Budget and Control Board, a state agency that handles much of South Carolina's administrative functions — things that, in other states, a governor controls. Although Sanford is chairman of the Budget and Control Board, he often doesn't have the votes to do the things he wants. That's because of two legislators on the board, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dan Cooper, R-Piedmont, and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence.
Clearly there is bad blood there. Cooper said political groups friendly to the governor have tried to recruit at least two people to run against him. That same year, as Sanford was predicting budget shortfalls and urging spending cuts, Leatherman quipped that "Chicken Little is again roosting at the Statehouse." The next year, when a budget shortfall estimate surfaced, Sanford issued an "I-told-you-so" press release, reprinting Leatherman's remarks.
Cooper and Leatherman both said that if The List exists, they are on it. But Sanford said it's just an urban legend.
"There is no hit list," Sanford said. "It would be foolish for me to say, 'I think I'll take on the House and Senate.' "
But that doesn't mean the governor would not campaign against some people.
"If someone ran against Senator Leatherman, I'd probably support them," Sanford said.
Leatherman said it's no secret he and the governor don't get along and added that it would be "disastrous" for Sanford to control all state government functions. But he said he'd feel that way about any governor. Leatherman casts their differences in economics — he's for the little guy, Sanford's proposals are aimed at helping the wealthy.
Leatherman said that if a List exists, he's ready. He has raised nearly $600,000 for his re-election campaign so far.
"This seat doesn't belong to me, it belongs to the people of Florence County," Leatherman said. "I've been in the trenches before; I don't mind going back."
Rumors of The List
Last year, Sen. Larry Martin, R-Pickens, heard a rumor that he was on The List. Rather than speculate about it or fret over it, he called Sanford directly.
"He told me there is no list and I take him at his word," Martin said. "But I've had some contributions coming my way because other people believe it's true."
Others have not taken things so calmly. Sen. Jake E. Knotts, R-West Columbia, said Sanford's friends are behind a nasty rumor about him. That has put the former police detective on a personal quest to ferret out Sanford's actions. Knotts said last year that $101,000 left over from a governors convention that Sanford donated to Carolinians for Reform Inc. was for campaigns against those on The List.
State Rep. Bill Cotty, R- Columbia, said some of Sanford's supporters — if not the governor himself — were behind a rough campaign waged against him in 2006. Even though Cotty said he votes with Sanford more than almost anyone in the Legislature, he didn't support a voucher and tax credit program to allow children to attend private schools.
And that, he said, is what got him on The List.
Cotty won re-election but said he won't run again. He said it's not because he's afraid he's on The List.
"I was in the campaign from hell," he said. "I am a survivor. Billy won. I don't have any question I could win again. I'm very fortunate. I have an electorate that's not one-issue-oriented, that's willing to listen, and they know me."
Fears about The List
Fear of The List not only is pushing fundraising efforts, Sanford said it also has had the Legislature toying with some unconstitutional ideas to tie his hands.
Last month, the Senate considered imposing reporting standards on organizations associated with elected officials. The bill was, most concede, all about The List. It would have made it illegal for an elected official to organize "political awareness organizations," a moniker some groups use to claim they are not political action committees.
Eventually, the bill was sent back to committee, where it likely will stay. The idea was impractical, some lawmakers say.
Of course, by that measure, a hit list also is impractical. Even if Leatherman or Cooper is defeated, a Sanford ally would not necessarily take his place on the Budget and Control Board. Replacements come from the ranks of senior incumbents, who probably have views similar to the legislative leaders.
"In order to really change the face of the General Assembly, they would have to defeat 30 to 35 members," Harrell said.
That's a tall order, one that no one — not even the secret keepers of a hit list — could pull off. But that doesn't mean people aren't taking this all seriously.
Sen. Paul Campbell, R-Goose Creek, laughs at the idea of a political hit squad being after him. But he admits that many lawmakers take it a lot more seriously than UFO reports and Bigfoot sightings.
"The governor said there is no list," he said, "but a lot of people in this chamber believe there is."
Reach Brian Hicks at 937-5561 or bhicks@postandcourier.com. Reach Yvonne Wenger at ywenger@postandcourier.com or 803-799-9051.
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Comments
This article has 20 comment(s)
Posted by Paul on February 26, 2008 at 5:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree turn all of them out !
Posted by BobH1962 on February 26, 2008 at 6:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Politics at it's finest and the scary part is that Governor Sanford is on the list as possible Vice President candidates. Look at what he has done to South Carolina and now people are considering him as a possible candidate for Vice President. If they think the country has problems now make Sanford Vice President and see how fast things get worse. As far as a "hit list", should we be surprised, absolutely not, sounds typical, this time it just happened to be brought to the publics attention so they voters actually know how the goverment of South Carolina is really run. That is why we as citizens of South Carolina need to say "NO MORE", get rid of all the "Good Old Boys" and get some new faces who might actually think about the voters and not themselves.
Posted by lillycollette on February 26, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Perhaps the dread of a possible political hit list being used by the executive branch is rooted in the legislative knowledge of having used such tactics themselves? (Do unto other’s et. seq.)
Say has anybody seen John Kuhn lately?
Posted by carolinadude on February 26, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks again to the Post and Courier for this forum!!
I agree with the sentiment shared above that it's time to throw the corrupt rascals out of office. Professional politicians "are part of the problem". These guys have all "been there too long". If our state government is to truly be of, by and for the people, we must turn the rascals out on a regular basis. These guys have for decades refused to allow initiative and referendum legislation to pass which inevitably leads to term limits. They know this and are therefore a huge problem that the voters must purge. However I see no one "stepping up" to run against them.
Posted by BillytheKid on February 26, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Remember Operation Lost Trust .... several SC State Law Makers Were Charged and Indicted For Corruption."
What a joke that was, the fed's had them taking bribes on video and the "State" took over the prosecution and no one went to jail and half of the bums were re-elected. Seems like there were some technical problems with the case, like the state didn’t want to win and screwed up on purpose. I had always believed that the “operation” was getting too close to some “big” fish and was stopped because of that.
Electing new people, anyone, is better than the system we have now. We are one of the worst states and all the News programs make fun of us because of the mess we are in. Get rid of the old school and put in some new minds to fix this state. And yes, it will cost some money. That is something Sanford does not understand.
Posted by carolinadude on February 26, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just a reminder to my regular friends in the comment section, Mark Sanford did the honorable thing when he was elec ted to Congress to pledge to limit himself to 6 years in Washington. He obviously realized the danger of having entrenched politicians in Washington or Columbia. In retrospect, the only thing that could have made the pledge more honorable would have been to make it four years. At the 6 year limit, they qualify for federal retirement compliments of the taxpayer. THROW THE RASCALS OUT!!!
Posted by sgtwitherspoon on February 26, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I trust that Mr. Sanford is a decent and well intentioned leader. He has tried, unsuccessfully, to bring the state's budget under control. Every genuinely good act that he has committed has been blocked or over-ridden by the state legislature. It seems to me that he's not the one with the hit list. Since the beginning the state legislature has black-balled him. I suspect that most of them, not all of them, are not serving in the interest of the good of the citizens. I believe that it is time for more transparency in this government. The old "plantation elite" principle has to expire, now.
Posted by trod1 on February 26, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sanford should go with them.he or his appointed" boys" have screwed some of the employees who work for them.lowering wages below industry standards.going with private insurances over the
state employees plan which is much better.but still wanting you
to pay into the state retirement system.let me clarify that,they don't actually want you to pay in but with out the contributions their retirement system will collapse.i personally will be voting against him and numerous other politicians in office .
Posted by grainofsalt on February 26, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree, MA. ... Harpo and Bob - you believe Sanford is in big business' pockets and "look at what he has done?" Could you be a little more specific? Just an example or two will do.
And Trod, I usually don't go for the cheap shot, but can't help it this time. I have to assume you are a state employee for two reasons: one, as best as I can decipher, you pay into the state retirement plan, and two, because your communication skills are worse than my 5 year old nephew's. ;-)
Look, Sanford may not be perfect, but when was the last time we had a governor that didn't play along with everything that his party wanted? Yes, there are rifts between Sanford and some of the Democrats AND some of the Republicans. He has bucked the Bubba system and the Bubbas on both sides of the aisle don't like it. It just makes me admire him all the more. I interviewed Sanford back when we was in Congress and still don't know that I've ever met a politician like him - one that actually had very specific ideas about how to get things done as opposed to speaking in sound bites and platitudes.
I am so less-than-overjoyed with our choice of presidential candidates, I may not have been following every news report the way I should. That Sanford is on a list of potential VP candidates is news to me. But it's good news. I'd elect a pragmatist like him in a heartbeat.
Posted by trod1 on February 26, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I had forgotten the two term limit. i didnt vote for the{ad your adjective here}last time.i just know he appointed a few people who have done everything they can to put the screws to
a few hundred employees.like for instance did 3 studies to find the appropriate wages.the first two studies says under paid or around where they should be paid the third study says over paid.so they lock in on number three then to cap it all off they remove us from state insurance although we still pay into state retirement.which causes insurance to jump from 350 a month{not bad}to around 600 a month with the worst coverage i have ever hadthen you freeze/limit my wages.which also happens to be the same plan that said appointed provides to his employees at the several businesses he owns.{i.e.kickback}my point is the gov stinks just as much as the legislature.
Posted by trod1 on February 26, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Its obvious om not an english major dude.i just want to be treated fairly for the work i do by my employer.im good at my job as are most of my coworkers.it ticks me off that someone directly appointed by him.turns around shafts the employees that work for him with out knowing a thing about the industry.i will never ever vote for sanford if he runs for any office again .as i doubt most state employees will either.
just to give you a idea how bad the insurance plan is doctors care wouldn't even accept it for the first 4 months.
Posted by goodkarmasc on February 26, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is what happens when you blindly pull the trigger on the person that has the (R) by their name. (Or for that matter the (D)!)
It's unfortunate that we have turned out some good people for public office simply based on party loyalty. The people of South Carolina paid the price when we blindly voted Democrat back in the 70s and 80s, and now we pay the price by voting blindly Republican.
Examine and vote based on merit, credentials, background, ideas and ideals....not party.
Posted by KidYendor on February 26, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We should follow Gov. Sanford's endorsements to support, fund, and vote for candidates who will always be on his side of real conservatism and thriftiness. As for Cotty, how can a republican not support school vouchers and tax credits? Oh yeah I forgot, republicans don't stick by their alleged principles. We are on your side Gov. Sanford! Point out liberals in Columbia who you want out and we will work to kick them out.
Posted by ChrisPia on February 26, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Governor sanford Needs to Form a task Force to Combat Government Corruption.It is Duly Needed.
Posted by crankyyankee on February 26, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The list of legislators elected by the State's voters is a tesimonial to the ignorance that has manifested itself in this State for the last one hundred years or more. If you keep the public uneducated and uninformed you get Lindey Graham's, Glenn McConnel's, Bobby Harrell's and Hugh Leatherman's and such as leaders. This is one change that is not coming, even if Obama is elected. Build your string bean museums and loan Cabela's millions in investment capital without payback to locate here. Your leadership is a direct reflection of you and it ain't pretty! I know, I know, we lead the nation in teen pregnancies and spousal obuse and we're in the top ten in violent crimes but these aren't things you want to excell in. Honest, I promise you!
Posted by wheels2u666 on February 26, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"you be fo me,,,,, I be fo you""
trivia ques of the day, Who said this?
some things never change!! sad to say.
Sanford tried to make changes ,
Posted by ChrisPia on February 26, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't know if The Idea is a good one though.How do youform this task force without political influence and funding.
Posted by carolinadude on February 26, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Goodkarmasc,
You're absolutely correct that we the people need to cease and desist voting based upon party. It must become "all about ideology" if we are to survive as a republic. We are truly in "a culture war" as Bill Oreilly says so vividly.
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by magoo on February 26, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You people need to quit voting for the incumbent, it would be better to vote for no one the to vote for someone you dont like. That way the incumbent can actually see how many voters want him in, or dont want him in.
Posted by Carolina_Politics on February 26, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
List or no list I feel this is healthy for our state democracy. No legislator should feel safe in their seat. When they feel safe they stop doing the work of the people and start enriching themselves instead. It’s the fear that this next election could be their last that keeps them honest, somewhat anyway.
http://www.carolinapoliticsonline.com