Rose defeats Randy Scott to reclaim seat
Mike Rose
Summerville lawyer and businessman Mike Rose reclaimed the Senate District 38 seat Tuesday with a narrow win over Republican incumbent Randy Scott, whose April 19 DUI arrest and subsequent actions likely doomed his hopes of a second term.
Rose led Scott by a 52 percent to 48 percent margin with all precincts reporting, according to unofficial results.
Many considered Rose the underdog after he filed in March, but things changed dramatically after a Dorchester County sheriff's deputy charged Scott with DUI.
Scott, who has feuded with outgoing Sheriff Ray Nash, claimed the charge was politically motivated. A magistrate dismissed the case late last month, but prosecutors vowed to appeal.
While Rose didn't dwell on the DUI charge during the campaign, he did discuss tape recordings of conversations between Scott and his wife that the Dorchester County jail made the night of his arrest. Scott later apologized for those remarks, but Rose said Scott abused his office by trying to get special treatment from magistrates.
Rose, who held the state Senate seat from 1989 to 1997, said he didn't talk with Scott on Tuesday night. Asked what role Scott's arrest played in the outcome, Rose said he did not know. "The voters had their own reasons for voting as they did. I just can't speculate how much one factor counted versus another," Rose said. "I thought I could win when I ran based upon my past record and vision for the future."
Scott, who could not be reached, campaigned on his record of providing community service and has said he didn't expect the DUI charge to determine Tuesday's primary.
"I think the people know that I've done a good job and people know I've been a good senator and before that I was a hard-working county councilman," he said previously. "People will stick with me."
In the end, they didn't. Rose faces no Democrat on the ballot this fall.
Reach Robert Behre at rbehre@postandcourier.com or 937-5771.
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Comments
This article has 51 comment(s)
Posted by jcg04 on June 11, 2008 at 5:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Trust me Harpo, In my opinion Dorchester County came up on the short end of the stick on this one!
Posted by Deborah on June 11, 2008 at 6:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a sad day. They let a good man slip through the cracks. Dorchester County is in even more of a world of trouble than before. Thank God for one thing. They did allow the right man to become Sheriff. Whatever you do Randy, continue to let your light shine. The truth will be known. Give it time!
Posted by fockerout on June 11, 2008 at 7:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Randy Scott-Just call Reese Joye. He'll take care of your non-elected ass!
Posted by Deborah on June 11, 2008 at 7:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sir, I hope you will never need a good defense lawyer because it would be so satisfying to see you eat CROW. Have a wonderful day.
Posted by concernedlocal on June 11, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Deborah, Reese Joye is a DUI attorney. Andy Savage would be the attorney to hire if you needed a defense lawyer.
Posted by Lois_Lane on June 11, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Scott got his sentence. The people have spoken. Stupid is as stupid does. Goes to show that you treat law enforcement with respect, no matter who you are.
Posted by notafan on June 11, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Early - he probablt only had two glasses of wine while he was at a church auction.
Posted by JohnS on June 11, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mike Rose should be thanking Ray Nash today.
Posted by highclass on June 11, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dorchester County got this one wrong. We got rid of Rose before and I am quite sure we will have to get rid of him again.
Posted by Floger76 on June 11, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This Rose comes with a lot of thorns....
Posted by scchickens on June 11, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Scott stood for the people. He is common folk for common folks. Thieving Ray Nash screwed us again. Scott is one of the brave folks who pushed for the jail audit that found thousands of missing dollars. He helped cut Nashs' side money off. The false DUI was payback. We got rid of Rose once before because he was a do nothing JOKE. His time will be limited. I assume Scott will run again and I hope the people are a lot smarter than what they were this time. Next time pay attention to the mans voting record and not the circus side shows.
Posted by Floger76 on June 11, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Scott will be going back to trial, and I don't believe the DCSD will look too good when everything comes out. I would bet that there are not many on this post that remember why Rose got the boot his first trip up to Columbia. Besides that, have you ever stood close to him??? He really stinks!!! Really, really bad B.O.!!!
Posted by UberBlitzkrieg on June 11, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Deborah forgot something.
"They let a good (for nothing) man slip through the cracks"
Posted by Deborah on June 11, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You go scchickens, you told it as you see it. My kind of people.
Posted by forget on June 11, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Like I said on another post, Knight, Rosebrock, Rose....what year is it in Dorchester County?
Posted by concernedlocal on June 11, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
scchickens - we were paying attention to the mans voting record.
Posted by jblakeslee on June 11, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am really not sure how Randy Scott got as much of the vote as he did. You can pick one of two choices concerning him: He was DUI and acted like a complete jerk during the entire process, could not say his ABC'S Or count backwards......or.....
He was sober and still acted like a complete jerk, trying to use his "status" as a state senator, and his "friends" to get him out of the mess, and still could not say his ABC's or count backwards, even when sober.....
The Majority of the people figured out that either way he was not a good canidate for the Job.
Posted by concernedlocal on June 11, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's see, there's the green bean museum, the hot air balloon festival, should I say more?
Posted by SCHoser on June 11, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Damn glad I don't live in Dorchester County!!! Anyone on this board who says they wouldn't try any means necessary to get out of a false arrest-or any for that matter-is A BOLD FACED LIAR! If any one of you were in a high position or EVEN KNEW someone who was, you would be making calls to get out. People do that every single day-get in trouble, who can I call??? And yes, I would be extremely piss'd off at the (false)arrest to begin with and would probably act as such. Dorchester County has been a corrupt cesspool for a long time, and looks like that trend will continue. Dorchester County residents/voters have spoken, now reap your reward!!!
Posted by jblakeslee on June 11, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Strange: All the Randy Scott supporters firmly support the innocent until proven guilty position in his DUI case, but they also what to say Nash is guilty of "Thieving" even though he has NEVER BEEN CHARGED with ANYTHING (Scott has).....how do you spell the hyprocrite?
Posted by forget on June 11, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SCHoser - most of us don't put ourselves in the position that we need "help" getting out of trouble. Most of the time, those who find themselves in those predicaments, have put themselves there. I have a contact in the Dorch. County Sheriff's office and he said that Mr. Scott was "under the influence". He had nothing to do with the arrest. Was just in the are when he was brought in.
Posted by Floger76 on June 11, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jblakeslee - I do not believe that Ray Nash is a thief. I do believe he put his trust in at least one thief. I think Ray Nash is guilty of incredibly poor judgement. And, when Mr. Scotts case goes back to trial (and it will), it will be interesting to see everything that comes out. Look for Mr. Roses name to come up again.
Posted by jblakeslee on June 11, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Forget: Glad you brought that up: I too have a close friend you was "around" when Mr. Scott was brought in. I have known this person since he was a young boy, and have complete trust and faith in his integerity and honesty.....He tells me that Mr. Scott was under the influence without a doubt.....but that has not been proven in a court and probably never will be......so, he is innocent until proven guilty.......
But, like I said earlier: How can a sober person forget their ABC's not be able to count backwards?
Posted by jblakeslee on June 11, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Floger76: Your correct, You did not, and I was not quoting you......sorry if you thought I was.....
We have all at one point in time put our judgement in someone who maybe did not deserve it......and lots of times it has come back to bite us in the rear.....maybe that is what Nash has done....I hope we do find out and I will be the first to admit I was wrong if and when the time comes.....
The point I wanted to make is that he (Nash) deserves the same as the Randy Scott's supporters say about him: Innocent until proven guilty......
Posted by bushnell on June 11, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I believe the voters have spoken. I am glad to see Mike Rose back in the Senate. We will now have a Senator that takes the time to research the issues, seek advice from experts on the issues, and formulate an educated decision. We may not always agree but I know he does not make decisions with out taking the time to properly formulate his position. He has always been available to the public. He has his website with his home phone number and email on it. I was proud to cast my vote for Mike Rose. He stood firm against the lies that were thrown at him throughout the campaign.
Posted by forget on June 11, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Proven or not in court, his integrity as a person, a leader in our community, and as a family man was shot down. A reason enough not to vote for him. For me anyway.
Posted by zoomru on June 11, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I sure wish a truck driver, nurse, fireman, teacher, church secretary, quick mart cashier, jiffylube guy, engineer, drive thru cashier, bank teller...or any other regular folk that is honest would run?? No agendas, paybacks, or favors to be rewarded. Just honest everyday South Carolinian concerns respected.
Posted by Floger76 on June 11, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jblakeslee - No, I didn't think you were pointing your finger at me, I was only commenting on my position.
I would not be surprised to find out that Mr. Scott was under the influence. He most likely blew a zero because he didn't blow at all. Like I said before, it will go back to trial, but who knows what the outcome will be. But lets also look to see if Mike Rose was in the loop on the night of Randy Scotts arrest.
Unfortunately, on these posts, there is very little innocent until proven guilty......
Posted by concernedlocal on June 11, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why it is relevant that Mike Rose may have been told about the arrest before the public?
Posted by hillbilly on June 11, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If scott is lucky he will ask for an get a continuance in his DUI trial.
Maybe it will be rescheduled after LC takes office so his buddy can help him out of the mess HE created.
Posted by Floger76 on June 11, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
concernedlocal-"Why it is relevant that Mike Rose may have been told about the arrest before the public?"
If that is all that it is, then it is no big deal at all. However, if he was contacted, or consulted, prior to Scott being pulled over, that would raise some questions.
Posted by thevilleslr on June 11, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SCHoser I completely agree! Any average person in Scott's position the night of his arrest would have done the same thing! The difference here being that he's a known name - a politician. If it were you or I, no one would've been the wiser to whatever phone calls were made on our own behalf.
I'm looking forward to Rose proving his inability - just not looking forward to the harm it will bring to our citizens.
Posted by jblakeslee on June 11, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Coldbeer: Thanks!
Forget: Your right, his integerity was shot to pieces by his own actions.....I think that had more of an influence on voters than the arrest.
Most people like to focus in on the breath test reading 0.00 and therefore say someone is innocent.
A person can be convicted for DUI even if it is under .08%, It is not just the breath test alone that proves guilt. Everything is considered, the field test, the video/audio, the smell of alcohol on the person or in the vehicle, how they were driving, the officers observations, etc.....
Posted by SCHoser on June 11, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
forget-I understand what you are saying, that most here are perfect and would NEVER get in trouble, but that is a mute point. Anyone here or anywhere, whether it be their own fault or not, would do what they could to stay/get out of trouble, especially in shaky circumstances such as these. It is human nature. I am not saying he wasn't dui at all. The cops bungled this from the very beginning. They damn well knew this would be under a microscope, and to not have all the i's dotted and t's crossed is just plain incompetence. I see points on both sides of the issue. I just hate seeing people bash the man for doing the very same thing they would do if they were in this position. If people felt they were being falsely arrested-esp for political gain-I think they would be pretty piss'd and they would show it. And I for one am not about to trash a man who has a heated discussion with his wife while he is in hot water!
Posted by BillMan on June 11, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)
No Doubt Scott would have won this had the DUI stop not occured! I guess we'll never know the truth behind that night, can't hold the election over anyway!
Posted by ldd1 on June 11, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Randy Scott showed his true colors last night .Thank goodness he wasn't re-elected.During conceding to his loss to Rose,Scott had to curse Ray Nash.Mr Scott it was not Ray Nash that lost the race for you.I think you did a great job of doing that all by yourself.
Shame on the TV news station that replayed the Scott speach
on the news report later in the evening.
Posted by jblakeslee on June 11, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Idd1 you are soooooo right.......Even if the arrest was a set-up it was Mr. Scott's action's during and after the process that lost him the election. If he had not "gone off" on the officers, his wife and used the threat's that he did he would have had a far better chance of showing that he was set-up....I do not believe for a minute he was set-up.....
Some have stated that most of us would have reacted the same way if detained for DUI and we were innocent, but I know for a fact that I would not and I hope to think that most people would not either. Would I be mad as hell? Sure! Would I act the way he did? NO.....the very best thing he could have done was to do what the officers told him, respect the system and let his innocence be shown......but he did not do that.....he acted like a drunk.
Posted by CaptPete on June 11, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The set up traffic stop derailed the election for Sen Scott. I bet some of Nash's workers at the Boatwright party last night stayed home today to update resumes.
Posted by jcg04 on June 11, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Harpo- did you borrow that name from Oprah's production company? If so I can start to understand where you get your staunch opinions from. You seem to know the back story on every piece of journalism that the P&C puts out. And apparently as stated in your last post, you have even figured out the make-up of so many of us that post on here. You probably weren't even born or raised here, but like so many other implants you seem to be more than willing to try to impart your self righteous wisdom upon all of us. Stop your persistent whining, all of your babbling and rambling irritates the level headed locals that are on here.
P.S. I will drink a beer for you, while I am driving home from work today.
Posted by ptmama73 on June 11, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let me get this straight; if I sympathize with Scott or supported Scott's campaign (becaused some of us would rather have a drunk than anyone connected with real-estate in office) that makes me a drunk driver?
I better tell AllState so they can immediately implement my driver forgiveness program (does that count on DUI also?)...based on a half baked theory.
Posted by jcg04 on June 11, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Uh oh.....Coldbeer, you are a huge TOOL
Posted by highclass on June 11, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Randy lost only by a very small margin even after all of the lies that Nash and Rose threw at him. The people of Dorchester County who really know Randy still voted for him and they know the truth. I am one of those people. Sling mud all you want but I remember Rose and the crap he pulled before. He is a real jerk. I hope he doesn't get to comfortable.
Posted by jblakeslee on June 11, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"still voted for him and they know the truth"
Ok...here is some truth:
Randy Scott:
Non-high school grad.
Non-college grad.
Does not know his ABC's.....
Cannot count backwards.....
Tries to use political "clout" to influence people
Not respect for authority
Dis-respectful to his wife
Threatens people with their jobs if they do not let him get his way
Feels that people are out to get him "set-up"
The list could go on and on, but I am tired of this entire thing and will say no more on the subject.....If that is the type of person someone wants to have for thier senator, fine......
Have a nice day........
Posted by CaptPete on June 11, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The race was very close.
A note for you sportsmen who use the Cooper River. Randy Scott worked hard to help squash the container port deal on Lake Marion. They were going to send containers from North Charleston up the Cooper River on flat barges to the other side of Lake Marion. That would have been very bad for folks using the river or lake.
Posted by Floger76 on June 11, 2008 at 5:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Between a boozer and a shyster, I would much rather have the boozer.IMO
Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on June 11, 2008 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Now they need to take their happy asses out there and take those tacky signs down!!!!
Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on June 11, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Raregar67 ~ LMAO ... That is FUNNY
Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on June 11, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OH OH OH .. Yeah and Ms Pretentious Annette Young WON? What in the hell??? Are y'all, who voted for her, forgot that she had a DUI a few years back?
WoW, Im sorry that Tara didnt win. If I lived there, I would have voted for anyone running against that woman. Annette Young ... Give it up! You are rude and you basically got a MILD slap on the hand for that DUI.
Posted by Floger76 on June 11, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Raregar67 - Harpo tries to dominate every site. Over 2100 posts in the last year. It must be true what they say about opinions and A##ho%e$.
Posted by walleyedwoman1215 on June 12, 2008 at 12:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Floger: "Between a boozer and a shyster..." that was classic!
Posted by Floger76 on June 12, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
walleyedwoman1215 - Thanks....I liked it too.....