Ford to focus on return of video poker
COLUMBIA — The never dull and often controversial Sen. Robert Ford will run for governor in 2010 on a platform centered on bringing back video poker, the Charleston Democrat told The Post and Courier on Tuesday.
The Post and Courier
Sen. Robert Ford told The Post and Courier on Tuesday that he plans to run for governor in 2010.
Ford claims video poker would solve South Carolina's woeful financial situation, generating $750 million by taxing the industry that was outlawed here nearly a decade ago. It's the Christian thing to do, he said.
"I decided to run for governor, but it will be a different type of race," Ford said.
Many people would bet money on that.
Rod Shealy, a South Carolina political consultant, said Ford, a native of New Orleans, shouldn't be discounted, despite the senator's bad grammar and freewheeling sense of humor.
"Senator Ford is a fierce political competitor," Shealy said. "He brought a style of Louisiana politics when he came."
Ford, 60, served in the Senate since 1993 and had been a Charleston City councilman from 1974 to 1992. He worked for Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights era, spent years as a car salesman and now is a full time legislator.
He joins an already crowded field of politicians interested in the state's top job when Gov. Mark Sanford's term ends in January 2011.
Republicans who have expressed interest include Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, 3rd District U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, state Attorney General Henry McMaster and state Rep. Jim Merrill of Daniel Island, who just relinquished the post of House majority leader. Interested Democrats are state Sens. Joel Lourie of Columbia and Vincent Sheheen of Camden and state Rep. James Smith of Columbia.
Ford said his gubernatorial bid would be different because he is working with others to build a coalition that believes taxes on gaming will provide South Carolina with the money it needs to serve the state's neediest while keeping taxes low. Ford wants to put a referendum before the voters to bring back video poker.
Tax collections in the current budget have fallen a billion dollars short of projections, resulting in mid-year cuts. The fiscal year the begins July 1 could be even worse.
"I decided to give the General Assembly up until April to come up with another source of revenue," Ford said. After that, he will put his campaign in full gear.
Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau, said video poker brings more problems than it could solve and he is skeptical of the money Ford said it will raise.
"There are a number of people who were sad to see video poker go, particularly the ones who were making hundreds of thousands of dollars off the backs of those who were addicted to gambling," Grooms said. He said those same interests could pump big money into Ford's campaign.
Still, Grooms said, "The upcoming gubernatorial race would not be boring if Senator Ford would be a candidate."
Reach Yvonne Wenger at 803-799-9051 or ywenger@postandcourier.com.
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livemusic (anonymous) says...
The last time I saw Mr. Ford, he was enjoying dinner with fellow South Carolina democratic senators. The menu was a limited one, with a choice of one of two appetizers and a choice of one of three entrees. Mr. Ford insisted on having one of everything on the menu, instead of choosing like all thirty-nine others did. So, he enjoyed two appetizers, a salad, two entrees, and a dessert. The third entree was placed in a to-go container for him. I have heard tales of Mr. Ford's gluttony while he served on Charleston City Council during the seventies, but I was truly amazed at this recent display. I doubt he orders in the same manner when he is presented with the check. I became riled at Mr. Ford's invocation of Christianity in the legalization of video poker, so I decided to tell this story. I can't help but wonder if Mr. Ford's pockets are being lined with money from supporters of video poker, but I am sure they are keeping his belly full.
January 14, 2009 at 2:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Hmmmm......
McMaster......check
Bauer......check
Barrett....check
Merril......check
Lourie....check
Sheheen....check
Smith.....check
Ford.....check
DUCKS on a POND....!!!!
Geez? Has any ONE of these fine MEN done .....WHAT ? Have they called anyone in their OWN party ...OUT ? WOW....will anyone at DHEC listen to any of these MEN ?? The ILA...?? How about the FARMERS in our FINE state...???? After all ...the NEW state farmer's MARKET is on a BROWNFIELD site!!!!
All of these men present the impression that they are "WAITING in LINE" to be Governor by defacto...??? LOL....LOL.!! Just think about it.....these hoots were the ones porking it up in the Legislature and got us where we are ...TODAY.!!! LOL !!!!
I wonder if Barbara Williams is going to ASK where the WOMEN ARE in this fine state of OURS...???
Mr. Ford and "candidates".....How are any of you going to get ALL the citizens in the state to listen to YOU ??? Video Poker REALLY benefits the SENIORS in this state....HOW?
January 14, 2009 at 2:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
The corrupt family court system is the legislative fish bone in my throat and until one of these persons is willing to take a serious look into that issue [...].
January 14, 2009 at 3:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BillytheKid (anonymous) says...
Replacing Sanford with Ford is like replacing a Ferengi with a Klingon!!!!
January 14, 2009 at 4:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HomeGirlie (anonymous) says...
Those same folks who were addicted to video poker are now addicted to the so-called "education" lottery (even though our schools don't seem to see the money). Maybe if video poker comes back, with all that cash flying around, some of it might actually end up doing some GOOD somewhere.l
January 14, 2009 at 4:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
Ford willfully breaks the law all the time (gets away with it because of the clique in law enforcement - like SLED), thinks he is above the law, and is clearly delusional.
I about fell out of my chair laughing at this story - and this clown! LMAO! Only in SC do we have cuckoos in office like this idiot.
January 14, 2009 at 6:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
Don't get me started on that cesspool of a Family Court system. The only way you will ever change that is to organize a group of thousands of members for change and exposure. Otherwise, lawmakers will turn a blind eye to those judges and slimes who work that system for profit.
January 14, 2009 at 6:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
karmann (anonymous) says...
When did it become the Christain thing to do to put such temptations in the hands of those who could be prone to addiction issues. Does Mr. Ford forget the number of stories of parents who abandoned their kids while paying these games. Also, where did most of the games show up? In poorer neighborhoods. Let's add more burden to this group of folks and take more of their money away with false promises of get rich schemes.
January 14, 2009 at 6:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nappyd (anonymous) says...
Yeah everybody let's listen to the car salesman he'll always look out for our best interests.
Yeah, right. How about trying to bring in meaningful jobs throughout the state instead of hoarding them around Columbia, Greenville, & Charleston?
That would do more for the state's budget woes than feeding off of the poor & desperate by turning them into gambling junkies, filling up those empty video poker bunkers that are along SC's borders.
But that goes back to having a good education system and infrastructure, which you can't have without good, effective revenue sources and taxation...so we're back to square 1 of wanting something for nothing, and no one wanting to pay for it.
January 14, 2009 at 6:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LadyTarHeel (anonymous) says...
I didn't hear about this on the news last night. They were talking about some legislature he submitted making using profanity in public a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. And since when did taxing things become the Christian thing to do? Help your fellow man, definitely in the bible. Tax him for having a problem with gambling, don't remember that too much.
January 14, 2009 at 7:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
Benefits of Sen. Ford being elected governor:
1) Video poker...the Christian thing to do
2) Pardons for parking a Caddy in fire lanes
3) Increased revenue at Bluestein's
4) Blagojovich may look like a clean guy
January 14, 2009 at 7:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Robdawg30 (anonymous) says...
"It's the Christian thing to do"? How dare he use even suggest that bringing back video poker is the Christian thing to do, no matter what the economy is. Obviously he doesnt have an understanding of the addictions that people have to those games and how they could impact the economy of those people!! I have personally watched people sitting at those games where that was all that was important. I saw one in a restaurant where a guy and his wife came in to eat and ordered their meals. Then she sat at the machine for the next hour and wouldnt even stop when her meal came. Her husband ate alone and was obviously annoyed. He had to have her meal put in a to go box. So even beyond how it can affect people economically, it can ruin relationships too! Mr. Ford, you should be ashamed!
January 14, 2009 at 7:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
Ford is still mad because he doesn't have a municipal facility bearing his name.
I think the Robert Ford Sewerage Treatment Plant or the Robert Ford Landfill would be fitting.
January 14, 2009 at 7:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TRODI (anonymous) says...
I usually dont agree with ford.but video poker is no different than bingo or the lottery.ive seen old ladies spend a hundred or more a night at bingo for several nights.gambling is gambling.
January 14, 2009 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TRODI (anonymous) says...
nappy our state commerce department dropped the ball several years ago with walmart and home depot whom were looking at sites for their main distribution centers.which would have a ripple effect for jobs throughout the state.Georgia scooped them up.i remember them looking at two sites one at orange burg and another past Columbia.im sure gov.m.sanford and company have dropped the ball on other occasions aswell.seems like governors/senators from the upstate are more job friendly than those from around charleston.
January 14, 2009 at 8:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vicupstate (anonymous) says...
This state will never progress as long as people like Robert Ford keep getting re-elected.
A car salesman,how appropriate.
January 14, 2009 at 8:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tannerjt (anonymous) says...
Political suicide? I can't believe someone with beliefs like this is a position of responsibility like this. To say that gambling is the "Christian thing to do" is such a misrepresentation of Christian beliefs and values. Instead of running for govenor, Mr. Ford needs to start thinking of a way to keep the people from removing him from his current position.
January 14, 2009 at 8:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dawhetsell (anonymous) says...
Bring back video poker. Most people who play it and addicted to it are poor,under educated, work low paying jobs and are using goverment programs. Lets tax it at 50% on the dollar and use the money on social programs with federally matched dollars. Most of these people use these programs ,so let them pay for the services they use.
January 14, 2009 at 8:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
watney (anonymous) says...
Senator Ford is a fierce political competitor," Shealy said. "He brought a style of Louisiana politics when he came."
January 14, 2009 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
watney (anonymous) says...
That says it all. Nagan is one of his disciples of gambling and car sales I'm sure
January 14, 2009 at 8:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
All local politicians are a joke, democrat and republican, and sometimes I feel that it is a lost cause.
January 14, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSon (anonymous) says...
On the question of gluttony, the Bible says, "a double minded man is unstable in all his ways"!
On the question of "the Christian" thing to do, the Bible says, "if my people, which are called by my name, will humble themselves, turn from their evil ways, and seek my face and pray - then will I hear from Heaven, will forgive their sins and WILL HEAL THEIR LAND"!
On Christianity, the Bible says, "many will say, Lord, Lord and I will say - Get behind me for I know you not!
January 14, 2009 at 9:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
crankyyankee (anonymous) says...
Fords continual re-election is the black communities way of sticking it to the white establishment. They elect the most inarticulate dumbass to public office and tell the white establishment "you deal with it"! I think it is funny as all get out that most whites haven't figured it out.
January 14, 2009 at 9:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beefsaver (anonymous) says...
I wonder if the reporter, aides, and people in the room overhearing Senator Ford claim that re-establishing video poker was "the Christian thing to do" had the same reaction that we obviously all have. Perhaps the sound of all those jaws hitting the floor simultaneously was mistaken for construction noise by those outside the room.
If he wants to bring back the electronic stupid tax to supplement the scratch-off stupid tax, more power to him. While I certainly am not a fan of the way that gambling takes over the addiction-prone, we all have a choice and I don't need a nanny to tell me that I shouldn't. However, this is perhaps the most outrageous and insulting use of a Christian invocation that I've heard in a long time. "Uhhh, Baby Jebus told me to let it ride!" Come on, Robert... trolling is for the internet.
Maybe we need some atheists in office, at least they have to blame their bull on actual people!
January 14, 2009 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lottcm (anonymous) says...
Like so many people have already commented, I would like for Mr. Ford to substantiate his claim to how this is the Christian thing to do. People should not be elected just because people can identify with race. Just because the race is the same, doesn't mean fundamental beliefs are. I pray that people will learn to separate the politicians beliefs versus their appearance.
January 14, 2009 at 9:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Dixielanddeelite (anonymous) says...
I guess I don't understand the vast hate that is felt towards video poker. How is it different from lottery or BINGO? It is all gambling and how hypocritical to try to differentiate. I understand people become addicted but it isn't my job to police people's addiction. People abuse alcohol, should it be outlawed? Video poker could bring in so much revenue for the state.
January 14, 2009 at 10:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oldglory (anonymous) says...
I'm a bit confused. This man wants to restore a game that preys on a certain group of people, people who can ill afford it. But at the same time, he wants to outlaw lewd language. Was he also the one who wanted to outlaw low-slung pants?
One thing for certain -- Mr. Ford got everyone's attention this morning, didn't he! I honestly think that was and is his purpose with these pronouncements.
January 14, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
OhGee (anonymous) says...
When video poker was in we were in no way the shape we are in today. It helped the state more than people know....people bring up about others leaving their kids in the cars while playing machines(which is a terible thing)but people went to work,went drinking,went to the store for cigarettes and also left there kids in the car or alone at home and death occured.The only reason you heard so much about the woman that left her child in the car to play poker machines is because they were trying at that time to get rid of poker machines.My reasoning is that people are gonna gamble reguardless....our South Carolina Dollars are right now going to Cherokee,N.C.,Vegas, Alantic City,Missippi not to mention bingo,scratch offs,and the lottery.It just does'nt make sence for people to want our SOUTH CAROLINA tax dollars benefiting all these other states.When I was in business I was taxed 40% on my income and probally every other operator was too.Wake up people and help our state survive this horrible situation we are in. Mr.Ford you have my vote. Oh and by the way I am White.
January 14, 2009 at 10:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
video poker, a tax on people who are bad at math, perfect for the "bright sparks" of this state. It's match made in heaven.
Ohgee, what a crappy analysis man but it it'll pass muster and suffice for many around here. Yes video poker ruled the roost and was the reason we were "wealthy" and everything was hunky dory in this butt backwards state. Your "in-depth" analysis and Einstein like problem solving abilities should get you into the Govs. office with no probs. Rock on man.
Another crack head politician invoking the word of God to justify a purely political act. GW with justifying a war and this clown for whatever he wants to do. The scary thing is people believe what they hear from people like GWB and Ford. Again a perfect fit for this state.
January 14, 2009 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
Larz13, LMFAO
January 14, 2009 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
OhGee (anonymous) says...
Sorry for the spelling (Mississippi)I was in a hurry to express my thoughts ...lol
January 14, 2009 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
watney (anonymous) says...
People should not be elected just because people can identify with race. Just because the race is the same, doesn't mean fundamental beliefs are. I pray that people will learn to separate the politicians beliefs versus their appearance.
Lottcm.
This could apply to the MESSIAH'S recent election as well---where/ what is the substance in these people being elected? In the color of their skin and their lingo? At least Obama can speak clearly and use proper grammar. UNBELIEVABLE!!
January 14, 2009 at 11:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
notax (anonymous) says...
I second dawhetsell on bringing back video poker - also legalize maryjane and tax the hell out of both! And for once and all do away with ALL property taxes on homes, second homes, rental homes, and businesses. If we can keep the crooks away from handling the revenues from the above we will have money to spare - then the lawmakers can play with that and give it away to those they owe political favors - they do it anyway and we have to suffer for their giveaways.
January 14, 2009 at 12:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
I think when ford said it was a Christian thing to do he was being facetious. While I have no real beef with video poker, Ford is an idiot. Do we want a governor who is known for sounding like a moron? Shealy said "despite the senator's bad grammar..." Or a governor who calls himself a "player" in another interview ? DEFINTION OF A PLAYER: A male who is skilled at manipulating ("playing") others, and especially at seducing women by pretending to care about them, when in reality they are only interested in sex. Possibly derived from the phrases "play him for a fool", or "play him like a violin". The term was popularized by hip-hop culture, but was commonly recognized among urban American blacks by the 1970s.
Wow. Keeping it classy.
January 14, 2009 at 1:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
Legalize video poker machines in places that have alcohol sales licenses so that casino style video poker parlors will not be reestablished. It must not be exhorbantly taxed to the hilt by the SCDOR or trickle down economical benefit will not take place.
January 14, 2009 at 1:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scgirl07 (anonymous) says...
I guess some of you have forgotten about the major issues, besides the gambling problems, that occurred before video poker was outlawed here. Parents were leaving their small children unattended/locked in the car for hours upon hours while they were inside an establishment playing video poker! I'll pass on having that occur again!
January 14, 2009 at 2:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beefsaver (anonymous) says...
SCGirl07, are we really using the "think of the children" emotional defense? If video poker needs to remain banned, it should be based on data, not emotional appeal. If the cost to the community is high, either monetarily or if directly-linked child abuse was rampant compared to all sorts of other legal roots, then sure. If it is just an ugly business for stupid customers, then no amount of state-mandated nannying is going to save their kids.
People hurt themselves by mis-using cars, alcohol, cigarettes, firearms, fireworks, and fattening food. Hundreds of thousands of people die annually because of these items, a national epidemic each and every one. Yet they're all legal, because we deserve the choice, as adults, whether or not we want to protect our own life or risk it.
Maybe I'm just biased against stupid people; I see no trouble with them paying this "stupid" tax which benefits the smart.
January 14, 2009 at 2:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
The same a hole who leaves their kid in the car while playing video poker, leaves their kid in the car while at the strip club. Or at the mall, the gas station or where ever else they find their child an "inconvenience".
January 14, 2009 at 2:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Funky_Winkerbean (anonymous) says...
Now I know why everyone looks at me like a deer in the headlights and then burst in laughter when I tell them I'm from South Carolina...I think West Virgina has a better reputation. As far a the poker goes it's the children of the addicted who will go hungry while Mom and Dad gamble the grocery money away....
Funky_winkerbean
January 14, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ed24689 (anonymous) says...
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Thats the Christian thing to do! YEAH!
January 14, 2009 at 5:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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