Ford cries foul in fundraising
By Robert Behre
Sen. Robert Ford
State Sen. Robert Ford, whose gubernatorial bid has raised only $1,300 during the past three months, said he's being blackballed by Democratic donors.
"I don't like that word 'blackball,' but the public understands what that means," he said. "They should not be allowed to control the nomination like that."
Ford has raised only $7,797 for his campaign, including almost $3,000 of his own money, according to the most recent campaign disclosure forms. He had $31 on hand as of July 10.
Two of his Democratic rivals, state Sen. Vincent Sheheen of Camden and Charleston lawyer Mullins McLeod, raised $227,544 and $165,345, respectively, during the past three months. McLeod has $155,564 on hand and Sheheen has almost $460,000.
Ford said some Democrats "want Sheheen or Mullins to have the nomination because, in their sick way of thinking, a white Democrat has a better chance of winning than me. But it's not true. I have two issues that are very popular with people" — school choice and legalizing video poker.
Phil Noble, head of the S.C. New Democrats, suggested that Ford go see Howard Rich, the New York financier who is part of a network of donors backing pro-school-voucher candidates in South Carolina.
Rich helped pay for the 450,000 brochures Ford sent to voters this year, but Ford has no campaign contributions directly from Rich.
"He has a lot of money," Noble said of Rich. "He spends it recklessly in South Carolina around education vouchers that would destroy public education in our state, and Robert has been carrying his water for a while."
Ford's recent complaint about not receiving financial support is a continuation of his desire for fair play in next year's wide-open gubernatorial race.
On June 1, Charleston lawyer Bill Runyon wrote a letter on Ford's behalf to State Democratic Party Chairwoman Carol Fowler, saying, "There is a substantial view in Senator Ford's camp that the party, as an organization, wants the support of the black community but cannot see us with a potential minority candidate at the head of the ticket."
Runyon urged Fowler to make sure all candidates for state offices are informed of party functions, and to ensure that the eventual nominee gets tangible, regional support, no matter who the nominee is.
"Your office needs to communicate with all these candidates and reassure them that all candidates will have a fair shot and that their eventual success will depend on their efforts and not on the imagined back-room deals," Runyon wrote Fowler.
Ford said he was pleased with Fowler's response and has been informed about Democratic Party events.
Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
lloyd007 (anonymous) says...
Yes , I would also suggest that he ( Ford ) seek the help of Howard Rich. He has stoop to the point of kissing the guys BUTT sooo well. If Mr. Rich does not see fit to give him a dime, maybe , just maybe he ( Ford ) can go try Glenn McConnell. He's been good at kissing McConnell's BUTT of late these past few years...
July 18, 2009 at 1:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Duchess (anonymous) says...
Maybe he could go see if he can convince Sanford to spend some of his extra monies on a pity party?
July 18, 2009 at 1:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sardis12 (anonymous) says...
I used to think Robert was nuts, but now I kinda like him...
July 18, 2009 at 3:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DougHuffman (anonymous) says...
Fair play is Iford losing.
July 18, 2009 at 6:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonian (anonymous) says...
Did he need to inject race into it?
July 18, 2009 at 6:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
devster (anonymous) says...
I don't think that the democratic party has any trouble with a minority representative -- they just don't want ROBERT FORD.
If you are not liked or respected, don't look at your skin color first. Try looking at YOURSELF.
July 18, 2009 at 7:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
babeegurl (anonymous) says...
I wish they would use a different picture of him every once in a while, because I swear he looks like a basset hound!
July 18, 2009 at 7:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
berthelot (anonymous) says...
Why just video poker?
July 18, 2009 at 7:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
smalltownrumor (anonymous) says...
Where is the news here? Robert Ford has sung this tune his whole life. "It's because I'm black". Everything negative that happens in my life is the fault of someone else.
I wonder how Robert would explain the success of Tim Scott?
July 18, 2009 at 7:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
ditto devester, if they don't like you Mr Ford maybe it's because your a complete idiot that jumps on a thing or two here and there and ACT like your intelligent. Give him a literacy test? He will play the race card, he's done in plenty of times in the past.
July 18, 2009 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Changeiscoming (anonymous) says...
Mr Ford I have watched you over the years, The way you handle yourself and issues before you, I must admit please save your money and time,for you have reached the top of your political journey.
You have made who you are,Good luck.
July 18, 2009 at 8:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
martin (anonymous) says...
Most candidates for anything, know if they can't raise campaign funds, they just have to drop out. No point in whining; it's a kind of poll on feasibility.
It means the voters are not interested in your candidacy, Mr. Ford. The people simply don't think you are a reasonable choice for governor.
Wow, I didn't think anyone could be dumber than Mark Sanford and Jim DeMint(ed)!
July 18, 2009 at 8:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lowcountrydawg (anonymous) says...
Shafted by your own party...sucks for him!
July 18, 2009 at 9:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zekemire (anonymous) says...
Idiots! Vouchers will not destroy gevernment schools unless they continue to spew socialist, populist fodder and try to lead all students down the path of liberalism, multiculturalism, diversity or socialism! Then they need to be destroyed! If they cannot compete with private or parochrial school, even with limitless funding from taxpayers, then SHUT THEM DOWN!
July 18, 2009 at 9:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CWL922 (anonymous) says...
He would come out more credible if he didn't inject race into everything. Same with the NAACP. You lose your credibility when you claim race every time something does not go your way.
July 18, 2009 at 10:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
Ford is another BS artist in politics that needs to be kicked out of anything to do with running our society and making laws.
Putting this bozo back in office would merely demostrat how screwed up voters really are. He is not the only one that needs to be sent packing. The lot of most SC lawmakers seriously need to be replaced and we the people need to take back our government from these power freaks. All they do is lie and try to hide their criminal activities and misuse and abuse of OUR money from the public eye.
How DARE they go around saying to themselves that the public is ignorant and has no right to elect it's OWN judges! Are you sick of corruption?? Then don't put this psycho Ford back in office.
July 18, 2009 at 10:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RuleNumberOne (anonymous) says...
We do live in a mutlicultural society and diversity is a healthy thing. But too often people think there's some great conspiracy lurking out there. South Carolina teachers are too overworked and underpaid and too distracted by kids who learned no discipline at home and required busy work like PACT tests. They're not actively promoting some sort of nefarious agenda that fills our kids' heads with political propaganda. Give public school teachers a break.Goodness knows, they haven't gotten it from Mark Sanford or the state lately.
July 18, 2009 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
BTW, Ford is a lawbreaker and has no respect for it. Thank God for the internet. It is a useful tool to expose these tyrants for what they really are.
July 18, 2009 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sambrown4 (anonymous) says...
" A man is going to do What a man is going to do"...Robert Ford on Bill Clinton
July 18, 2009 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Don't you get to keep any unused funds from your campaign funds.
July 18, 2009 at 11:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stanish (anonymous) says...
I agree he should solicit funds from Mark Sanfraud since he just recently FORGAVE him and supported him! I would NEVER support or vote for this loud mouth, IGNORANT, complete IDIOT! Since he's injecting race, I'll inject race, this is being posted by a Black Man. This man is an idiot at it's finest and is truly an embarrassment(NOT BECAUSE HE'S BLACK) at best! There are many others also the likes of Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, Attorney General Henry McMaster, Senator Glenn McConnell, Rep. Nikki Haley, and the GRANDEST of them all, the UN-HONORABLE Mark Sanfraud! So as you can attest, there is truly a RAINBOW of IDIOTS serving in Columbia EMBARRASSING this great state at every OPPORTUNITY presented!
July 18, 2009 at 4:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stanish (anonymous) says...
Posted by babeegurl on July 18, 2009 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wish they would use a different picture of him every once in a while, because I swear he looks like a basset hound!
I AGREE with you 100%@babeegurl! At least a photo that will present him serious and respectable at best.
July 18, 2009 at 4:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sardis12 (anonymous) says...
"I wonder how Robert would explain the success of Tim Scott?"
Tim Scott's success is not hard to explain...
Republicans probably thought a young black man would make the party of old white men look inclusive and not out of touch, and they found a willing participant in Tim Scott.
As a businessman, there are many black men as successful as Mr. Scott, but a prominent role in the Republican party allows him to appear more successful than he actually is. As a Democrat, he would be just one of many...
July 18, 2009 at 5:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...
If Mr. Ford want's to know what political activities the Democrats are holding, he can check the calendar on the State party website. The other candidates are active on Facebook and other internet activities. Nobody is stopping him from doing anything.
There are plenty of respected, active African American politicians in the Democratic party who enjoy ample, diverse support.
July 18, 2009 at 9:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TheTruthFighter (anonymous) says...
South Carolina folk are going to be in much hurt! Sanford has messed up so bad, I could run an win. And the Dem's are going to blow this opportunity! DUMB!
July 19, 2009 at 1:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
"Your office needs to communicate with all these candidates and reassure them that all candidates will have a fair shot and that their eventual success will depend on their efforts and not on the imagined back-room deals," Runyon wrote Fowler.
Wow -- what interesting words from lawyer Runyon (of all people)!
July 19, 2009 at 5:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cwmcpa (anonymous) says...
Mr Ford, like the the P&C, must not know that congressman Clyburn gave $28,000 in bribes to 13 different democratic congresspersons in exchange for a yes vote on Cap and Trade, a bill that was voted on before it was even in print. This is being reported by Glenn Thrush of Politico.
Mr Clyburn had his public hearing on the bill after he voted yes and betrayed the people of South Carolina. When will Mr Clyburn put the people of South Carolina ovewr the party of Nancy Pelosi. I guess Mr Clyburn enjoys the title of Pelosi's whipping boy.
P&C has printed volumes on Mr Sanford's personal problems but not one word on Mr Clyburn's felonies
July 19, 2009 at 7:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MisWesaMoves (anonymous) says...
Ford is the text book example of a "P.I.T.A"! I'm so sick of hearing him whine, moan, gripe and complain that it's because he's black. I agree with Devster and Tides, people don't like him because of his behavior. He has not (in the past) nor will be (in the future) a good person to lead SC..His track record proves that. He will do more harm than good. AND he's a walking example of REVERSE RACISM in my opinion. Somebody needs to duct tape his mouth shut!
July 19, 2009 at 7:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pluffmuddy (anonymous) says...
...not to mention the fact that he shows his ignorance of the English language every time he opens his mouth... If you agree that one should lead by example, he's about as bad as they come. Maybe he should grab a voucher and go back to school...
July 19, 2009 at 7:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MP (anonymous) says...
Constituents no longer have individuals to represent them. We do not elect people to office anymore, we elect parties. If you are elected and do not tow the party line you are blackballed and shunned. The party does not give a damn what the elected person's people want them to do, it is only the party philosophy that matters.
July 19, 2009 at 8:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
Jackass is all caught up in that entitlement thinking. Like someone owes him to let him run for Gov. I get so tired of hearing this.
Whoever said it was right, you sir have met the height of your political future. Run for mayor of Charleston but Gov of SC?
July 19, 2009 at 8:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Legend (anonymous) says...
Ford, like most of the Black's in politics, when they don't get there way, or when someone says something that they don't like they ALWAYS turn to the RACE CARD!!! It works in almost every incident. I personally am sick and tired of it! Ford has a record, most people don't like his record, & the Democratic Party in SC has probably found fault with it and feel that he could win! Give it up Ford, you are a Racist and you will always be one!
July 19, 2009 at 11:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MisWesaMoves (anonymous) says...
Oh and another FYI for Mr. Ford on his cries of racism...
Listen CAREFULLY to the song lyrics that Ellas McDaniel penned that were sang most recently by Eric Clapton...
"BEFORE YOU ACCUSE ME, TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF"
July 19, 2009 at 12:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jcncamscott (anonymous) says...
Robert Ford is the most racist bastard in this entire STATE. I know that for a FACT! It nauseates me that this scumbag can even voice his opinion in a newspaper. He doesn't seem intelligent enough to read one!!!
July 19, 2009 at 4:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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