SC

Kirkman Finlay For S.C. House

FORMER MAYORAL CANDIDATE IS OUR KIND OF “JERK” If Kirkman Finlay were a doctor, he would have a terrible bedside manner.  The burly, bearded – and brusque – S.C. State House candidate does not play well with others, a natural byproduct of the fact that he is a highly opinionated…

FORMER MAYORAL CANDIDATE IS OUR KIND OF “JERK”

If Kirkman Finlay were a doctor, he would have a terrible bedside manner.  The burly, bearded – and brusque – S.C. State House candidate does not play well with others, a natural byproduct of the fact that he is a highly opinionated fiscal conservative.

Finlay – a former City of Columbia, S.C. councilman – was defeated by Steve Benjamin in the 2010 race for mayor of South Carolina’s Capital City (an election marred by allegations of vote-buying on Benjamin’s behalf).

How is Benjamin working out for Columbia?  Click here and here to see his “hard work …”

Anyway …  we’ve met Finlay on several occasions (including a recent meal at his popular “Pawleys Front Porch” restaurant in the Five Points region of downtown Columbia, S.C.) and we have yet to see the legendary abrasiveness of which so many political insiders speak.  Finlay has always stuck us as a gregariously outspoken guy – although we can see how his big personality might rub some people the wrong way.

Kirkman Finlay

Of course that sort of “big personality” is exactly what the limited government cause needs right now …

In addition to electing more fiscal conservatives to the S.C. General Assembly, we need a few more “jerks” like Finlay who are not only willing to vote the right way – but aggressively call out those who are voting the wrong way.  Which is exactly what Finlay would do …

Independently wealthy and unintimidated by the “powers that be” at the S.C. State House, Finlay has the potential to be the status quo’s worst nightmare – a free market backer with unlimited resources who doesn’t need any special interest contributions and doesn’t care who he pisses off.

Meanwhile Finlay’s opponent – glad-handing Democratic trial lawyer Joe McCulloch – would be just another in a long line of tax and spend liberals eager to “go along to get along” in Columbia.

How’s that plan worked out for our state?  Not well …

In far too many races in South Carolina this year, voters don’t have a choice.  And in the few races where there are options – it’s usually a situation in which they are forced to choose between the lesser of two evils.  This race is a rare exception: A contest between a proven fiscal conservative and a self-serving liberal ideologue.

Accordingly, we would encourage residents of Richland County, S.C. to support Kirkman Finlay for S.C. House District 75.

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PREVIOUS ENDORSEMENTS
Gary Johnson For President
DeeDee Vaughters For S.C. Senate
Katrina Shealy For S.C. Senate
HELL No To The Penny Tax

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41 comments

Guero October 30, 2012 at 10:02 am

What a freakin’ joke. A “fiscal conservative, free market backer, doesn’t need special interest contributions”. How about a hypocritical welfare queen who has taken over $1,000,000 in “gentleman farmer” federal crop subsidies?

He’s a solid 1%er who is unlike Mittens who has disdain for 47% of us; Finlay despises the 99% unlike himself. His dad was a plutocrat bank-tower lawyer who nonetheless recognized the role of government. Unfortunately, his son would bash his father today if Sr. were running for office.

Joe will win because Finlay is a true asshole but Finlay deserves to lose based upon his neanderthal world-view.

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? October 30, 2012 at 10:36 am

Since you seem to be familiar with his situation, did he get crop subsidies or tax breaks on the land?

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Roseanne October 30, 2012 at 10:54 am

Don’t you know that it’s okay for rich people to get government money and special tax treatment? It’s only wrong when the rest of us get a little help.

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DR October 30, 2012 at 12:03 pm

search Finlay’s CROP SUBSIDIES at this link:

http://farm.ewg.org/search.php?fips=45079&regionname=RichlandCounty,SouthCarolina

Finlay’s government handouts:

USDA subsidy information for
Kirkman Finlay III
Recipient’s ownership share(s)
Recipient: County Percentage
Share*
Two Rivers Farm LLC Richland County, South Carolina 0.0 %
Gonzales Land & Timber LLC Kershaw County, South Carolina 100.0 %
Richland County, South Carolina 0.0 %

Gonzales Land And Timber LLC received payments totaling $1,053,676 from 1995 through 2011
Year Conservation Subsidies Disaster Subsidies Commodity Subsidies Total USDA Subsidies
1995-2011
1995 $0 $0 $0 $0
1996 $0 $0 $0 $0
1997 $0 $0 $0 $0
1998 $4,897 $0 $2,508 $7,405
1999 $-2,208 $0 $64,727 $62,519
2000 $0 $0 $117,578 $117,578
2001 $0 $0 $61,648 $61,648
2002 $0 $0 $103,418 $103,418
2003 $0 $8,957 $44,505 $53,462
2004 $0 $0 $60,412 $60,412
2005 $0 $43,553 $137,712 $181,265
2006 $0 $0 $88,428 $88,428
2007 $0 $0 $59,425 $59,425
2008 $0 $72,217 $49,097 $121,314
2009 $0 $0 $54,835 $54,835
2010 $0 $0 $41,967 $41,967
2011 $0 $0 $40,000 $40,000
Total $2,689 $124,727 $926,260 $1,053,676
Crop Summary for Gonzales Land And Timber LLC
Crop Payments 1995-2011
Corn Subsidies** $416,400
Wheat Subsidies** $160,044
Cotton Subsidies** $129,274
Soybean Subsidies** $97,083
Oat Subsidies** $726
Sorghum Subsidies** $533
Sunflower Subsidies** $191
Barley Subsidies** $34
Counties where payments were made from
County Subsidy Payments 1995-2011
Sumter County, South Carolina $7,705
Richland County, South Carolina $1,032,056
Kershaw County, South Carolina $13,915
Total $1,053,676

Two Rivers Farm LLC received payments totaling $46,438 from 1995 through 2011
Year Conservation Subsidies Disaster Subsidies Commodity Subsidies Total USDA Subsidies
1995-2011
1995 $0 $0 $-538 $-538
1996 $0 $0 $0 $0
1997 $0 $0 $0 $0
1998 $0 $0 $0 $0
1999 $0 $0 $0 $0
2000 $9,364 $0 $0 $9,364
2001 $2,087 $0 $0 $2,087
2002 $2,087 $0 $0 $2,087
2003 $2,087 $0 $0 $2,087
2004 $2,087 $0 $0 $2,087
2005 $7,782 $0 $0 $7,782
2006 $3,656 $0 $0 $3,656
2007 $3,656 $0 $0 $3,656
2008 $3,656 $0 $0 $3,656
2009 $2,086 $0 $0 $2,086
2010 $4,928 $0 $0 $4,928
2011 $3,500 $0 $0 $3,500
Total $46,976 $0 $-538 $46,438

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? October 30, 2012 at 12:58 pm

Thank you DR.

I’m appalled.

The only thing I can say is that the degree to which gov’t has its hands in everything would make it virtually impossible to farm corn without a “subsidy” and stay in business while having to compete with everyone that takes such a subsidy.

However, if you’re are going to campaign on the idea of “limt’d gov’t” though you better be one of those people that chooses to earn income without Uncle Sam or don’t even bother campaigning as such, as you’re are just a big hypocrite, like Finlay.

It’s interesting/sad to see how rich the crony capitalists get with the help of Uncle Sam.(but I am assuming that there’s profit in the farming…probably a safe assumption)

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Econ 101 October 30, 2012 at 7:50 pm

I usually respect your views ?, but sometimes you come out of left field. You are appalled at a guy that takes advantage of economic incentives? You sound like a woman showing a half-food of cleavage that is appalled that guys might look at her boobs.

This isn’t a case where a guy uses his insider position to shift money his direction. This is a freaking national subsidy (no different than a tax subsidy by the way). Good luck finding a reform polititian that is willing to follow your shoot-yourself-in-the-foot ethos.

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MajorC October 30, 2012 at 8:11 pm

DR = Joe McCulloch

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? October 30, 2012 at 8:44 pm

*Good luck finding a reform polititian that is willing to follow your shoot-yourself-in-the-foot ethos.*

Well first, let me thank you for the appreciation of my views(most of the time). Very frankly, I doubt that even 20% of the readers here appreciate them-so that puts you in a unique category.

Second, I truly believe our problems lie in the belief that politicians, or govt-is the solution to society^s problems. So in that context I am not hoping for the quoted above anyway.(in reality, it makes my opinions unimportant to those wanting govt solutions, which is almost everyone-but I am committed to stating the truth regardless)

That being said, in fairness to your criticism I find I must re-evaluate my thoughts on the matter-and appreciate you pointing out the difference between taking incentives and cronyism.

Your point is valid and duly noted. If ones life dream is to grow corn for example, one has no choice but to take the govt subsidies if they want to do it successfully in the United States.

I will only say, that if you plan on running as a *limited govt* candidate, it will obviously be very difficult to do when your chosen path of income is dependent on govt subsidy without dealing with the issue of hypocrisy and explaining it…so the proverbial *shoot yourself in the foot* ethos has already occurred even if not intended….

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b October 30, 2012 at 10:06 am

Guero – your perception is exceeded only by your good judgment. You’re right on the mark.

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kirkthejerk October 30, 2012 at 10:57 am

I bet that asshole couldn’t win a district that consisted solely of his own farm.

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south mauldin October 30, 2012 at 11:31 am

+9

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that's what i know October 30, 2012 at 11:26 am

I will speak from personal experience.

When he was my city councilman, I called his office with an issue in our neighborhood. Getting NO response, I emailed his office with the concern.
Still getting NO response, I mailed a letter detailinlg the issue. Still NO response.

He never responded in any manner. Cannot vote for him based on experience.

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Nunyabiz October 30, 2012 at 12:17 pm

No thanks. An asshole does not a great person make. I’d rather someone be touted as a stellar human being, in lieu of “asshole” being one of their strong traits. Although, it seems that he is one (an asshole that is). I read somewhere a few months back that he hit someone else’s car in front of Pawley’s. When the person whose car he hit approached him, he laughed at them and went on his merry way. A vote for an asshole like that, is a vote for more of the SAME OLE CRAP that we have in office now.

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Nunyabiz October 30, 2012 at 12:21 pm

Then again, I can’t stand Joe McCulloch either. There should be a “none of the above” check box on ALL ballots. Thank goodness I don’t have to vote in that election.

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Lawn Sharts October 30, 2012 at 12:30 pm

makes a damn-good hamburger.

but I’ll contend we should be looking for people who understand/embrace the concept of service to others – not self. based on comments above from those with experience with the guy, not sure he passes that test.

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fitsnews Author October 30, 2012 at 12:38 pm

Good point about the crop subsidies. We raised that issue with Finlay’s people and it turns out he actually gives all of that money away – believing that directly injecting it into the market is smarter than letting it flow back to the government.

Can’t argue with that …

-FITS

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TeaTime October 30, 2012 at 12:43 pm

Got proof of that??

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Burgermeister October 30, 2012 at 12:46 pm

Finlay has “people”? LOL! Who are they? Or better yet WHO is IT??

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Sandy Sux October 30, 2012 at 12:50 pm

Yeah……..and I voluntarily report all my online purchases so I can pay tax. He ain’t the big poobah saint he wants people to think he is.

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Skidmarks October 30, 2012 at 2:13 pm

Gives it away and claims charitable deduction.

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sweepin October 30, 2012 at 3:07 pm

That’s damn laughable.

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MajorC October 30, 2012 at 8:13 pm

That’s exactly what JFK did with his presidential salary. Just gave it away.

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Gonzalo October 30, 2012 at 12:41 pm

Finlay?? Have you lost your mind?? This fugly creep is a fucking tool of special interests and just living off Daddy’s name and money. Wouldn’t vote for this LOSER if only mutt on the ballot. My experience with his so called constituent service was TERRIBLE. Don’t like McCullough either but he’s the best of the idiots.

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Larramore October 31, 2012 at 2:35 am

Another of the entitlement candidates who suck off the public tit.

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Original Good Old Boy October 30, 2012 at 1:02 pm

I didn’t go to school with him but my dad knew his dad very well, so I’ve known him for years. I’ve always liked the guy and never seen his “asshole” side. But maybe that’s just me.

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Original Good Old Boy October 30, 2012 at 1:02 pm

“never SAW,” that is.

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Craig October 30, 2012 at 2:07 pm

Kirkman is a heck of a nice guy and a businessman. The best thing I can say to him is that unlike many others who inherit wealth, he actually does something productive with his life. In fact I’ll bet Kirkman has been more productive in his life than all of the trolls here criticizing him. If you are genuinely concerned about any of the things you bring up, or think he’s a jerk, why don’t you come to his meet and greet tonight ( 5:30 at 5000 wittering Dr.in Cola)and ask him about it. You’ll find that you’ll get a straight answer as opposed to the double talk you’ll get form the Trial Lawyer/Criminal Defense Lawyer/Lobbyist opponent of his.

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Guero October 30, 2012 at 5:05 pm

I’ll bet Craig is related to Asshole. And notice that Craig doesn’t respond to WELFARE QUEEN because he can’t. I can smell a hypocrite…

I’ve seen Finlay in action at a neighborhood meeting at Meadowfield Park. McCulloch should have taped it. Finlay railed about “liberal judges” at the City of Columbia. A lawyer there shut Finlay down when he asked if Finlay had ever been in the courtroom at the City of Columbia. Asshole coughed and changed the subject.

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Falconair Pilot October 31, 2012 at 2:41 am

You are obviously one of the so-called “Finlay People”. He needs to end those meet and greet sessions as he only embarrasses himself. I came into one inclined to vote for him and left scared that this troll had a chance of sitting in the House. He ain’t his Daddy for sure.

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Philip Branton October 30, 2012 at 2:29 pm

LOL….LOL…….reminds me of a scene from “Every which way but Loose!!”

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pluvlaw October 30, 2012 at 7:09 pm

Anybody who thinks having trial lawyers in the statehouse is a bad thing should be forced to go sit through subcommittee hearings. Maybe then they would see how many stupid laws are proposed for no reason whatsoever other than giving politicians/lobbyists/advocates something to crow about and special interests a leg up.

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Original Good Old Boy October 30, 2012 at 7:16 pm

Nothing wrong with trial lawyers in the statehouse, but there should be a balance. Trial lawyers (like any group) tend to act towards their own special interests.

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? October 30, 2012 at 8:56 pm

The argument that lawyers should be elected so laws are written better is lame. Lawyers should do what they always do, be compensated for their expertise in arguing, writing, ruling, etc.

To me that means a body of lawyers that either:

1. Donate their time to the legislature for such as goodwill, helping on issues that are *dear* to them, etc.

2. If no such animal exists in 1, then act is a consultory manner by which they are paid for services rendered.

The idea that legislature should consist of lawyers for the reason that they know how to write laws is a fallacy of the highest order, it doesn^t even meet the extreme test. It also presupposes that lawyers know best what laws to pass…something I doubt the rest of society could concur with…

Try selling a ruling class of lawyers to the everyday man and see what the reaction is, you better make sure you^re not outnumbered when you do it.

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Econ 101 October 30, 2012 at 7:42 pm

Candidate aside, the crop subsidy point people have jumped on is absolutely stupid. There is no practial difference between direct expenditure and a tax expenditure. Do one of you bozos want to suggest that a polititian must refuse to write off their mortgage interest before they can be in favor of tax reform? If people aren’t willing to allow those who believe in small government to take advantage of the available incentives while they simultaneously fight for reform, then the battle is already lost. However, I suspect most of you are just envious of this guy’s inherited wealth and want to vent.

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DC October 30, 2012 at 8:45 pm

How can you expect to be taken seriously when you compare government payments to one person of over $1,000,000 to the mortgage interest deduction? “take advantage of the available incentives” you say? What about the person who lives in public housing, uses foodstamps, their kids receive free or reduced lunch, their kids are on medicaid, and they collect disability/SSI, but they could work, they just don’t want to work, but it is okay because they should “take advantage of the available incentives?” Maybe, as was suggested when Fits “raised that issue with Finlay’s people and it turns out he actually gives all of that money away – believing that directly injecting it into the market is smarter than letting it flow back to the government.” is the same thing the welfare cheat thinks? You know, he or she just figures the government would waste the money on bombs or an occupying force for a country full of people that hate us and it would be better spent right here on our people. Ridiculous isn’t it? Of course it is…Finlay took the government hand out because he could, same reason that the welfare queen does. Why is he a great businessman and she is a leach on society? Why is his decision savy and laudable and her decision disgusting and immoral? They are equally sickening.

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? October 30, 2012 at 9:00 pm

DCs argument is a perfect example of my response to your other comment…he does a pretty good job.

Finlay^s already shot himself in the foot.

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Old Bike Dude October 30, 2012 at 9:17 pm

DC that’s a fucking slam mothafucking dunk.

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sweepin October 30, 2012 at 10:35 pm

I’m with DC. I only got approximately $250K.

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9" October 31, 2012 at 10:05 am

I WANT HIS SEX

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Guero October 31, 2012 at 11:47 am

Ole Question Mark Boy is right on the money. We need more welders in hospitals. Care of the sick is too important to leave decision making to doctors. Ditto for inisurance underwriting. They need more doctors to advise them. Lawyers shouldn’t be in the legislature….yeah right….

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? October 31, 2012 at 6:40 pm

Your mischaracterizations of my statements as well as ignoring of my others are pretty funny.

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