TOO BAD THERE ARE ONLY THREE OF THEM …
This website is quick to anger, slow to praise – a reputation we relish. Seriously … why should we bend over backward thanking politicians for doing things they ought to be doing?
Protecting freedom, free markets and future prosperity is something we view as a sacred obligation. Not something you do in expectation of receiving a golf clap and some plaque on your wall.
Still, there’s something to be said for doling out “atta boys (and atta girls)” when politicians behave well … which happens far too infrequently at all levels of government. Take the latest round of legislative scorecards issued this week by the S.C. Club for Growth. While we take scorecards from every political organization with an ocean of salt, the Club’s rankings on fiscal issues are generally pretty reliable.
They’re also pretty depressing when you consider that the vast majority of “Republicans” in the S.C. General Assembly consistently vote against the best interests of the taxpayers they claim to represent.
Take powerful S.C. Senate Finance Chairman Hugh Leatherman (RINO-Florence), who received a 13 out of 100 on the Club’s latest rankings. Faring only slightly better were a pair of Horry County “RINOs” – S.C. Sen. Ray Cleary (14 out of 100) and S.C. Sen. Luke Rankin (19 out of 100).
Seven other “Republican” lawmakers scored below 40 on this scorecard – Senators Paul Campbell (39), Wes Hayes (36), Senate President John Courson (35), Larry Martin (28), Billy O’Dell (28), Thomas Alexander (26) and former S.C. Sen. Jakie Knotts (24).
In contrast to these Democrats in hiding … three Senators received perfect “100” scores on the Club’s rankings: Lee Bright, Kevin Bryant and Tom Davis.
In response to the news, Bryant took to his blog to explain how he has consistently received such high marks on various pro-free market scorecards.
“What’s the secret? It’s simple and fundamental,” he wrote. “Look carefully at every bill and amendment and ask this question. How does this benefit the taxpayer and promote free market principles?”
If only every “Republican” in the State Senate would follow that advice …
Nonetheless, props to Bright, Bryant and Davis for being the only three State Senators consistently willing to “walk the walk” when it comes to their rhetoric on fiscal issues. Let’s hope South Carolinians are smart enough to elect more like them in 2016 … although we’re not holding our breath.
2012 CLUB FOR GROWTH S.C. SENATE SCORECARD (.pdf)
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12 comments
at least we have 3 that aren’t seduced by their power
Speaking of taxpayer heroes a new county will hopefully unshackle the 53% from the tryanny of the Mo Fo Lo Infos in Richland County:
http://www.thestate.com/2013/01/10/2584657/a-new-county-in-the-works.html
Is Lee’s middle name “Ain’t Very”?
No, it is Knotso.
Lee “can’t keep his own business from going under”/”throw his FORMER constituients of northern Spartanburg County under the bus”/”own relatives won’t even vote for him” Bright???
Are you out of your mind???
this is based on voting record not your pet problems
The personal actions of a man speak LOUDER than some fucking voting record.
Based on his voting record, Hitler was spot on.
To bad for Republicans since all three of threes are RINO’s.
Huh ? You am da moron
I wonder what ol’ Jake is up to now?
Bright is making a living being in the state house. He is truly an example of feeding off the government teat.
interesting to hear kevin bryant talk about promoting free market principles when he has a monopoly that is fully funded by medicare and medicade.
He would be broke without the government paying his bills.