Our founding editor was tailgating in Athens, Georgia not long ago when he bumped into Jim Corbett, a former Republican candidate for the S.C. House who FITS beat up a little bit for his ties to the state’s trial lawyer lobby.
Unlike a lot of former “targets” Sic Willie encounters, Corbett was remarkably un-miffed about having been bashed by FITS … and had nothing but nice things to say about the candidate who defeated him, current S.C. Rep. (and former City of Columbia councilman) Kirkman Finlay.
Well, this week Finlay apparently returned the kindness … and then some … headlining a fundraiser at Doc’s Barbecue in Richland County to help Corbett pay off his campaign debt from the 2012 election.
As some may recall, this is a move straight out of former U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond’s playbook. The late Senator would frequently help former opponents – whether that meant raising money to retire their debt or assisting them with constituent matters. In today’s heated and contentious political environment, though, it’s almost unheard of.
Anyway props to Finlay for helping out his former foe …
17 comments
keep your friends close and your political opponents closer
Tough to run against the guy who gets you out of campaign debt again too.
Gentleman Farmer McGee can kiss my ass. Between his inherited wealth and his farm subsidies, he is a classic everyday working man poser. And people are dumb enough to vote for him each time.
I think Warren Hughes makes a good point. Would you rather vote for a guy that’s already wealthy and has no need to use his influence to line his pockets, or would you rather elect a guy trying to make a living from politics?
You really think he won’t try to get more? See Leatherman and Peeler as examples.
I know him — not well enough to know his true motivations, but well enough to know that it would seem out of character for him to try to milk politics monetary gain.
He certainly would have been a much better choice for mayor than Benjamin. His dad was a great guy and a good mayor from what I’ve heard.
Damn,he’s hot.Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfhVnVTGY0U
Kirkman is out there trying to do something with his life by working in public service. He could just hide out and do nothing. Good move to help out Corbett also
I’m not “friends” with him, but I’ve known him much of my life. He’s always seemed like a solid dude to me.
Finlay would make a superb Senator. Why doesn’t he run against Lindsey Graham, the World War Z of the Senate?
Kirkman Finlay employs people all over the state of South Carolina, helps feed this nation through agriculture, and selflessly gives of his time through public service to make this state a better place to live for your families and his own. Tell us again, southmauldin, what you have accomplished with your life?
I employ a few people at my job. I give to my church and I volunteer with nonprofits. I grew up very poor and have made a good life for myself. I never have been able to give my time through “public service” aka wanting a position of authority simply because I was working my ass off 80 hours a week and didn’t have time to run for office so I can hear myself talk. Nor would I want to.
“Feeds this nation through agriculture”? Give me a fucking break. Farm subsidies and inherited wealth allows Finlay to do whatever he wants to do.
A silver spoon affords one limitless opportunity. Busting my ass working since I was 7 years old got me where I’m at.
Any more questions?
Where are “you at”? Hiding behind an alias, hurling insults to make yourself feel better about yourself? Ask any of Finlay’s employees. They may not all like him, but nobody works harder than Kirkman. I can point out any number of people who have had far less, and never worked an honest day in their lives. When Kirkman was up baking bread 5 days a week in his bakery at 3am, everyone told him he was nuts. You can find plenty to criticize Kirkman Finlay about, being a hard worker isn’t one of them. Frankly, doing so makes you look like an idiot.
“A silver spoon affords one limitless opportunity.” Tis true, but at least Kirkman uses his silver spoon to improve the community. He could just as easily be off doing anything else under the sun with his time.
His family has been devoted to public service for generations. He is a total gentleman. We need more people like him.
I am a great admirer and supporter of Kirkman Finlay. Unlike some elected officials, he isn’t concerned with lining his pockets at the public trough.
Christ why isn’t this guy mayor of Columbia? Oh wait I know why… “community organization”.