POLICY COUNCIL PRESSES STATE LAWMAKERS TO TAKE A POSITION …
The S.C. Policy Council – a libertarian-leaning think tank based in Columbia, S.C. – has been on a war footing against embattled S.C. Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell for several years now.
In fact more than a few fiscally conservative lawmakers who have relied on the group’s policy expertise in years past have privately expressed frustration to FITS that “all they do over there anymore is battle Bobby.”
There’s some truth in that criticism. The Policy Council is the group that filed the original ethics complaint against Harrell nearly two years ago – a complaint which has since mushroomed into a statewide grand jury investigation run by S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson. Since then the group’s leader, Ashley Landess, has made Harrell’s destruction her all-consuming passion.
Landess’ latest chess move? An “online poll of state lawmakers” aimed at forcing them to publicly affirm their loyalty to the embattled legislative leader.
“The Speaker of the S.C. House is the most powerful politician in South Carolina,” the poll’s introduction states. “He exercises vast power over the election of judges, controls some of the state’s most powerful agencies by board appointments, and dictates much of the state budget process. In recent years, Speaker Bobby Harrell has been re-elected by near-unanimous votes. But with an ongoing Grand Jury investigation into his conduct, many South Carolinians are asking if House members think Harrell can continue to fulfill his duties effectively.”
The poll gives those South Carolinians “an opportunity to put the question to their lawmakers.”
There’s even a big red button inviting them to email their State Representative about the matter …
Less than 24 hours after it was first posted online, no lawmakers had responded to the poll – or at least no results had been posted to the Policy Council’s website.
Will that change?
We shall see …
Harrell is due in court later this month as the S.C. Supreme Court hears Wilson’s appeal of a lower court ruling attempting to shut down his grand jury probe.
55 comments
Finally,…an organized forum where the public can express it’s digust with the tragic state of ethics in South Carolina in an organized, focused way. Thank you, SC Policy Council. I’ve talked with my representative about the truth behind what Bobby’s done. He shrugs his shoulders saying its bad but there’s no stomach to take him on. Perhaps if enough folks express themselves here, our representatives will act.
Bible thumping bible thumpers all.
I resemble that remark;-)
Yogi, is that you?!
When that group of liberal journalists begin pressuring Sheheen to denounce the Ignorant policies of the democrat party, and failure of Obama, I may listen.
Until then, this is a dog bites man story (look it up FITS)…..
“I only care about exposing shitbags when they have a D at the end of their names.”
Glad to see T cares so much.
If they have a D at the end of there name, that is all that needs to be exposed. It more difficult exposing the ones with an R.
‘If they have a D at the end of there name’
—– (just for fun)
ThumpereD
SmirkeD
TangoeD
ThomaseD
Squished
JunioreD….??
From what I’ve seen GT will support just about any shitbag, as long as the are R’s who don’t lean L.
So, is he as scared as those in the Lexington Mafia? I’m sure this will end the same way.
Very well put. The worst case scenario for most of these cockroaches is that they are forced to go into the good night(retire) with a cushy taxpayer funded retirement and keep their mouths shut.
Justice is only for the little people, it’s “justus” for the important people.
And only getting moreso.
Just remember, public retirement is only cushy for those at the top. Most of us in public service are being backed into corners due to low wages resulting in unlivably small benefits. Except for the top people (and federal employees), the idea of a “cushy” retirement is myth perpetrated by angry people with no grasp of fact.
That said, those high up in the food chain vote their own pay raises while the rest of us go without even cost – of – living adjustments.
And it affects all levels. Look at Columbia, where the mayor and city manager get massive pay raises while telling employees that the budget is so bad they can’t get a COLA. But they can line the pockets of developers at the expense of both the public AND employees.
Just like Steve Spurrier’s $700,000 state salary raise this year (went from $350,000 to $1,050,000). Or put another way, if he does participate in the state retirement system and is in for 10 years, his annual retirement payout went from around $60,000 to nearly $200,000 per year.
High Five!
“Most of us in public service are being backed into corners due to low wages resulting in unlivably small benefits.”
At least you have a job..which many in the private sector don’t. There’s always the option of you trying to find one in the private sector if you don’t like what you are making.
The Lexington Gambling ring. In case you missed it, the owner of Magic Minutes, the company supplying the gambling devices, was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury. From the looks of it, Flynn acted alone and even laundered the proceeds? Of course this is a silly conclusion. Flynn donated to several Lexington politicians. No co-conspirators? Flynn could very well be the scapegoat who will probably get a 36 month or less sentence which puts him in a low security prison camp. That is easy time for him and all the others will not be indicted or prosecuted.
WOW!
Here’s the problem, truthfully how can any of them really weigh in? We have not seen AG Wilson’s evidence. We have not seen the actual facts.
I believe he is guilty as sin. I believe AG Wilson has enough hard evidence to bring an indictment. However, I have not seen any of it. If I were in an official capacity and asked publicly – I would be forced to say that I need to see all the evidence before weighing in.
I know responsibility isn’t really popular when we are supposed to be running for the pitch-forks, but that’s the truth.
“I would be forced to say that I need to see all the evidence before weighing in.”
The problem is that you’ll be waiting forever to see the evidence, as it’s being suppressed.
Maybe you take your pitchfork, poke the people holding it up until they cough it up, then decide whether the pitchfork needs to be planted into Bobby’s skull or not.
Harrell serves as Speaker at the pleasure of the House (usually the Republican caucus). He does not have to be guilty of anything to be removed.
Pitchfork my lily white ass – sharpen the blade, put on a new rope, buy a new sawgrass basket, hitch up the donkey, grease the cart wheels, line the streets with bushel baskets of tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage heads, a rock or two and march the little son of a bitch cockroach to the guillotine
The cabbage heads are a nice touch…
Hello Mike Campbell. Mike could be our Governor in 2018 if he beats (and he will) Henry. I still think Democrats can win the Governorship with a gambling mandate in 2018. Either way, welcome Mike Campbell!
Campbell doesn’t stand a chance against McMaster, why do you think the other guy dropped out. He was basically told that any more money spent would be a waste. Tumpy, or whatever this fatboy’s family nickname is, who’s only political experience is his last name doesn’t stand a chance.
If Mike is as well liked as I think he is, Henry will be told to stand down. Mike is our next Governor in 2018 when he wins the runoff. Carroll Jr is “Tumpy”. Mike is your worst fucking political nightmare.
Mumpy?
‘worst political nightmare?’ seriously guy? seriously? he lost the first run-off in perhaps a hundred years or more where the frontrunner was absolutely clobbered by the 2nnd place finisher in the run off against Bower for Lt Gov previously because he ran such an awful campaign – and felt he had it in the bag and it was owed to him.
Mike can be Governor in 2018 shutting out Black Democrats till 2026 (if any are left after the Pinson trial in Federal Court). At some point (like next week) the SC GOP will realize Mike as LT Gov gives them the Governorship (Mike) in 2018. Seems Henry at Lt Gov was a ploy to stuff Haley’s McKinney. Henry could not transition into any office in 2018. At this time, with the Gov/LtGov running on the same ticket in 2018, Mike as Lt Gov in 2014-18 gives him experience and name recognition.
So if Nikki dies in office McMaster would become governor?
He ran off McKinney you say?, you got that right.
Happy Fathers Day.
I like Bobby. He helped my daughter keep her Clemson scholarship even though her GPA fell below the minimum. Four times. Now that’s power. Now my daughter is graduated and I don’t give a shit if Bobby figures out who I am. I wonder if he does this string-pulling for democrats, niggers, spics, brass ankles, poor people or others. It does help if you’re a State Farm customer of his!
Most of my fellow Indian-mixed people in this state that you slander as “brass ankles” want nothing to do with the likes of Harrell. Or with ignorant, bigotted sons of bitches like you. Congratulations on using his power for the good of your own family, and then shitting all over him in public. Don’t pretend you are one bit better than him.
Bobby is my friend. What do you expect when he VOLUNTEERS IN FRONT OF MY WIFE to “help” with my daughter’s GPA situation — ignore him? My wife would cut my nuts off. And I am lampooning the names — which you don’t get. Harrell is a crooked shit-ass motherfucker who uses his position to push or pull ordinary people into supporting him. Go ask some of his other State Farm customers (and their wives). THEY’LL tell you. Sick, sick, sick.
“And I am lampooning the names — which you don’t get.”
I am again and again surprised at satire or sarcasm getting missed completely on the various boards. Still, I–like you–refuse to label it in the post, as that as much as negates it.
Often it is a total lack of skill at the arts of satire and sarcasm which keep them from being recognized online sans some sort of a label.
In my day the Policy Council was a well respected resource for substantive papers and positions on the issues of the day. It’s a shame to see it devolve into this (regardless of what one thinks of Speaker Harrell).
Agreed, they need to focus on being insignificant and if they get involved at all with legislator it should be to help them cover up questionable conduct – not bring it to light or call attention to it. Yuck!
thanks for commenting Jakie!
The Policy Council still is well respected et cetera. So you think the PC’s use of this poll is . . . low brow? Guys like you look down on Landess trying to get attention or even recognition of the issue. She should be given an award for endurance and character. Shove it up your ass, brother.
I’m sure it is well respected in your circles for whatever it is you respect about it. It is not, however, respected for being the conservative, free-market thought leader that it was when McMullen was President. It has morphed into a bizarre hybrid of Common Cause and Judicial Watch. In the 90’s I was a frequent guest at their Board retreats and am quite familiar with the work they did. To see what was one of the nation’s leading state level conservative “think tanks” become a shadow of its former self is just sad.
(You may now return to your puerile commentary)
ouch
SCPRC caused an investigation into the corrupt behavior of Bobby Harrell, for which I give her ten points. Its nonprofit status, causing it not to engage in “political activity” ties its hands to do much more. John Crangle — one man — IS Common Cause in SC, and can also do little to fight corruption.
You call SCPRC “a bizarre hybrid of Common Cause and Judicial Watch,” and I call South Carolina the most brutal political state in the nation, with little organized resistance or investigative journalism. (SCPRC’s The Nerve, incidentally, is one of the few professional ones.)
I call SCPRC a body with arms and legs legally shackled , and give them kudos for this poll and anything else they can legally do to shine the kleig lights on their agenda (which I support).
SCPRC’s management behavior Is a manner of style. Ed was a great manager, but since his departure, the state has jumped, like Lewis Carrol’s rabbit, farther into corruption hole, major newspapers have terminated or clipped the wings of investigative reporters, and we’re left with Ashley Landess.
You are living backwards. (See below.)
(You may now return to your arrogant mindset.)
+ + +
Through the Looking Glass, by Lewis Carroll
“I’m sure I’ll take you with pleasure!” the Queen said.
“Twopence a week, and jam every other day.”
Alice couldn’t help laughing, as she said, “I don’t want you to hire me—and I don’t care for jam.”
“It’s very good jam,” said the Queen.
“Well, I don’t want any to-day, at any rate.”
“You couldn’t have it if you did want it,” the Queen said. “The rule is, jam to-morrow, and jam yesterday — but never jam to-day.”
“It must come sometimes to “jam to-day,”‘ Alice objected.
“No, it can’t,” said the Queen. “It’s jam every other day: to-day isn’t any other day, you know.”
“I don’t understand you,” said Alice. “It’s dreadfully confusing!”
“That’s the effect of living backwards,” the Queen said kindly: “it always makes one a little giddy at first.”
“Living backwards!” Alice repeated in great astonishment. “I never heard of such a thing!”
“—but there’s one great advantage in it, that one’s memory works both ways.”
“I’m sure mine only works one way,” Alice remarked. “I can’t remember things before they happen.”
“It’s a poor sort of memory that only works backwards,” the Queen remarked.
“I call South Carolina the most brutal political state in the nation, with little organized resistance or investigative journalism.”
_
Excellent summary description! So much sweep in so few words.
It is exactly the same situation in terms of pollution and protection from pollution, I sadly add, most of this out of sight and mostly unknown and undiscussed.
I guess you want the Policy Council to be one thing and I prefer it’s previous iteration. Any nimrod can do what it now does. Crangle is a perfect example of such a nimrod. The Policy Council used to ably fill a niche that added value to policy debates we had. Now it’s just another shrill voice adding to the cacophony of meaningless noise in Columbia. Now get off my lawn.
I believe you are missing a point here yourself. From the glory days you long for we have devolved to what is a much more corrupt government that renders your “added value to the debate” dream moot. Until these corrupt politicians go there really is no “debate”, there is only what Boss Hogg wants. Get rid of Harrell and his ilk and we can return to honest policy debates during which “value” from the Policy Council can be heard.
You are obviously engaged in a conversation with someone who does not care about going after corrupt pols. Something … well, something just impolite about it, you know? Fuck those idiots. Let ’em teach each other to hold their pinkies out when they drink tea, balance books on their heads, not to drink the water in the finger bowl or blow snot on the mirror when they’re doing bumps with TRav and his buds. You know, that sort of thing.
And you know f’-all about me. You also seem to have difficulty understanding what is actually a pretty simple point. Let me make it very clear – if Bobby Harrell loses his Speakership and goes to prison for five years, all because the Policy Council made its complaint, the value of the Policy Council will still be far less than it used to be. It used to be a resource that added real value to our state’s process of government, in a way that no one else did. Regardless of what happens to Harrell (and I hope he gets exactly what the facts show he deserves – and neither of us know what that is yet), the Policy Council will still be a shadow of its former self.
“And you know f’-all about me.”
Yeah, yer right. “HD” is the name of them new-fangledee tee-vee sceens, ain’t it? So you must be richer’n fuck. My mistake.
A non sequitur for the ages. Nice work (although riffing off of a screen name is pretty amateur stuff).
The point was that you don’t have the balls to use your real name. So of course I don’t know fuck-all about you.
We are going to start posting your real name and your real home address.
Why So Angry?
Typical scam from the S.C. Policy Scam Council. No elected official in their right mind would ever respond to such a scam. If they do, they deserve what they get.
And, while Assley is trying to “expose” some elected officials, howz about she exposes all sources of S.C. Policy Scam funding; to include amounts.
Now that would be interesting.
BIN News
Flair, Flare and Balanced
P.S. Sorry about the typo, sic(k) willie is so fond of calling responsible folks “ass clowns” that we just slipped when thinking of Assley. D@mn, there is goes again…………….
Bobby Harrell is like J.R. Ewing from Dallas. What he did wasn’t much different than most, but his actions have been like that of a criminal trying to cover up a bigger problem. Who knows! http://www.thebryancrabtreeshow.com/is-bobby-harrell-south-carolinas-j-r-ewing/
Eric Cantor lost because voters believe the Republican leadership is corrupt.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/19/politics/stock-act-loophole/?c=&page=1
Cantor is a boy scout compared to Harrell.
You got that right, ‘bro.
One day Harrell will leave South Carolina forever — and God’s got a special place reserved for him in hell.