EX-GOVERNOR TAPS ENVIRONMENTALIST TO RUN D.C. OFFICE
Libertarian-leaning U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.) has chosen a left-leaning environmentalist as his new chief of staff – an odd choice even in light of the former South Carolina governor’s “green streak.”
Sanford – who completed a remarkable political comeback last year with his election to the U.S. House – has selected former Jon Huntsman energy advisor Mark McIntosh to run his Washington, D.C. office.
Who is McIntosh? Liberal website ThinkProgress referred to him in 2011 as an “activist environmental lawyer” with “a long record” and a “significant background” in the eco-radical movement.
That prompted conservative columnist Jennifer Rubin of The Washington Post to criticize Huntsman for his selection, referring to it as further evidence of the former Utah governor being “out of step with the conservative electorate.”
So …. what is this guy doing with Mark Sanford?
Good question …
FITS reached out to McIntosh this week … but received no response.
Since his reelection to the U.S. Congress last May, Sanford has been a pretty reliable vote on the free market and individual liberty issues that matter to us (and should matter to you). Hopefully McIntosh’s selection as chief of staff will not presage a shift to the left.
12 comments
Lifelong concern, but particularly when it comes to his own investments and homestead. Trying to distinguish himself and firm up affections with his sons? Trying to carve out some green voters? Trying to placate someone who has the goods on him?
Huntsman is one of a few Republicans I actually respect, too bad Mark is nothing like him.
I agree entirely. Huntsman was the only decent candidate the Republicans had, and they ran him out. He had genuine ideas and the ability to work with people, but the tea party wanted none of that.
Guess hiring a kid whose only Hill experience was as a staff assistant who fetched office supplies and answered the phones was a mistake. I guess Jon Kohan wasn’t Mark’s soulmate.
Shame on you FITS. You’ve been beaten at your own game.
This website, uses your report, and does a better job at assessing this move by Sanford: GREAT READ: http://scdigest.blogspot.com/
Your blog sucks.
Sanford has talked some environmental talk. Usually in the context of the family plantation, though.
Mark McIntosh will be making around 100k shilling for the Sanford Bunny Ranch proprietor. McIntosh served as deputy general counsel in Bush’s White House Council on Environmental Quality, a post that put him in the middle of battles over climate change, air pollution, nuclear power and land management issues will most likely define Mark’s new found purpose in life…drilling for methane hydrates off Carolina Coast. Just a few problems with this. Mark is a Loggerhead Turtle out of his shell on this issue. Shunned by the House Leadership regarding the budgetary process, Sanford thinks this issue will keep him pertinent and employed in D.C. Not a chance.
Maybe he is preparing for an even more lucrative future as a lobbyist. Being labeled an “Environmental Crusader” while raking in big bucks would appeal to his ego while presenting a mask of nobility and righteousness.
“…a pretty reliable vote on the free market and individual liberty issues”
Super. Now if we could just find someone to legislate on things that pass the feasibility test. Or, if you can imagine, work on actual legislative solutions instead of mouthing concepts and principles. But, but if all you got is mouth, I guess you go with it and hope no one notices the suit is empty
Sanford has not been nearly as effective, focused and somewhat genuine since April left.
“…somewhat genuine…” I love it!