THIRD DISTRICT CONGRESSMAN CONSIDERING STATEWIDE CAMPAIGN
|| By FITSNEWS || Remember the last time a congressman ran for governor of South Carolina? Yeah … it didn’t work out so well.
Former third district congressman Gresham Barrett could have been a contender, but his sellout vote in support of former president George W. Bush‘s Wall Street bailout – and rumblings of other issues – doomed his candidacy.
Now Jeff Duncan – the auctioneer/ real estate broker who replaced Barrett in 2011 – is eyeing a gubernatorial bid, sources familiar with his thinking tell FITS. Duncan would make a formidable candidate, should he choose to run. An ardent fiscal and social conservative, his voting record is impeccable. In fact he was the only member of South Carolina’s so-called “conservative” GOP delegation to oppose the reelection of liberal U.S. Speaker John Boehner earlier this year – and he is the only member of the delegation (so far) to come out against a crony capitalist trade deal being pushed by the administration of Barack Obama.
In other words, it doesn’t seem as though Duncan will be having a “Barrett moment” anytime soon …
Duncan is also politically savvy, playing up his “Kingmaker” role in the 2016 “First in the South” presidential primary process …
Potential downsides to his candidacy?
Well, there’s the strong likelihood that Duncan’s unabashed social conservatism – which plays well in the rural areas he represents – would fall flat in other parts of the state. Is the devout Southern Baptist willing to tone down that side of his political persona?
Doubtful …
Then there’s Duncan’s wife, Melody Duncan.
Zealously protective of her (and her family’s) privacy, sources tell FITS she’s less than thrilled with the prospect of her husband mounting a statewide campaign that would prominently feature her and the couple’s three children.
Also Duncan’s bid would be a zero-sum game: To run for governor, he would have to give up his seat in the U.S. Congress.
Assuming he pulls the trigger, Duncan is likely to face several credible GOP rivals.
The names we hear most often? U.S. Rep. Mick Mulvaney (his delegation-mate), S.C. attorney general Alan Wilson, former S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) director Catherine Templeton, State Senator Tom Davis, S.C. Rep. Tommy Pope and lieutenant governor Henry McMaster.
And of course there’s still speculation surrounding U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford – a former two-term governor.
For the record, Duncan’s staffers declined to address the gubernatorial speculation.
“There are a lot of people encouraging Jeff to run for governor,” one of his aides told FITS. “That’s about all I can say at the moment. But I can confirm the conversation.”
32 comments
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Like – plus 5.
Dumb as a rock.
This. you beat me to it. He may vote the right way, but man he is dumb.
Duh that’s way he is so dumb, because it’s the way he votes. Or better yet the way jim duhmint tells to vote.
It pains me to say it, but I agree. He is very accessible and tries to do what his constituents want, a nice guy. But if he were a pencil, I’d be looking for a sharpener.
I totally agree with SYNTwist. I have nothing against the guy, but if he were to go up against Mick Mulvaney or Trey Gowdy in a debate, he’d get his ass handed to him.
…in a gift wrapped box.
Considering how ignorant he is, I would ordinarily say this is laughable. However, with Trikki Nikk having won the seat twice, the bar has been set so low, even Duncan is qualified. And to think we used to make fun of David Beasley.
Jeff Duncan would be an incredible Governor. He knows the statehouse and can work with the leadership in both chambers. He is respected in DC. He knows economic development. His and family are incredible.
He surrounds himself with good people. Jeff Duncan for Governor!!!!
Like when he went apeshit over seeing some feds training with “assault” rifles and started an investigation……which went nowhere BTW
The same “assault” rifles that are in the weapons inventory of damn near every cop department in the Great State of South Carolina.
Yep, those “assault” weapons!!!!!!!
Great real Barney. Your pal is the BIGGEST lightweight in congress and the lap dawg for Jimmie duhmint. I’m curious kindly give us the names of the “good people he surrounds himself with”, as all he does attack anyone who is not extremely right wing. Jeff Duncan for DAWG CATCHER!!!!!
How does he feel about homosexuals? Legit question.
The same way he feels about illegal aliens.
Hopefully Obama gives Guantanamo back to Cuba and illegals can be deported to that island.
whatcha ya think. I think you are an ASSHOLE!
My guess is that <1% of the population in South Carolina are homo's.
Why would that be an important question?
I hope Duncan runs because it would get him out of Congress – where he has made a fool of himself (Sorry FITS, I know you like him). Plus, it doesn’t matter all that much who is governor because the legislature calls the shots anyway.
Caption for the picture:
“My balls are this big and the only time I feel comfortable is if old white guys sit next to me at the table”!!!
Hmmm l thought old jeff was bragging about the size of his penis, or the football that he dropped in his Clemson scout team practice back when “he played football at Clemson under Danny Ford.”
It could be a football from back in the days when he was on the Clemson taxi squad (known in some circles as “tackle dummies”)
Vote for Duncan so we can be just like Kansas–Brownback Mountain
Can he raise the money though to be competitive?
And do some more research on his family. Something is off there.
Lance, please don’t let this happen…disaster.
Lance already failed with the last 3rd District Congressman that set his eyes on Richland Street…
True. Gresham’s campaign was anemic at best.
Hmm…….with a collar like that ….maybe Wil needs to consider some violations pertaining to “manspreading”…! Heck, where is J-Peters located at? …at least give this bar some luv….!
We wonder just how much his monthly power bill is….??
To quote Gmail: “This conversation has been moved to the Trash.”
Most of the comments attached to this article don’t even related to the substance of the article. Just a bunch of personal attacks from people who probably have never even met Jeff Duncan personally. Can you do any better? Get off your couch and DO something better before you start with the elementary school bashing that you are engaging in. Just makes you look stupid.
The substance of this article is that Duncan is considering running for governor. The most of the comments posted are that Duncan would not be a good or viable candidate. His is not at all moderate in his politics. He is not a very deep or intelligent. He has no has no business savvy in running a state, except for his vast background in working in a few backwater banks, and operating an auction house handling foreclosed properties? His comments such as he made at Furman University about illegals, and comparing them to animals or rats attempting to get into one’s homes? His embellishments such as “I played football at Clemson under Danny Ford.”, when in actuality he was a member of the scout team for a year! I ask you, who looks stupid?
To my point Mr. Farkel – There is no substance to the article. The article speculates based on “sources familiar with his thinking” that Congressman Duncan is considering running. That is speculation at its best and probably an attempt to flesh out his intentions by Mulvaney or other political operatives. South Carolinians are fortunate to have some really good Congressman in Jeff Duncan, Mick Mulvaney and Trey Gowdy. The position of Governor of South Carolina is little more than a figurehead and we would be better served if these three remain in Congress and possibly go to a higher level in US Government. To your point of business savvy – Congressman Duncan does have banking experience but has also owned two successful business. It is common knowledge that auction businesses do have auctions of foreclosed properties but the bank is the one that forecloses on properties and then hires reputable auction companies to sell them. His other business was a successful real estate company. So how many businesses does one need to own before you consider them to business savvy? With regard to the illegals and his comments or those probably taken out of context – I think most South Carolinians would agree that we have a serious problem with illegal aliens in this country and if we don’t secure our borders it can only lead to ultimate decline of our society – just think about the consequences! With regard to Clemson – what proof do you have of him being on a scout team? My understanding is that he made the team as a walk on (no small feat) and was on the active roster and did play some and traveled to a bowl game and YES – Danny Ford was the coach. Mr. Farkel, I think you and others need to stop putting things out there before you know it to be factual. I found your comments (most of which I have just now debunked) to be polarizing, groundless and hateful. Why would anyone who is serious about the state of our country interject comments related to the size of someone else penis into the discussion??? Seriously, just stick the facts and grow up.
Bstewart your comment that this article has no substance and is speculative is utter nonsense and it’s apparent you do not comprehend the political world. I have no interest in Messrs. Mulvaney or Gowdy as this article is not about them. Duncan’s business savvy consists in working for two small local banks from 1989 to 1993, then starting J. Duncan Assoc., Auctioneers 1995 to 2010, “marketing/selling foreclosed properties. None of which is impressive nor prepares him for leadership of South Carolina, or as a member of congress! Re: Clemson, to quote Duncan, “I played football for a couple of years as a walk-on. I made the team. I was a guy that helped get the defense ready for the opposing offense.” Note SCOUT TEAM, which does dress for games. Per Clemson’s All Time Roster, Duncan is listed in 1985 as member of the Scout Team for that year only! I question him going to a Bowl Game in New Orleans as a team member dressed to play. Finally in Feb. 2011 at Furman , Duncan did make horrific comments about illegals, which were not taken out of context, but reported in the Greenville paper! So much for your “debunking and polarizing my groundless and hateful. comments.