The special election for South Carolina’s first congressional district is (at long last) over. The saga that began last December – when S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley tapped U.S. Rep. Tim Scott to take Jim DeMint’s seat in the U.S. Senate – ended Tuesday night with a resounding victory for former S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford.
In fact this race – pegged by most polls as a toss-up – wound up being a near-landslide victory for the Palmetto State’s “Comeback Kid.”
Let’s assess the fallout, shall we?
WINNERS
Mark Sanford … He was given up for dead after his dramatic fall from grace in 2009 … and two weeks ago he was down by nearly 10 points in this race. Somehow, though, Mark Sanford survived. Given his sky-high disapproval ratings there is absolutely no way the “Luv Gov” should have won this congressional seat. But a crowded GOP primary, a fiscally liberal “Republican” runoff opponent and a strategically inept Democratic campaign conspired to send him back into elected office.
Nikki Haley … With her predecessor sucking all the oxygen out of the state’s political media for the last four months, absolutely no one has been writing about Nikki Haley’s disastrous first term in office. Haley got a small bump in popularity with her choice of Tim Scott for the U.S. Senate, but the real benefit to her was bringing a national circus to town that helped take the spotlight off of her chronic incompetence.
Anthony Wiener … He probably won’t win the New York City mayoral race, but Wiener has to be encouraged by what he saw in South Carolina on Tuesday night.
Ron and Rand Paul … The libertarian godfather and his son endorsed Sanford at a critical moment in this race, helping shore up his libertarian flank and infusing his cash-strapped campaign with some much needed resources.
Thomas Ravenel … the former S.C. State Treasurer (and reality TV star) is another scandal-scarred ex-politico who has to be encouraged by Sanford’s win. Will we see another “second chance” headline in the not-too-distant future?
Maria Belen Chapur … Sanford’s mistress-turned-fiancée was the undisputed star of the governor’s victory celebration. Decked out in a black Donna Karan dress and three-inch peeptoe sling backs, the tanned, tone Argentine bombshell stole this show.
FreedomWorks … Eager to get back on the winning side of the ledger after getting pummeled in a race in Louisiana, the grassroots conservative advocacy organization went all in for Sanford when he needed support the most.
Charleston and Savannah Television Stations … How much money was spent on television ads in this race? A whole helluva lot, people. And these stations got paid.
Teddy Turner’s Third Wife … Blair Turner, whose ascension to the title of “contemporary Mrs. Turner” made some headlines on this website during the crowded GOP first district primary, was another stunning beauty who attended Sanford’s victory celebration in Mount Pleasant. Gracious, gorgeous and built like a brick barnyard, she could teach politicos (including Sanford) a thing or two about how to deal effectively with controversy and criticism.
***
LOSERS
Nancy Pelosi … The Democratic House leader wasn’t on the ballot in South Carolina, but Mark Sanford made the race a referendum on her (or at least a cardboard cutout of her).
Elizabeth Colbert-Busch … Seriously, who the hell invites Democratic lawmakers like Sheila Jackson Lee and Jim Clyburn (both borderline socialists) to campaign with her in a district Mitt Romney won by 18 points? Elizabeth Colbert-Busch, that’s who.
South Carolina Democrats … All of the stars aligned for the Palmetto State’s perpetual minority party in the first district – and they still couldn’t get a win. Had this race been the close call most pollsters were anticipating, we’d have given S.C. Dems an “E” for Effort. As it is, they get another “EF” – for “Epic Fail.”
National Democrats … Yeah … that campaign to take back the U.S. House of Representatives appears to be off to a rocky start.
National Republicans … The GOP establishment in Washington, D.C. was begging for a reason to bail on Sanford, who has never been a “team player” inside the Beltway. So when trespassing allegations raised by Jenny Sanford started to gain traction in the national media – and when Sanford started flailing in response to these allegations – the GOP seized the moment and pulled the plug on him. Oops.
Pollsters … Everybody missed this race. Everybody. Internal polls, public surveys and cell phone samples all predicted a contest that would go down to the wire. The photo finish never materialized, though, leaving a lot of researchers with a lot of egg on their faces.
Jenny Sanford … The former first lady did her best to torpedo her ex-husband’s campaign – and failed. And while she’s still very popular in the first district, her bitterness apparently doesn’t trump its ideological roots.
FITSNews … This website went out on a limb and endorsed Sanford over a fiscal liberal in the GOP runoff election last month. However we refrained from endorsing him this go-round after he went squishy on his free market moorings during a recent debate. That was absolutely the right thing to do in light of Sanford’s disappointing debate tack, but several of his supporters made it clear to us that FITS was not “sufficiently loyal” to the conservative candidate in this race. Ah, the presumption of entitlement.
Teddy Turner’s Second Wife … One of the handful of “Republicans for Colbert-Busch,” her effort to score some cheap political points at her ex-husband’s expense didn’t pan out as planned.
***
97 comments
Yea, well if you want to feel like a “winner” you can claim that you helped him win the primary, which basically handed him the election in that district anyway.
Personally, I think you and most of the GOP voters will again be disappointed in Sanford.
You’ve been duped again.
But then again, as Mike from the Beach stated…they both sucked.
The choice was between dumb and dumber.
So there are no “winners”, there could be no winners in any scenario…there are only losers…and that is everyone that isn’t a politician, gov’t worker, or crony capitalist in SC unfortunately.
As the British say, “Keep calm, and carry on.”
And how many times must the people of SC and the taxpayer be screwed, blued and tatooed, duped and doped, before they learn:
Thomas Ravenel
Mark Sanford
Bob Peeler
Harvey peeler
Richard Eckstrom
Ken Ard
Nikki Haley
Jim Clyburn
Bobby Harrell
David Wilkins
Earl Morris
Ted Vick
Joe Wilson
Alan Wilson
O’Bama
Clinton
Edwards
Bush
Ah yes, the women, the men, Savanna River sell out, the DOR breach, the ethics violations, the adultery, the lies, the incompetence, the NARCISSiST. The out right theft of the people of the State and Country!
The hell with the State, Country and future generations, what is in it for me crowd!
Our Grand children will visit our graves…..to piss on them.
We the brain dead, vote party only, uninformed, apathetic loosers, destroyers of future generations.
Ask their spouses, former spouses, and children, who really know the score!
Democracy, in its current iteration/definition is being uncovered as wholly corrupt and insufficient.
This is needed. My kids/grandkids won’t be pissing on my grave because they know I’m not a willing participant…just a victim.
That being said, I’m not sure man will ever “progress” from the current philosophies of gov’t substantially.
Democracy today is nothing more than legalized theft and coercion. It has morphed into the very thing the founders were afraid of, tyranny of the majority.
As such, there is no reversing the course via “peaceful” means(elections, etc.).
It’s going to have to play out….hopefully the end result/mess won’t be too long in misery or too bloody.
You left off one of the worst – Jean Hoefer Toal.
So sorry and Bill and Hillary Clinton, as well as Jean Hoefer Toal!
Our Grand children will visit our graves…..to piss on them.
Yes, that they will.
Why don’t you run for office and see how great it is to be a ‘sleazy’ target of the MSM and websites that prefer a ‘creep show’ over leadership, brains, honesty and principles. Politics is all about the ‘reality show’ mentality and no one in their right mind wants to be associated with corrupt, elected officials or government at any level – Look at your own list for evidence of the problem.
Too bad for those who pay taxes and still believe that it is an individual’s responsibility to take care of themselves – not the ‘government.’
In my opinion it was a choice between someone who would be guaranteed to stay in office via the power of incumbency, versus someone who in all likelihood would not survive their next reelection. I also think Sanford is far worse a breed of politician than ECB ever could be. To me, the choice was clear, let ECB take the seat by default and kick her out when someone better runs.
I do agree that most people will be disappointed in Sanford given enough time, though.
Yea, well if you want to feel like a “winner” you can claim that you helped him win the primary, which basically handed him the election in that district anyway.
Personally, I think you and most of the GOP voters will again be disappointed in Sanford.
You’ve been duped again.
But then again, as Mike from the Beach stated…they both sucked.
The choice was between dumb and dumber.
So there are no “winners”, there could be no winners in any scenario…there are only losers…and that is everyone that isn’t a politician, gov’t worker, or crony capitalist in SC unfortunately.
As the British say, “Keep calm, and carry on.”
And how many times must the people of SC and the taxpayer be screwed, blued and tatooed, duped and doped, before they learn:
Thomas Ravenel
Mark Sanford
Bob Peeler
Harvey peeler
Richard Eckstrom
Ken Ard
Nikki Haley
Jim Clyburn
Bobby Harrell
David Wilkins
Earl Morris
Ted Vick
Joe Wilson
Alan Wilson
O’Bama
Clinton
Edwards
Bush
Ah yes, the women, the men, Savanna River sell out, the DOR breach, the ethics violations, the adultery, the lies, the incompetence, the NARCISSiST. The out right theft of the people of the State and Country!
The hell with the State, Country and future generations, what is in it for me crowd!
Our Grand children will visit our graves…..to piss on them.
We the brain dead, vote party only, uninformed, apathetic loosers, destroyers of future generations.
Ask their spouses, former spouses, and children, who really know the score!
Democracy, in its current iteration/definition is being uncovered as wholly corrupt and insufficient.
This is needed. My kids/grandkids won’t be pissing on my grave because they know I’m not a willing participant…just a victim.
That being said, I’m not sure man will ever “progress” from the current philosophies of gov’t substantially.
Democracy today is nothing more than legalized theft and coercion. It has morphed into the very thing the founders were afraid of, tyranny of the majority.
As such, there is no reversing the course via “peaceful” means(elections, etc.).
It’s going to have to play out….hopefully the end result/mess won’t be too long in misery or too bloody.
You left off one of the worst – Jean Hoefer Toal.
So sorry and Bill and Hillary Clinton, as well as Jean Hoefer Toal!
Our Grand children will visit our graves…..to piss on them.
Yes, that they will.
Why don’t you run for office and see how great it is to be a ‘sleazy’ target of the MSM and websites that prefer a ‘creep show’ over leadership, brains, honesty and principles. Politics is all about the ‘reality show’ mentality and no one in their right mind wants to be associated with corrupt, elected officials or government at any level – Look at your own list for evidence of the problem.
Too bad for those who pay taxes and still believe that it is an individual’s responsibility to take care of themselves – not the ‘government.’
In my opinion it was a choice between someone who would be guaranteed to stay in office via the power of incumbency, versus someone who in all likelihood would not survive their next reelection. I also think Sanford is far worse a breed of politician than ECB ever could be. To me, the choice was clear, let ECB take the seat by default and kick her out when someone better runs.
I do agree that most people will be disappointed in Sanford given enough time, though.
Losers: South Carolinians. Right or wrong (you decide), the rest of the country has judged us idiots. Again.
The biggest losers in this state are the voters outside of the 1st District. Those voters could have killed this zombie, but they let him off the hook.
Fuck you 1st District.
Aren’t you a Clemson fan too?
What in the hell does Clemson have to do with this?
No. I hate Clemson. See Smirks’ response.
Well…no duh, Captain Obvious.
I’m stuck with Clyburn…..
Losers: South Carolinians. Right or wrong (you decide), the rest of the country has judged us idiots. Again.
The biggest losers in this state are the voters outside of the 1st District. Those voters could have killed this zombie, but they let him off the hook.
Fuck you 1st District.
Aren’t you a Clemson fan too?
What in the hell does Clemson have to do with this?
No. I hate Clemson. See Smirks’ response.
Well…no duh, Captain Obvious.
I’m stuck with Clyburn…..
Please add “MyDaddyIsRich” to your loser list
He/she/it owes you a $50 donation
Ha! I remember him making that bet. It will be interesting to see if he is a man of his word or not.
Please add “MyDaddyIsRich” to your loser list
He/she/it owes you a $50 donation
Ha! I remember him making that bet. It will be interesting to see if he is a man of his word or not.
The irony in Maria wearing a Donna Karan frock is that Karan is a well known, verbal, out there Democrat who considers Barbra Streidand her best friend and the Clintons as close friends.
UH oh
Yeah, look for Sanford to moderate his views on social issues (which some people might see as a plus) due to Belen’s and his own moral/ethical lapsing experiences! He lost his authority to be discerning based on his own messy pants.
The irony in Maria wearing a Donna Karan frock is that Karan is a well known, verbal, out there Democrat who considers Barbra Streidand her best friend and the Clintons as close friends.
UH oh
Yeah, look for Sanford to moderate his views on social issues (which some people might see as a plus) due to Belen’s and his own moral/ethical lapsing experiences! He lost his authority to be discerning based on his own messy pants.
Not surprised that Will from Fitsnews would pick Belen as one of the winners. All she has to do is smile and look at you with desire in her eyes and you are gone.
A SA woman really knows how to tie a man’s nuts in a knot and have him thank her for it!
Not surprised that Will from Fitsnews would pick Belen as one of the winners. All she has to do is smile and look at you with desire in her eyes and you are gone.
A SA woman really knows how to tie a man’s nuts in a knot and have him thank her for it!
“Everybody missed this race. Everybody…” Correction: Grand Strand Daily predicted a 6 point plus victory all along but that said the ORVS was +12R, so did Sanford meet or exceed expectations…
http://grandstranddaily.com/mark-sanford-returns-to-washington/
“Everybody missed this race. Everybody…” Correction: Grand Strand Daily predicted a 6 point plus victory all along but that said the ORVS was +12R, so did Sanford meet or exceed expectations…
http://grandstranddaily.com/mark-sanford-returns-to-washington/
It’s pretty obvious that voters in SC would elect a jackass with an R after his name. Oh wait, you just did.
It’s pretty obvious that voters in SC would elect a jackass with an R after his name. Oh wait, you just did.
Winners….Spitzer, Edwards, Weiner…..you go guys
Even though Sanford did this for himself, hope the collateral winners were his sons who deserved to feel renewed pride and happiness. Of course they may also see this as the same distraction and ego-driven behavior that took him away from them in the past. Fortunately they are older now and can reason out his personality disorders and his entanglement with fiancee. Shame the kids end up being the custodial parents in these matters.
Winners….Spitzer, Edwards, Weiner…..you go guys
Even though Sanford did this for himself, hope the collateral winners were his sons who deserved to feel renewed pride and happiness. Of course they may also see this as the same distraction and ego-driven behavior that took him away from them in the past. Fortunately they are older now and can reason out his personality disorders and his entanglement with fiancee. Shame the kids end up being the custodial parents in these matters.
“Everybody missed this race. Everybody.”
Not everybody. jimlewisowb has been calling it for weeks
“?” told everyone too.
Ppp had a 1 point Sanford win. Jim had a 7 points win. Reality was in between those two.
TontoBubbaGoldstein called it, like since forever.
Pro Tip:
Start out by assuming that TBG is right….
“Everybody missed this race. Everybody.”
Not everybody. jimlewisowb has been calling it for weeks
“?” told everyone too.
Ppp had a 1 point Sanford win. Jim had a 7 points win. Reality was in between those two.
TontoBubbaGoldstein called it, like since forever.
Pro Tip:
Start out by assuming that TBG is right….
Gerrymander versus Democrat. Gerrymander wins. District was stacked two years ago. Just look at the division of the Charleston peninsula and the tale is told. The first district now does not even contain the old Navy Base. L. Mendel Rivers would be shocked.
Gerrymander versus Democrat. Gerrymander wins. District was stacked two years ago. Just look at the division of the Charleston peninsula and the tale is told. The first district now does not even contain the old Navy Base. L. Mendel Rivers would be shocked.
What I would like to know is, how did FitsNews know that Maria’s dress was a Donna Karan? Mark certainly didn’t buy her that dress. I don’t think that Wal-Mart carries Donna Karan!
She told Will at the party and he tweeted immediately to tell us. Of course Mark did not buy it and it will be interesting what happens after they should marry.
Mark will never marry her. If he loved her so much they would have gotten married as soon as his divorce was final. It doesn’t take much preparation to go down to the courthouse and get married either.
Just me-I agree. I’ve been asking all along why haven’t they married when the divorce was finalized. Truth of the matter I believe is that he was waiting for Jenny to come back to him as he wants his family to be all be together.
While that sounds romantic it’s not too realistic. Sanford would have to convince Jenny that he is again the man she married and that would be hard to do with him singing Chapur’s praises. Besides, it’s not emotionally or physically healthy to be around him. Ever since mention was made of her absence, Chapur has been on the scene reminding him and his peeps that she is in the picture. Unless it is all a farce. They seem headed to the altar and a Tahiti honeymoon! Look for the upcoming photo spread!
Sanford probably got it at Goodwill. Like he gave Jenny a used bicycle for a birthday present. Remember that one? But when it comes to airplane travel, screw the taxpayers. Remember the $79,000 in ethics fines?
Fear not. It looks like off the rack Donna Karan not her couture line. He can get it at Macy’s on the sale rack and maybe using a 20% off coupon. As his wife, she’ll learn (or hide the receipts.)
What I would like to know is, how did FitsNews know that Maria’s dress was a Donna Karan? Mark certainly didn’t buy her that dress. I don’t think that Wal-Mart carries Donna Karan!
She told Will at the party and he tweeted immediately to tell us. Of course Mark did not buy it and it will be interesting what happens after they should marry.
Mark will never marry her. If he loved her so much they would have gotten married as soon as his divorce was final. It doesn’t take much preparation to go down to the courthouse and get married either.
Just me-I agree. I’ve been asking all along why haven’t they married when the divorce was finalized. Truth of the matter I believe is that he was waiting for Jenny to come back to him as he wants his family to be all be together.
While that sounds romantic it’s not too realistic. Sanford would have to convince Jenny that he is again the man she married and that would be hard to do with him singing Chapur’s praises. Besides, it’s not emotionally or physically healthy to be around him. Ever since mention was made of her absence, Chapur has been on the scene reminding him and his peeps that she is in the picture. Unless it is all a farce. They seem headed to the altar and a Tahiti honeymoon! Look for the upcoming photo spread!
Sanford probably got it at Goodwill. Like he gave Jenny a used bicycle for a birthday present. Remember that one? But when it comes to airplane travel, screw the taxpayers. Remember the $79,000 in ethics fines?
Fear not. It looks like off the rack Donna Karan not her couture line. He can get it at Macy’s on the sale rack and maybe using a 20% off coupon. As his wife, she’ll learn (or hide the receipts.)
It remains to be seen, but ultimately I think SC is going to “lose” on his reelection in the long run. Mark Sanford isn’t in it to help SC, he’s in it for himself, I’m fully convinced of that.
And he’ll be there for life. Other losers – his kids who’ll have to read about this prick as congressman and his dick-sucking wife in the news. Imagine what he’ll try to do with them on holidays – kidnap them? Jenny’s fury must be like an inferno by now.
she’s too frigid to ever be an inferno
It remains to be seen, but ultimately I think SC is going to “lose” on his reelection in the long run. Mark Sanford isn’t in it to help SC, he’s in it for himself, I’m fully convinced of that.
And he’ll be there for life. Other losers – his kids who’ll have to read about this prick as congressman and his dick-sucking wife in the news. Imagine what he’ll try to do with them on holidays – kidnap them? Jenny’s fury must be like an inferno by now.
she’s too frigid to ever be an inferno
The People of SC-1, there goes your Federal funding for the Port of Charleston. Haley sold you out and Sanfraud turned down the funds. Good luck!! And, BTW, maybe ya’ll should get one of thos GPS ankle bracelets to keep tabs on Sanfraud. HAHAHA!!
The People of SC-1, there goes your Federal funding for the Port of Charleston. Haley sold you out and Sanfraud turned down the funds. Good luck!! And, BTW, maybe ya’ll should get one of thos GPS ankle bracelets to keep tabs on Sanfraud. HAHAHA!!
Big winner is the Tea Party if Sanford works with them they now have a national and southern political LEADER who commands attention, media buzz, can raise money and stand up to the traitors in the GOP like Speaker Boehner!
HIS DAYS ARE NUMBERED !!!
I hope and pray Sanford will be a leader and that FITS will regret its non-endorsement.
Only time will tell….
Oh and FITS: Big loser was that .so called conservative rag the Post and Courier who endorsed the witch – CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION !
Big winner is the Tea Party if Sanford works with them they now have a national and southern political LEADER who commands attention, media buzz, can raise money and stand up to the traitors in the GOP like Speaker Boehner!
HIS DAYS ARE NUMBERED !!!
I hope and pray Sanford will be a leader and that FITS will regret its non-endorsement.
Only time will tell….
Oh and FITS: Big loser was that .so called conservative rag the Post and Courier who endorsed the witch – CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION !
Will –
I typically don’t comment, however Jason Miller, Joel Sawyer, and the Sanford campaign team should be listed in the winners column. Turnout was over 30% in a special and they were able to rev up a turn out machine and show how worthless polls in Congressional specials really are.
-Adam
I think you can THANK Obama. The heavy turnout was in opposition to him, Reid and Pelosi.
Will –
I typically don’t comment, however Jason Miller, Joel Sawyer, and the Sanford campaign team should be listed in the winners column. Turnout was over 30% in a special and they were able to rev up a turn out machine and show how worthless polls in Congressional specials really are.
-Adam
I bet Maria will make sure he votes for the Amnesty Bill.
I bet Maria will make sure he votes for the Amnesty Bill.
Politics in its current configuration is as fake as pro wrestling…
Politics in its current configuration is as fake as pro wrestling…
I have never heard a “man” with a foot/shoe fetish go on about it before Folks.
It’s way creepy.
I have never heard a “man” with a foot/shoe fetish go on about it before Folks.
It’s way creepy.
Speaking of:
“Thomas Ravenel … the former S.C. State Treasurer (and reality TV star) is another scandal-scarred ex-politico who has to be encouraged by Sanford’s win. Will we see another “second chance” headline in the not-too-distant future?”
Whatever happened to “MMMAARON” which was pulled from this site within a couple oh hours (at most)? I thought the contents were spot-on.
Speaking of:
“Thomas Ravenel … the former S.C. State Treasurer (and reality TV star) is another scandal-scarred ex-politico who has to be encouraged by Sanford’s win. Will we see another “second chance” headline in the not-too-distant future?”
Whatever happened to “MMMAARON” which was pulled from this site within a couple oh hours (at most)? I thought the contents were spot-on.