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Gov. Sanford endorses Ryberg: In face of primary opposition, Sanford lauds Ryberg's efforts at reform
5/13/2008 12:06 AM   2 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend

By ROB NOVIT Senior writer

NORTH AUGUSTA -- S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford said he doesn't endorse people for political office very often, but he's making a relatively rare exception for S.C. Sen. Greg Ryberg.

There should be exceptions, Sanford said, "when the attributes of that candidate are so great or the differences are so great that it warrants me giving my opinion."

Ryberg is seeking re-election to Senate District 24 and faces opposition in the Republican primary June 10 from Jason Whinghter, a North Augusta City Council member.

Ryberg and Sanford made campaign stops in Aiken, North Augusta and Jackson, where Sanford delivered his endorsement.

"Greg has consistently been on the side of reforming the way things are done in Columbia, to the betterment of people's lives across the state," said Sanford.

Ryberg said he was proud to stand with Sanford in cutting income taxes for the first time in the state's history.

"We agree on philosophy on a lot of issues," Ryberg said. "It's the people's money, not Columbia's money. We have to be prudent and ought to look at expenses and go back to zero-based budgets."

State government's structure hasn't changed in South Carolina since 1895, and the governor's lack of authority is a problem, said Ryberg.

"We need a balance of power between the legislature, judiciary and the executive branch of government," he said. "Mark has pushed for restructuring, and I really respect him for that. If we don't do this, it's just like in 1895."

Sanford said he ran for governor with the objective of changing the way some things are done in Columbia. He credits Ryberg with an "incredible record" of pushing for reform in the state. On DUI revisions, Ryberg's amendment doubled the penalty for those not willing to take a Breathalyzer test.

At least one person every day dies in South Carolina as a result of drunken driving, said Sanford. Ryberg's amendment "will make a serious, significant change on that front."

Ryberg said he's running for re-election to fight special interest groups and special interest legislation. He led the effort, he said, to expose the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) that threatened to use more than $60 million in local taxes to fund a real estate developer in Aiken County.

"Everything government does is always with your money," said Ryberg. "Every vote I take in South Carolina is with the taxpayers in mind."

Ryberg also wants to fix the retirement system, which he said has $10 billion each in unfunded liability and insurance for retirees.

"We need to put that on secure footing," he said, "so retirees don't have to worry about their retirement or insurance checks without it coming out of the general fund. That's my goal and I think we can do it."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com





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  2 comment(s) on this story

Amen Girl :  5/13/2008

I also agree anyone is better than Greg. He and the governor are a fine pair. He must not be doing well if he called in back up.

Heather

We don't want Greg :  5/13/2008

I rather have Ravenel back or anybody but Greg Ryberg!!!

Melissa
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