Political Hash

While candidates for governor were coming off their televised Charleston debate, the current governor was making the news again last week.

In an Appalachian Trail moment, Gov. Mark Sanford was asked to comment about the new book by his wife that went on sale Friday. Jenny Sanford, the soon-to-be former first lady of South Carolina, wrote her memoir, "Staying True," in which she revealed some of the quirky details of her marriage to the governor. Included among them was Mark Sanford's refusal to include fidelity in their marriage vows.

When asked about the book during a stop in Myrtle Beach, the governor responded, "I know anything Jenny does, she does well, so I look forward to reading it along with everybody else."

The book is sure to be a best seller in South Carolina and bring further embarrassment to the governor.

* Sen. Shane Massey, according to The Palmetto Scoop website, is having difficulty raising money for his campaign for 3rd District congressman. According to the website, "... Massey's ill-fated bid for South Carolina's third Congressional district may soon be at an end, if money is any indication.

"Massey, a first-term Republican from Edgefield County, raised a paltry $845.60 during the fourth quarter of 2009, all in unitemized contributions, according to a financial disclosure filed with the Federal Election Commission."

* State Rep. Rex Rice and Rep. Jeff Duncan are also seeking the nomination for the seat being relinquished by Gresham Barrett.

* In the governor's Republican primary race, Rep. Nikki Haley responded to a recent attack.

"Our momentum continues to grow. In last week's debate, I was the only candidate for governor who stayed true to the conservative principles like fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability that can restore our faith in government.

"This winning message has clearly gotten the attention of the career politicians. Over the weekend, a supposed 'grass-roots' e-mail was blasted out to some Republican voters in an attempt to distort my record. While anonymous attacks from made up names and e-mail addresses are cowardly, I will proudly compare my record on government spending with any other candidate."

* Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer received a boost from Brian Donegan, founder of Can-Do Conservatives following the gubernatorial candidate's comments comparing those on welfare with stray animals.

"Andre has hit the target. We must reverse the cycle for citizens now and generations to come. We deserve better!"

"We applaud Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer for his leadership and willingness to stick his head out to bring light to the current situation and desire to change the way things are in this situation."

* Democrat candidate for governor Dwight Drake received the endorsement of Columbia Mayor Bob Coble. "I know that Dwight has a passion for service and a sincere desire to provide the leadership to ensure that our children are provided the first-quality education necessary for the jobs of the future," the outgoing mayor of South Carolina's capital city said.

* Republican gubernatorial candidate Gresham Barrett said he is focusing on jobs for the Palmetto State. In an op-ed piece in The Greenville News, Barrett said, "With a comprehensive approach to economic development, we can take South Carolina somewhere she has never been before; where our children graduate to take jobs in Greenville or Charleston - not Atlanta or Charlotte; where the next job is across the street - not across the country; where small business and entrepreneurs are the engines of job creation - not government; and where our success is only limited by our willingness to succeed."

* Dr. Jim Rex, Democratic candidate for governor, said he wants to raise the state's cigarette tax to $1.27 per pack, using the money to keep from having to furlough teachers statewide. That would put the state at the national average. Rex, current superintendent of education, wants to use part of the money for health care and part for education.

"I would not like to see education funding long term dependent on this revenue source," said Rex.

* Campaign season can be confusing for voters. Candidates announce unofficially. They campaign - unofficially. Then they announce - officially. Then they campaign - officially. And all that is before they can even file to run.

Filing for this year's primaries will be held between March 16-30. The primary will be held on June 8, and the general election will be held on Nov. 2.