Lt. General Claudia Kennedy Endorses Jim Rex

by: Tim Kelly

Thu Mar 11, 2010 at 16:03:15 PM EST

"South Carolina's security is at risk in this election, and Jim Rex is the only candidate - Democrat or Republican - who has demonstrated the ability to lead in these uncertain and difficult times. His plan to create jobs at the intersection of effective public education reform, workforce readiness, and economic development is exactly what we need to turn this state around," she said.

Kennedy was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1969. She served two tours in Germany and one tour in South Korea and focused much of her military career in the fields of intelligence and cryptology. On May 21, 1997, Kennedy became the first woman in the U.S. Army to hold a three-star rank. She served as Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence and is a member of the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame.

In 2008, Kennedy was mentioned as a possible running mate for then-Senator Barack Obama and was a featured speaker at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. She resides in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

"I am honored and humbled to have a pioneering leader like Claudia Kennedy in my corner," said Rex.

SCDP To Sponsor Gubernatorial Debates

by: Tim Kelly

Thu Mar 11, 2010 at 09:04:48 AM EST

"South Carolina Democrats are very proud of each of our candidates for governor.   We believe that these debates will show voters that a Democratic governor will bring moral leadership and opportunities for job creation and better public education to our state," said South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler.

The first SCDP debate will be held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, in Columbia. The hour-long debate with gubernatorial candidates Superintendent of Education Jim Rex, Senator Robert Ford and Senator Vincent Sheheen will be televised in the Midlands.

The SCDP will also host debates in the Pee Dee in May and Charleston in June. Details for these events will be announced later.  

Poll: Toss-Up in SC Dem Race for Governor

by: Jennifer Read

Tue Mar 09, 2010 at 14:24:45 PM EST

Robert Ford - 12%
Jim Rex - 16%
Vincent Sheheen - 16%
Some other candidate - 15%
Not sure - 37%  
MoE +/- 5%

Similar to recent polls by PPP and Winthrop, today's Rasmussen numbers suggest Ford, Rex, and Sheheen remain largely unknown to voters across the Palmetto State. With less than three months to go before voters head to the polls, there's still no clear front-runner in the Democratic gubernatorial race.

Looking ahead, it's likely that the candidates' fundraising numbers will serve as a better indicator of strength as primary day approaches. With all three men struggling with low statewide name recognition, the primary victor will be the candidate who not only develops a memorable message, but also the guy who can afford to buy the most ad time to reach blue voters in the weeks leading up to June 8.

Rex picks up another educator endorsement

by: Tim Kelly

Wed Mar 03, 2010 at 10:55:24 AM EST

Blogger Conference Call with Jim Rex

by: Tim Kelly

Mon Mar 01, 2010 at 16:54:06 PM EST

Just a few minutes ago, I participated in a wide-ranging call with Dr. Jim Rex. I'll be doing a complete post on the issues we discussed, as well as the complete audio from the call, later this evening, but here are a few highlights:

• Rex reiterated his call for increasing the cigarette tax to the national average and using half of the estimated $240 million in revenue for temporary funding to stave on furloughs for up to 48,000 school teachers.
• He was critical of the legislature for what he called "bastardizing" the original intent of the TRAC commission legislation aimed at developing comprehensive tax reform.
• Within days of taking office, Rex pledged to convene a statewide panel aimed at addressing, among other things, the issue of the continuing controversy over the Confederate flag.
• Rex also outlined a proposal for a "pervasive, comprehensive" marketing plan to combat the state's negative image nationally and internationally because of embarrassments caused by several elected officials over the last year.
• Rex called on the federal government to move forward with opening the Yucca Mountain radioactive waste disposal site, although he called the actions of Gov. Mark Sanford and fellow gubernatorial candidate Henry McMaster "political posturing."

Rex Picks Up Endorsements of 47 District Superintendents

by: Tim Kelly

Tue Feb 23, 2010 at 12:02:05 PM EST

More than half of the state's school district chiefs are endorsing Jim Rex for governor.

Forty-seven district superintendents today announced their support for Rex, the current state superintendent of education.

"Jim Rex knows how to connect the dots between public education, workforce development, job creation, and growing our economy," said Rose Wilder, Superintendent in Clarendon School District One.  "That's why so many of us are speaking with one voice when it comes to this race for Governor.  This isn't about Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal.  This is about who can get the job done, and that's Jim Rex."

Those endorsing Rex today are:

Dr. Ivan Randolph Dr. Ora Lee Watson  Mr. Thomas T. Chapman Ms. Phyllis Schwarting Dr. Jake Sello Dr. Teresa Pope Dr. Anthony Parker  Dr. Nancy McGinley Dr. William James  Dr. Phillip McDaniel Dr. Rose Wilder Mr. John Tindal Dr. Lela Williams Dr. John Kirby Mr. Ray Rogers Mr. Jerry Montjoy  Mr. Joseph Pye Dr. Mary Rice-Crenshaw Dr. John Morris  Dr. Bertha McCants  Mr. Larry Jackson Ms. Beth Wright Mr. Robert Sullivan, Jr.  Dr. Darrell Johnson  Ms. Fay Sprouse  Dr. Deonia Simmons Dr. Larry Heath Dr. Cleo Richardson Dr. Linda Lavender Dr. Karen Woodward Mr. Michael Lupo Dr. Frank Roberson Dr. Sandra Calliham Dr. Thomas Sparks Dr. Cynthia Cash-Greene  Dr. Stephen Hefner  Dr. David Mathis Dr. Ron Garner Dr. Jim Ray Dr. Zona Jefferson Dr. Frank Baker Dr. David Eubanks Ms. Linda Huell Ms. Alexia Clamp   Dr. Keith Callicut Dr. Vernon Prosser Dr. Marc Sosne

Abbeville County School District Allendale County School District Anderson School District Two Bamberg School District One Bamberg School District Two Barnwell School District 19 Berkeley County School District Charleston County School District Cherokee County School District Chester County School District Clarendon School District One Clarendon School District Two Colleton County Schools Dillon School District Three Dillon School District Two Dorchester School District Four Dorchester School District Two Edgefield County School District Florence School District Five Florence School District Four Florence School District One Florence School District Three Florence School District Two Greenwood School District 55 Greenwood School District 51 Hampton School District Two Jasper County School District Lee County School District Lexington School District Four Lexington School District One Marion School District One Marlboro County School District McCormick County School District Orangeburg School District Four Orangeburg School District Three Richland School District Two Saluda County School District Spartanburg School District One Spartanburg School District Three Sumter School District 17 Sumter School District Two Union County School District Williamsburg County School District Williston School District 29 York School District Four York School District One York School District Two

Let's Light One Up for Education!

by: robertdobbs

Tue Feb 02, 2010 at 15:01:39 PM EST

This is in consideration of the plan put forward by Jim Rex, candidate for South Carolina Governor concerning the use of an increase in the cigarette tax to pay for education first and then health care.

While this is a out of the box idea, you have to watch out on funding education from a sales based activity. This thought process has gotten South Carolina into a lot of trouble by basing service funding off of sales based taxes. What's worse, if you read the article, Governor Sanford will allow an increase in the cigarette tax but offset it with a decrease in income or other taxes. How idiotic of Republicans once again, the State is in dire straits already and this would make it worse.

This entire thought process is unimagineable by the Republican Leadership and the question that has to be asked, are you kidding me? The basics of revenue generation for the government is not rocket science but the Republicans in South Carolina somehow missed those classes when they went to college.

What should be done is the increase in the cigarette tax would fund Human Services, Medicaid, and Tobacco use reduction programs, all of these areas are under stress from the smoking related health issues anyway. This would fund these services from these additional funds and create less stress on general income tax revenues, which could be redirected into education.

Education should be funded fully off of the property tax, without being exempted as currently. But a more targeted approach can provide property tax relief and also improve state funding for public education, according to this new report by Daphne A. Kenyon, a visiting fellow at the Lincoln Institute. State governments who have tried to reduce property taxes and improve school performance at the same time have not met with much success according to the report. Arguing that the use of property tax revenue for schools is fundamentally sound, the report points out that increasing state aid for education does not necessarily result in lower property taxes, and it cautions against switching to greater reliance on a sales tax to fund schools. The report also recommends a targeted approach, distributing state aid for public education to the neediest school districts, schools, and students.

We have to all agree it makes no sense to allow cigarettes in South Carolina to have the lowest tax when smoking related illnesses in the State put a strain on the health services in the State.

Q4 Fundraising Roundup: SC Governor's Race (Dem Edition)

by: Jennifer Read

Fri Jan 15, 2010 at 17:34:12 PM EST

Vincent Sheheen:
Contributions: $222,673
Expenditures: $100,919
Cash on Hand: $749,029
Burn Rate: 45%

The State Senator from Camden was the first Democrat to jump into the 2010 field, giving him an early advantage in the money race. Sheheen's first staff hire was Dem Money Honey Ashley Medbery, who quickly made fundraising the campaign's top priority. In the fourth quarter, the campaign began investing in outside help, spending $10k on the fundraising firm Blanton & Associates and $16k on marketing with BANCO/Bannister Company. Now eleven months since launching his exploratory committee, Team Sheheen has consistently finished first in the Democratic money race each quarter and enjoys the largest campaign war chest heading into this spring's crowded primary.

Democrats in Charleston Enjoy Holiday Gatherings

by: wjhamilton 29464

Fri Dec 18, 2009 at 10:17:18 AM EST

Image, Right, Dining Room at Rex Event

Jim Rex, Mullins McLeod and Mike Ruckes all held holiday fundraiser receptions in Charleston this week.

IMAGES AND MORE IN THE EXTENDED TEXT.

Rex Premiers New Ad Online

by: Tim Kelly

Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 15:35:40 PM EST

SC Image from Jim Rex on Vimeo.

Rex joins governor's race as 'turnaround' candidate

by: Tim Kelly

Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:00:43 AM EDT

Vowing to be a "turnaround governor" state education chief Jim Rex is joining the race for the 2010 Democratic nomination for the South Carolina's top job.

"My turnaround mission will be to create jobs and a growing economy, a government committed to accountability and living within its means, a state committed to improving schools, and leadership that accurately reflects our values.  For too long, our government has been distracted and defined by narrow special interests, and it's time to put our people first," Rex said in announcing his candidacy.

Sources close to Rex have said that he's been frustrated for some time with a governmental structure that's slowed down some of his plans for reforming the state's public education system.

"When you have a governor who doesn't care about public education and a lack of leadership in the General Assembly, the superintendent's ability to affect real change is minimal," said one insider.

Even so, Rex's annoucement op-ed touts the accomplishments of teachers and students despite institutional obstacles.

"Last year, more than sixty thousand public school students attended new choices within the public school system - most of which didn’t exist three years ago. Over the past three years, we have doubled the number of students enrolled in public charter schools and nearly tripled the number of magnet programs, as well as become a national leader in single-gender education."

It’s clear that this new focus on innovation and choice is driving improvement.  Last month, the annual Diplomas Count report rated South Carolina number one in the nation on improvement in 'on time'graduation rates, and we remain number one in improvement on SAT performance for states where over 50 percent of students participate," Rex wrote. 

Rex isn't limiting his platform to education reform, however.  He's planning major initiatives to create jobs and transform the state's economy. 

Rex joins a field that includes state senators Robert Ford and Vince Sheheen, Columbia attorney and lobbyist Dwight Drake and Charleston attorney Mullins McLeod. 

Jim Rex Won't Seek Re-Election, Eying Governor's Race

by: Jennifer Read

Thu Sep 03, 2009 at 10:43:15 AM EDT

"I have decided that I will not seek re-election to the Office of State Superintendent of Education in 2010, regardless of whether or not I decide to run for Governor. It is clear from my time in this office that there is a limit to what we can accomplish to move South Carolina's schools and our state forward so long as we do not have someone in the Governor's office who is making education, jobs, and economic development the top priorities of this state. I am in the final stages of making a decision about whether or not to offer myself to South Carolinians to be that kind of Governor - a "turnaround" Governor - or whether to return to the private sector and continue to work to make a difference there. Sue and I appreciate the support and encouragement we have received as we have moved around the state in these last few weeks, and I look forward to a final decision very soon."

Today's announcement comes as little surprise. For weeks now, the Superintendent has been touring the state, raising money under his new gubernatorial campaign account and discussing job creation, the economy, and Mark Sanford as much as education. While Rex says he'll wait two more weeks before making a final decision on whether or not to enter the governor's race, all signs appear to indicate that Jim Rex is in.

The real question now for SC Dems: who will step forward to take Rex's place in next year's Superintendent of Education race?  

2010 Governor's Race: Endorsements and Attacks Coming Fast and Furious

by: Tim Kelly

Wed Aug 12, 2009 at 10:24:57 AM EDT

With the official entrance of one candidate and the expected annoucement of another soon to come, the endorsements and recriminations are flying in the race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

Current education chief Jim Rex isn't even an official candidate yet, but he's already won the endorsement of Rock Hill Mayor Doug Echols.

“South Carolina needs the kind of leadership Jim Rex will provide, and I hope he will run for Governor,” said Echols. “We are at a crossroads in South Carolina, and as the mayor of Rock Hill, I know how important it is to have a partner in the Governor’s office who understands what it takes to bring jobs and economic development to our communities.” 

Echols was elected mayor in 1998 and has been re-elected twice.

Meanwhile, the bombshell announcement by Columbia attorney and powerbroker Dwight Drake brought swift response from his primary opponents and their allies.

First out of the gates was Kershaw representative Laurie Slade Funderburk.

"Dwight Drake has a well-earned reputation as a top lobbyist in this state. Unfortunately, he has built his career, in large part, by protecting the status quo for powerful special interests," Fundburk said, singling out Drake clients in tobacco, nuclear waste and payday lending.

Close on the heels of Funderburk came statements from two of Drake's opponents. 

While Vincent Sheheen didn't refer to Drake by name, his statement closely tracked that of Funderburk.

“In the South Carolina Senate, I have focused on fighting the special interests and insider politics that too often control our government in Columbia at the expense of the people," Sheheen said. "Whether it be predatory lenders, big tobacco companies, or environmental polluters, I have been willing to stand up to them — and stand up FOR hard-working South Carolinians and our families."

Mullins McLeod didn't hesitate to call Drake out for his profession though.

"We welcome Mr. Drake to the race — he is a smart and talented person. But with all due respect, a corporate lobbyist won’t change politics as usual in Columbia," said a statement released by McLeod's campaign. 

For his part, Heyward Harvin, who has close ties to McLeod consultant Lachlan McIntosh, almost immediately launched a Who Is Dwight Drake website.  The site wasn't as spur of the moment as it seems, though. Records show that the domain name was purchased last month and is privately registered.

Jim Rex for Governor?

by: Jennifer Read

Thu Aug 06, 2009 at 10:55:52 AM EDT

In an exclusive with The State newspaper, Dr. Rex says he's formed an exploratory committee and plans to file paperwork today with the State Ethics Commission to allow him to begin raising money for a possible gubernatorial bid.

However, Rex also says he hasn't ruled out running for another term as Superintendent of Education. He told The State he's "trying to keep both options open" for himself and will wait until September to make his final decision about which race he plans to enter.

I suppose Rex's decision shouldn't come as a complete surprise - he's been signaling his interest in the governor's race for months. But given his lackluster second-quarter fundraising numbers and an expanding field of well-financed Dem candidates piling into the gubernatorial race, Rex's move is likely to raise more than a few eyebrows among S.C. Democrats.

If Rex does enter the governor's race, he will certainly enjoy the highest statewide name ID of any Democratic candidate. However, his association with South Carolina's struggling schools will also serve as a lightening rod for criticism from conservatives. And with state Sen. Vincent Sheheen, Charleston attorney Mullins McLeod, Columbia lobbyist Dwight Drake, and S.C. House Minority Leader Harry Ott all eying the open seat, Rex will face stiff competition for blue dollars.

But the stars are aligning nicely for Dems heading into the 2010 governor's race, and you can't blame a guy for taking notice. The question now is what will Rex do? If he does decide to jump into the governor's race, do S.C. Dems have any credible prospects lined up to replace Rex in the Superintendent of Education race?

Don't Cry for Me South Carolina- But What of Rex?

by: wjhamilton 29464

Wed Jun 24, 2009 at 09:18:02 AM EDT

Maybe we should tear ourselves away form the Sanford Soap Opera and take a hard look at the work Jim Rex has been doing for the last week.  He's been hard at work for our kids and has a major state of the schools interactive event today.   He's made difficult, important progress on our schools this year, raising graduation rates and probably doing a lot to hold together an educational system under seige.  How do you think your child's teacher would feel if she or he had Sanford in charge of education?

Jim Rex has been looking out for our kids.  Sanford was out being a kid.  Despite this, the right wing hate cloud which obscures facts in this state hides the hard earned progress our schools make.

Rex has also been making impressive use of the internet and new media, on Facebook and Twitter.  Today's state of the schools event is an interactive, online statewide dialogue.  Read about it in the WIS Report

I enjoy poking fun at Sanford, but we have to measure ourselves and make sure we're not enabling the screwed up circus atmosphere in government that the Republicans benefit from.  They want government to fail.  They want people to be alienated from it.  Sabotage is one of their methods.  Look at how badly Sanford has handled deploying Schip, the children's insurance program.  See how badly the stimulus program in SC is being executed.  Sanford is working actively to undermine our public schools, a destructive attack on our state's future.

Lester Maddox and his ax handle, Thurmond and the phone book filibuster up to Pork, Barrel and Poop on the Statehouse Carpet, it's all the same.  We enable it.  It is partly our fault.

Sanford is funny, and I enjoyed laughing, but Jim Rex was out there busting his rear end for my son at Wando High School.  Let's stop being stupid, grow up and deal with what matters.  Nothing changes as long as we allow our State and its government to be managed as an extended joke by the Clowns we elect to run the future.

Grownups can laugh at scampy kids who do wrong, but we take them to the woodshed later and make sure the mortgage gets paid.  We're supposed to be the grownups.  Our state and our nation are in deep trouble, lets make sure the comic relief is only a small part of the show.