In its statement on the endorsement, the Chamber said Sheheen "...has a strong economic vision for South Carolina, and his support of comprehensive tax reform, port expansion, the technical college system, low-cost energy and small business growth are all priorities that support a globally competitive South Carolina. His bipartisan experience and work in the General Assembly make him equipped to handle the demands that come from leading the state."
The Chamber endorsement is a bipartisan - some might say schizophrenic affair. The group also endorsed Republican Gresham Barrett. Although it stopped short of calling him one of the state's prettiest politicians, the Chamber cited, among other issues, Barrett's opposition to card check legislation.
This is the first time the Chamber has endorsed candidates, and there was no word on whether the group will actually go out on a limb and pick a single horse once the primaries are over.
The South Carolina Democratic Party has announced a series of debates among the party's candidates for governor, beginning April 24 following the state party convention.
"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.
Rasmussen has a new poll out that shows the three remaining Democratic candidates for governor are neck and neck heading into the June primary:
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.
Today Democratic gubernatorial candidate Sen. Vincent Sheheen (D-Camden) announced endorsements from 40 of his peers in the General Assembly.
"I'm grateful to my friends and colleagues in the legislature for standing with me and supporting me today," said Sheheen. "As governor, I'll work with them to tackle the many challenges facing our state."
Sheheen's announcement comes days after one of his primary rivals, Superintendent of Education Jim Rex, unveiled his own impressive list of high profile supporters from the state's education community. With less than 100 days to go before SC Democrats head to the polls, both campaigns appear to be turning to their natural bases to pump up support for their guy on primary day.
Below is the long list of legislators endorsing Sheheen today:
Sen. Vincent Sheheen has scheduled an 11 a.m. press conference to announce "a number of major endorsements," says a campaign insider. We'll bring those announcements to you as soon as possible.
State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex finally turned in his campaign disclosure report today and let's just say, it's not good news for South Carolina's only statewide-elected Democrat. Rex had the dubious distinction of being the only Democratic gubernatorial candidate to spend more money than he brought in, finishing last place behind Senator Robert Ford in total cash on hand. Below is a full rundown on the Democratic candidates' fourth quarter fundraising efforts.
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.
State Senator Vincent Sheheen (D-Camden) landed a major endorsement in his race for governor Wednesday.
Standinding outside the historic William Aiken House in downtown Charleston, Mayor Joseph P. Riley announced he plans to back Sheheen for governor.
“Vincent Sheheen is the kind of dynamic leader we need to get our state back on the right track," said Riley. "He understands the issues that matter in Charleston and all across South Carolina and knows how to bring people together, regardless of political party, to solve problems and move our state forward.”
Riley's endorsement is a big get for the Camden Democrat who has been working hard to raise his profile outside the Midlands. And landing the endorsement of the popular nine-term Charleston Mayor should go a long way in helping Sheheen increase his name recognition across the Lowcountry.
State Senator Vincent Sheheen (D-Camden) announced today that his team raised over $222,672 last quarter, bringing the campaign's total for the election cycle to over $958,000.
According to a release from the campaign, the Sheheen Team also met its goal of reaching 2,010 contributors by 2010.
"It is incredible to think that 2,010 people have joined our effort to restore leadership and civility at the state house," said Sen. Sheheen. "Our campaign is about people, and the amount of money we have raised coupled with the number of donors shows that South Carolinians are ready for a leader who has a plan for responsible government that will help to grow jobs in our state."
This is the fourth consecutive quarter the Sheheen for Governor campaign has raised over $220,000 -- a sign the Camden Democrat will be a financial force to reckon with in this year's crowded blue primary.
It couldn't have happened at a better (or worst) time.
The South Carolina Democratic Party held their Grand Strand Reception in Pawleys Island amidst hard times and a huge uncertainty along the coast. However, the message was plain and clear from each candidate in attendance: We must elect a Democratic governor in 2010.
Gubernatorial candidates - minus state Sen. Robert Ford - were drumming it up amongst donors and activists alike. In talking with the people in attendance, their message could have been broadcasted all over the state. It's a message that people need to hear. Republicans do not care for you in South Carolina. I, personally, was going through different motions in head.
I guess I was taken back a bit - to when I held a reception on Pawleys Island right before the January presidential debate held in Myrtle Beach. The emotion, the excitement and the need for something different was similar.
People tonight came back together. They realize what is in store for this state if we elect Republicans yet again. It was like I've been here before.
But there was something different. There was a candidate who became my STRONG second. Someone that I feel is possibly related to me - somewhere. I didn't feel this during the presidential campaign. I never had a strong second after John Edwards left the race. But there is one in this race.
The Sheheen Team has picked up some big talent today.
This morning State Senator Vincent Sheheen, candidate for Governor, announced that veteran SC organizer Trav Robertson has joined his campaign team.
"We are fortunate to have Trav join our team. Trav has run campaigns for Congressman John Spratt, State Treasurer Grady Patterson and President Obama, and he understands all aspects of campaigning. Trav knows South Carolina's potential and understands that my campaign will focus on moving our state forward," Sheheen said.
Robertson headed the General Election effort of President Obama in South Carolina, garnering almost 45 percent of the vote and registering thousands of new voters.
"Vincent is the only candidate that sponsored legislation forcing Mark Sanford to take the stimulus money. He fights against special interests, and tackles hard issues like payday lending and environmental protection," said Robertson. "Our state finally has a candidate with the independence and enthusiasm to move South Carolina forward. I'm excited to be working for South Carolina's next great governor, Vincent Sheheen."
Thurmond Becote, Vice Chair, Florence One School District Board
Dr. Herbert M. Berg, Superintendent, Lexington/Richland School District Five
Al Bradley, Director, Florence School District One Career Center
Connell Delaine, Chair, Darlington County School Board
Pat Gibson-Hye, Florence One School District Board
Charles Govan, Darlington County School Board member
Tim Hopkins, Director for Elementary Education, Kershaw County Schools
Charlene McGriff, Chair, Lancaster County School Board
Alexis Pipkins, Florence County School District One School Board
Berty Riley, Jasper County School Board Member
Michael Toms, Vice Chair, Marlboro County School Board.
Patricia Walls, Jasper County School Board
Dr. John Williams, Superintendent, Chesterfield County School District
"I am supporting Vincent Sheheen for Governor because he understands the importance of early childhood education and parental involvement, and he has a record of working to improve the quality of education in this state which will ensure that the next generation will be able to compete in an ever changing global society," said Pipkins.
Sheheen has previously been endorsed by two former SC teachers of the year and other school board members and administrators from around the state.
Following his announcement over the weekend that he would not run for governor, House Minority Leader Harry Ott announced today that he is endorsing state Senator Vincent Sheheen in the race for governor.
South Carolinians are yearning for a trustworthy, hard-working governor – one who can build the coalitions and provide the leadership necessary to address the challenges we face,” said Ott. “On the issues that will define the success or failure of our next governor – particularly creating good jobs and revitalizing our public schools – Vincent Sheheen is the candidate with the independence, experience and vision to move South Carolina forward.”
Ott and Sheheen served together in the South Carolina House from 2001 – 2004. Since 2004, Sheheen has served in the state Senate, where he represents Chesterfield, Kershaw and Lancaster counties.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Vincent over the last decade and I believe, without a doubt, that he and I share a common vision of what South Carolina can be with the right person at the helm,” Ott continued. “Vincent has a longstanding reputation for forging partnerships and getting results. And perhaps most importantly, he believes deeply, as I do, in the value of our public schools and knows that they are the cornerstone for economic development and job creation.”
"South Carolina is at a pivotal juncture,” Ott said. “I believe it’s time we elect a governor we can all be proud of – one who has the character and integrity to help this great state find its way again. Vincent Sheheen is that person. I am excited to endorse Vincent Sheheen for governor of South Carolina, and I will work to help him get elected."
I recently sat down with Sen. Vincent Sheheen for a wide-ranging discussion on his campaign for governor and the issues facing South Carolina. We've also recently spoken with Mullins McLeod, and our interview with him will be posted soon. We also hope to sit down with other state and local candidates as the year moves on.
Vincent Sheheen today proposed several substantive changes that would reform lobbying practices in South Carolina. The Camden Democrat's proposals would significantly strengthen restrictions on the use of taxpayer money and heighten disclosure requirements for both lobbyists and legislators.
"I've dedicated my time in public service to keeping state government accountable to the taxpayers. Last year, over seven and a half million dollars were spent to lobby state government. Citizens deserve up-to-date information on who is wielding influence in Columbia," said Sheheen.
Sheheen’s first proposal is to put an immediate end to the all-too-common practice of state agencies using tax dollars to hire lobbyists. The lobbyists then lobby the legislature and governor to send more money to state agencies.
“Practices like state agencies using our tax dollars to hire lobbyists show the skewed priorities that too often rule the day in Columbia,” said Sheheen. “Citizens expect that their tax dollars will be spent improving our public schools and bringing new jobs to our state – not used to pay lobbyists.”
Sheheen also wants to force lobbyists and their clients to electronically file disclosure forms with the state Ethics Commission. Currently, lobbyists and the special interests they represent have the option of filing electronically or by paper. Paper filings create a delay in the public disclosure process. Sheheen said the change would bring lobbyist filings in line with the requirements lawmakers abide by.
“Public officials and candidates for office are required to file their disclosure reports electronically,” said Sheheen. “In order to ensure that the public can access this information with no delay, special interests and their lobbyists should operate under the same rules.”
The Sheheen campaign has just released its quarterly fundraising numbers and they're pretty impressive.
State Senator Vincent Sheheen today announced that he has raised over $500,000 thus far for his expected gubernatorial campaign. According to the campaign, Sheheen raised approximately $225,000 during the last quarter, bringing his five-month fundraising total to just over $502,000.
"I am humbled by the encouragement and outpouring of support I have received over the last five months," said Sheheen. "As I have traveled our state in recent months talking to our citizens, I have become excited by how many share the vision of a South Carolina with the best public schools, a thriving economy, and a state government that works for all its citizens. I am strengthened by the knowledge that even in these difficult economic times, hundreds of hard-working people across this state have stepped forward to lend their voices and their financial support to my campaign."
The campaign says it's received contributions from 970 individuals statewide and now has $460,000 COH.
