« Blog Ethics? | Main | TX-City Races 2005 »
Sunday, May 08, 2005
SC-Gov: Tommy Moore Running for Governor
Posted by Bob BrighamLee Bandy in The State:
State Sen. Tommy Moore is the “right kind” of Democrat to beat Republican Gov. Mark Sanford next year if he gets the money, experts say.Moore certainly has the credentials — 26 years of state legislative experience, an understanding of state government and a moderate to conservative voting record.
“He is the type who can get elected statewide,” says Danielle Vinson, a political scientist at Furman University.
There are some powerful dynamics at work that could make this quite a race. For one thing, Governor Sanford is in such sorry shape that there could be a crowded Democratic primary:
Other Democrats considering a run are Florence Mayor Frank Willis and lobbyist Michael Hollings, son of former U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings.
The dynamics make it a great target for Democrats:
“This is a state election, straight out,” notes Francis Marion University analyst Neal Thigpen, a GOP activist.Democrats tend to fare better in such elections.
“Republicans can’t tie the national party label around their neck. It won’t stick,” says College of Charleston professor Bill Moore.
Republicans are much more open to voting Democratic in state elections.
And Sanford is hurting with his base and may be unable to create enough excitement to win:
As governor, he has rubbed many the wrong way with his antics and behavior. He has failed as a negotiator.“Obviously, there is a disconnect between the members of the General Assembly and the governor,” says professor Moore.
Sanford also is not a good stump campaigner. He doesn’t excite. [...]
But some Republicans may quietly spread the word among constituents that they could live with Moore as governor.
This could be interesting, consider it on the rader.
Posted at 03:01 PM in South Carolina | Technorati