Why Switching Parties Doesn't Work...

Greetings From the HQ For Andy Wilson's Kooky Campaign.......

On the way out of town today for the trip back to Hilton Head - which gets harder every week - I stopped at the Exxon on S. Irby and Alligator Rd, and it was an interesting stop. First off, the gas prices were the same as everyone else, which is odd, because that place always is about 10 cents a gallon higher.

Then the other part. There was a table with some kids asking voters from District 5 in Florence County to sign a petition. What for? To request that Andy Wilson be on the ballot for the County Council seat as an independent candidate. It's a bit ironic, because Wilson just lost last month in the Democratic primary - and he ran as a Republican in 2004. Clearly, Andy is lost and in need of some political guidance.

First, a little insight into the race. In gerrymandered Florence County, District 5 is the only seat that is even close to being up for grabs. Kent Caudle ran against Johnnie Rodgers some years back, and lost by 26 votes. Earl can tell you all about it.... In 2004, Andy Wilson ran as a Republican, and though he worked and politicked hard, he didn't have much of a grasp on the issues, and he lost by 6 points. Not a bad showing.

Fast forward to this Spring.. I ran into Andy at a county GOP meeting, and he told us that he would be running as a Democrat, because he felt he would stand a better chance against Rodgers head to head in a Democratic primary. Rodgers has been working hard to put a park or a ballfield in every square inch of District 5 since he won the first time, so Wilson's plan was ridiculous - and it came true. Rodgers handed Wilson a good 15 point thrashing.......

Now Wilson wants another crack at those Republicans voters he turned his back on earlier. Personally I have always hoped that Caudle would come back this year, or that someone else would run, but that didn't happen. The way I look at it, Wilson has had his shot, and he committed the fatal act of politics - he lost twice. There is not Strike Three in politics... Two losses officially makes you a loser - I should know.

Sure, I signed the petition, but officially, I'm still registered in District 3. OOPS! Guess mine doesn't count. Then again, I was only Number 6 on the petition. Andy will soon learn a hard fact of running for office - an Independent candidate is a guy with no friends. The 'independent' thing only works if you've already held office.....

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