Holding a GOP Meeting During a South Carolina Football Game? Blasphemers !!!!

Sumter County GOP Meets at 700PM Thursday, Doesn't Miss Much..

I traveled to Sumter last night and attended the County GOP meeting, which I think is my fourth in a row there now. As you might be able to tell, I still haven't been able to fully correct Braden Bunch eye closing while being pictured problem, but we're making progress. He's a great Chairman, so we'll forgive him for that.

Obviously, there was a big scheduling conflict with the Carolina - NC State game last night. Needless to say, it had fewer attendees than the last few meetings, but that's to be expected. Those that were there were still pretty disappointed with John Spratt's performance at his Town Hall meeting there the night before. Reports from local media and the Associated Press were that he was vascillating, evasive and took positions that directly contradict the bill put up by the Democrats. For those of you in the 5th District who had no hope of sending Spratt back to York County for good, there appears to be something to get excited about.....

The first guest speaker was Jamin McCallum, from Fairfield County. McCallum, who is an Accounting professor from USC, co-owns an outdoor supply company, and is a member of the National Guard, will soon be throwing his hat into the ring to take on Spratt in the 5th. Spratt's strength has always been that he is able to pummel his opponents with data and statistics - faulty or not- until his constituents are properly sedated and numb. In short, he's a great bullshitter.... McCallum has that accountant's mind, and he seems to have a handle on the numbers to be able to take on Spratt in a debate, and spin that BS to his own advantage. With a little polish, McCallum could be a worthy adversary, and he appears to have the finances to promote himself. The only question is that he doesn't step in his own bear trap, like Ralph Norman did in 2006....

The second speaker was Lt. Governor candidate Ken Ard. He was his usual solid self, sticking to his common sense approach. Where some candidates seem to be a little vague and use talking about points that have nothing to do with the job of Guv Lite, Ard stays on point, and has the background in both the private and public sector to prove that he can bring jobs to South Carolina. Saying that you're for jobs is one thing. Creating jobs in your business, and more importantly, as a public servant, is another. Ken has busted his tail in this race, and he's not the only one. But he's been the one who has worked hard and address what South Carolina needs - jobs.

The Sumter County crowd has always been an odd bunch. They used to be Christian Coalition, and now they seem a bit too preoccupied by the Second Amendment, but they're good conservatives, and they have an excellent leader. It's always fun to see them - even if they meet at the wrong time !

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