Ard Breaks Out the Rainmakers ..

Lt. Governor Candidate Name His Statewide Finance Team ...

It's a bit ironic that Ken Ard would name his Finance Team - often called 'The Rainmakers' the day that Hurricane Ida, or what's left of her, hit South Carolina. Timing IS everything...... There has been some beefing that Ard was only able to pull donations from the Pee Dee, but his team seems to be pretty well represented statewide - particularly in the Upstate, where none of the candidates live. Here is the lineup:

Dr. Eddie Floyd of Florence, Chairman

Mr. Gayle Averyt of Columbia

Mr. Mark Buyck Jr. of Florence

Mr. C. Richard Jackson IV of Columbia

The Honorable Ralph Norman of Rock Hill

Ambassador Bob Royall of Charleston

Dr. C. Dorn Smith III of Florence

The Honorable Billy Wilkins of Greenville

Ms. Vivian Wong of Greenville

Mr. Mike Wooten of Murrells Inlet

Mr. Barry Wynn of Spartanburg

Although I still think the Yankees' batting order is stronger, this is a pretty good team. Floyd is a Bush Pioneer supporter who knows how to raise cash. Barry Wynn and Billy Wilkins no doubt will help make Ard a viable player in raising some duckets in the Upstate as well. The most interesting member? Norman. While Norman never officially entered the race, he did dabble for some time. Joining Ard's team leaves no doubt who Norman is trying to steer his supporters to. Whether that is a sizable group or not remains to be seen.

Yes, the money matters - a lot. Ken and his team seem to have that fact realized pretty fully at this point. If he wants to make it even stronger, I could give A-Rod a call - he's got the next few months off....

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