Back to MyDD Weblog

You have to marvel at the way the Republicans have just about thrown away their chances of taking over South Carolina this year. When Bush came to South Carolina a few weeks ago, and refused to endorse the regressive gasoline tax proposed by the Republican candidate for Governor, Mark Sanford, the campaign turned. The Republican's proposed gas tax has become the defining issue between Democrats and Republicans, and a wedge within the ranks of Republicans.

That's right, the Republicans want to raise taxes. That's a bit generous, because what they really want to do is shift the tax burden away from the wealthy, and on the backs of the consumer.

The Boston Globe runs an overview on Hodges campaign, with a quaint analysis that without blacks, South Carolina would vote like Idaho. They don't get into the tax issue, which is odd, because it's dominating the campaign. Sanford, no doubt feeling the heat, is attempting to argue the tax plan as way to spur growth.

Hodges has so successfully made this the central campaign issue, with this bumper sticker, TV ads, and mailings, that Republicans are sure to lose seats in the state legislature. Even Graham is distancing himself from the issue, refusing 5 times Sander's questioning in their last debate if Graham supported the gas tax, and he's still refusing to answer the question, claiming ignorance.

Here's a copy of Sanders latest e-mail letter to his supporters. It looks increasingly like Hodges is going to squeek out a re-election, and if Sanders gets the support of women already backing Hodges, he will upset Graham. The GOP in South Carolina, similar to national Republicans concerns, is worried that the numbers from the right will not materialize to offset the high Democratic turnout... with good reason.

Back to MyDD Weblog