FITSNews is reporting that Aaron Gould Sheinin, arguably South Carolina’s best political writer, is leaving The State for bigger and better prospects at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In his post, FITSNews editor Sic Willie said the move is “destined to create a gaping hole in South Carolina’s “Fourth Estate,” and we couldn’t agree more.

“Aaron’s departure from the capitol press corps leaves a void that will be hard to fill,” Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell told us. “He was dogged in his journalistic pursuits and his quest for the truth, but he was also fair in how he covered a story. Unfortunately, that is a trait that is all too rare. There could be no better testament to his character and service at the State House other than that he was respected, liked, and will be missed.”

True that. Ever the jokester (and baseball enthusiast), Sheinin chose to quote from the classic film Bull Durham to mark the occasion of his call-up to the journalistic big leagues.

“In the immortal words of Nuke Lalouche, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose and sometimes it rains. Think about it.” [FITSNews]

Our metaphorical hats are off to Sheinin and he has our best wishes for success in the A-T-L. And hopefully it doesn’t take him too long to get a feel for the absurd traffic — or learn to use public transportation.

Make us proud!