Guess who’s back…
SHEALY MAY RUN LOVELACE FOR GUV; ANDRE SITTING OUT?
I’m not sure how much weight should be given to this, but I’ve received numerous reports today that Newberry physician Oscar Lovelace has hired political consultant Rod Shealy to run his possible 2010 campaign for governor.
Lovelace challenged Gov. Mark Sanford in 2006 and carried 35 percent of the vote, largely by attacking the governor and cashing in on his opponents. Without Sanford on the ballot however, and with a field of other very competitive candidates, it would be hard for Lovelace to gain any traction.
But if this rumor proves to be true, it would mean that Lt. Gov. André Bauer has either told Shealy he will not be running, or he has decided to ditch the consultant known for his over-the-top nasty and occasionally-illegal tactics. It could also signify the possibility that Bauer will seek a Congressional seat.
And this all comes only a day after House Speaker Bobby Harrell announced that he would be sitting the gubernatorial election out.
Regardless, is Lovelace seriously the best Shealy can do?
Bauer has obviously looked at the record. How many Lt. Govs have been elected Gov? In the last century, I think you can count them on one hand.
Bauer is in the cat bird seat…he has many options and has shown he can win state wide races even when things are tough.
Count Andre out and you will have made a big mistake.
Andre has proven he can run state wide and win. He has also proven he can take a punch…and last election he took a bunch of them.
Not all candidates can say that.
Let the games begin. It will great fun to watch.
Here’s the game folks…. Lindsey wins, McCain wins, Lindsey goes on to AG ( like Gonzo style) and then Andre becomes a Senator without being elected and spending big bucks……
TA DA
Lovelace is a likeable guy, and he’s good on the stump. His name recognition is probably less than McMaster, but I’d bet that it’s more than Barrett’s. Who knows? Maybe South Carolinians are finally ready for a positive change. Not the grandstanding I’ll-do-anything-to-stay-relevant-by-creating-a-hotline-for-dogfighting type.
Bring back The Big O, atleast Oscar Lovelace has a brain and can think for himself unlike some of the names being surfaced to run for Gov. , everyone needs an Oscar!
Pass the mustard please…….
I don’t care how much The Palmetto Scoop and the rest of Richard Quinn & Assoc. are being paid to promote Henry McMaster’s candidacy. The man is a shamelessly self-promoting clown, and I think we’ve all see how far that goes in Columbia.
Lovelace could always be a decoy for Jakie’s Gubernatorial bid…
Doubtful. I think the reality is that this could very well be the best that Rod can hope to do. None of the top-tier gubernatorial candidates are going to want to be anywhere near him.
the name McMaster runs through Mary Lovelaces family, maybe lovelace and mcmaster are related by marriage… small world…