GOP GUV-LITE WANNABE HOSTS PRIVATE FUNDRAISER FOR DEMOCRAT

When you’re planning to run for public office as a Republican in South Carolina, it’s generally considered a really bad idea to hold a lavish fundraiser for a liberal Democrat.

But someone forgot to pass along that advice to local gentleman planter and Columbia City Council member Kirkman Finlay, who last night hosted a private “party” for State Rep. Leon Howard (D-Richland) at the Palmetto Club in Columbia.

That, of course, won’t look very good for Finlay and his beard, who are rumored to be weighing a bid for lieutenant governor next year as a Republican ticket.

According to the invitation, which was obtained exclusively by everyone who received it, guests paid $250 to hang with Howard. And what did they get for all the dough?

Sources tell me that the fancy feast featured a main course of fresh pheasant — which Finlay strangled to death with his bare hands — garnished with a dash of rosemary and paprika from Finlay’s personal garden.