Supporters have asked me for an analysis of the candidates in SC4. I’ll start with this self-analysis and then describe my four primary opponents.
Bob Inglis: The incumbent in challenging times
Strengths:
Thoughtful. Steady. Consistent. Conservative.
Big on loyalty.
Sold on the strengths of SC-4 and its people.
Draws optimism from sovereignty and goodness of God.
Weaknesses:
Fairly rigid in ideology.
Complex communicator.
Waits until he’s certain that he’s right (the opposite of the “often wrong, never in doubt” type.)
Often makes decisions without regard to or awareness of political environment (for example, Joe Wilson disapproval; Iraq surge vote).
Reacts harshly to pseudo-conservatives and to people who don’t think things through.
What others say about Bob Inglis:
“One of the most courageous and articulate members of Congress.”
–Mike Pence (R-IN6), Chairman, House Republican Conference
“Agree or disagree with you, you’ve got to admire your courage.”
–Jeb Hensarling (R-TX5), Chairman Emeritus, Republican Study Committee (conservative members of the Republican Conference)
“The guy with some of the purest motives in politics.”
–Dick Armey, House Republican Majority Leader (1995-2002)
“If you’re to the right of Bob Inglis, you need rappelling gear.”
–Trey Gowdy (back when he said he was an Inglis supporter)
Trey Gowdy: Challenged on the commitment thing
I had lunch with Spartanburg Solicitor Trey Gowdy in February of this year. We discussed all the issues on which he’s currently running. At the end of lunch he declared,
“I’m a Bob Inglis kind of guy, I’m with you.”
Three months later, he was running against me.
I shouldn’t have been surprised. In 1998, when I was running against Senator Hollings, Trey Gowdy co-hosted a fundraiser for me and gave $1,000. Months later, under pressure from his trial lawyer friends, Trey gave $1,000 to Senator Hollings.
An attorney general candidate and a judicial candidate report similar experiences. When opportunity comes in the door, you can expect commitments to go out the window.
David Thomas: Another free shot
Greenville State Senator David Thomas is half way through a 4-year term—as is Trey Gowdy. Both can run, lose and return to safe state jobs. Since David Thomas has long been interested in this seat, I’m not surprised that he’s running.
Senator Thomas’ plan to use the Sanford matter for free publicity seems to have been curtailed by Boeing’s decision to expand in Charleston. That record-breaking economic development announcement seems to have strengthened Governor Sanford’s position.
Christina Jeffries: Always an interesting take
Wofford Adjunct Professor Christina Jeffries always has an interesting and enthusiastic take on issues of the day. She served briefly as House Historian until Speaker Newt Gingrich relieved her of those duties following a controversy over some of her writings.
Jim Lee: In it for all the right reasons
If I had to lose this race, I’d want to lose to Mauldin businessman Jim Lee. I’m impressed by the spirit he brings to the race and by the soundness of his positions. He’s a committed Believer who’s in this race for all the right reasons.
