CANDIDATE CASON GAITHER NOT FROM 3RD DISTRICT

05/06/2012

R. Thomas, Reporter

Candidate not from the Third District but move in to run.

Candidates Cason Gaither and Brian Doyle opposing candidates for the Democratic Congressional Nomination in the 3^rd District appeared together for the first time at the Anderson County Democratic Party Meeting at the Golden Coral on Clemson Rd on Saturday, March 5, 2012.

Candidate Gaither, born in Columbia, S.C. and long time resident of Charleston, S.C. began by explaining that he had “moved to Greenwood” from Charleston last December, 2011 (four months ago) because Jerry Goldman from McCormick  asked him to be “their” candidate  for the Third  Congressional District.  And he said yes.

Mr. Gaither then gave a lukewarm recital of 1776 early American History of the British invasion of Charleston.  He did not address any current issues and instructed the audience that as the Patriots defeated the British “we” could win this congressional seat.

Candidate Gaither, a bachelor, looks to be less than thirty years old and gives no evidence of having performed in any public service capacities.  He appears to be a professional Charleston tour guide with a degree in international business and does not provide any specific information as to why he is suited to be a representative of the Third District other than his party affiliations and connections.  Apparently he was chosen to run by Jerry Goldman and would otherwise not have any interest in the Third District.

Candidate Doyle spoke directly after Mr. Gaither.  Mr. Doyle, a popular radio talk show personality and a native and life long resident of Aiken, S.C. reminded the assemblage that he had run for this nomination two years ago and that he was very familiar with the needs and hopes of the third district.  Mr. Doyle stressed his opposition to the Republican incumbent and the Republican agenda to privatize the Postal Service and Social Security, the laying off of many schoolteachers, and also criticized Mr. Duncan’s eight year stint as a State Representative where he waged war on the public school system and early childhood education.  Mr. Doyle reminded everyone that he was from the district, knew the district and saw, womens’ protection, job creation, education and provision of medical services as some of the most pressing issues facing this district.

It is known that Mr. Doyle has a history of public service as a volunteer firefighter, a paramedic and ambulance service owner for 15 years.  In that capacity he has saved many lives and provided great aid and assistance to the people of this district.  He has been actively involved as a broadcaster and political activist in many matters of importance to people of the third district.

We do not have a great deal of history on Mr. Gaither, partially because of his youth, he has no history, and partially because of him not being from here in the Third District.

In a follow-up interview with Mr. Doyle, Mr. Doyle said, “I must confess a certain skepticism towards candidates that move to a location for the sole purpose of running for office at the request of party bosses.”

This does raise concerns that Mr. Gaither who has no basic familiarity with the needs, issues, and problems that are unique to this District would appear to be an inexperienced  political opportunist, cherry picked by others for reasons unknown to the people, and who, without a doubt, would  be at a great disadvantage attempting to debate and defeat Jeff Duncan who is a Third District native and familiar with the people and issues affecting this District.

South Carolina Governor, missing since Thursday, reportedly located

Monday, Jun. 22, 2009

Sanford, missing since Thursday, reportedly located

By John O’Connor and Clif LeBlanc

The whereabouts of Gov. Mark Sanford was unknown for nearly four days, and some state leaders question who was in charge of the executive office.

But Sanford’s office told the lieutenant governor’s office Monday afternoon that Sanford has been reached and he is fine, said Frank Adams, head of Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer’s office on aging.

Neither the governor’s office nor the State Law Enforcement Division, which provides security for governors, had been able to reach Sanford after he left the mansion Thursday in a black SLED Suburban SUV, said Sen. Jake Knotts and three others familiar with the situation but declined to be identified.

Sanford’s last known whereabouts had been near Atlanta because a mobile telephone tower picked up a signal from his phone, authorities said. His office now knows where he is, Adams said.

First lady Jenny Sanford told The Associated Press earlier Monday her husband has been gone for several days and she did not know where.

She said she was not concerned.

The governor’s state and personal phones had been turned off and he had not responded to phone or text messages since at least the weekend, a source familiar with the situation said.

Most mobile phones cannot be tracked if they are turned off.

Jenny Sanford said the governor said he needed time away from their children to write something.

The governor’s office issued a statement Monday afternoon: “Gov. Sanford is taking some time away from the office this week to recharge after the stimulus battle and the legislative session, and to work on a couple of projects that have fallen by the wayside. We are not going to discuss the specifics of his travel arrangements or his security arrangements.”

One official familiar with the situation said there was no indication that foul play might have been involved because Sanford occasionally makes trips without his security detail.

Knotts, a longtime Sanford critic, said he contacted SLED Chief Reggie Lloyd Saturday after he heard reports the governor could not be reached.

“Chief Lloyd confirmed that my information is legitimate,” Knotts said. “He shared my concerns” about succession of power in Sanford’s absence, the Lexington Republican said. Lloyd could not be reached immediately on Monday.

“I was recently made aware that Governor Sanford has frequently been eluding SLED agents and disappearing at odd times,” Knotts said. Previously, Sanford has not been out of all contact – including with his own office – for this long before, a source, who insisted on anonymity, said.

Knotts said the state’s chief executive should never be unreachable.

“As the head of our state, in the unfortunate event of a state of emergency or homeland security situation, Governor Sanford should be available at all times to the Chief of SLED,” the senator said.

“If for any reason, including the unknown whereabouts of the Governor, he is unable to perform the duties of his office the Constitution provides that the lieutenant governor assumes the position of governor.

“I want to know immediately ­ who is running the executive branch in the governor’s absence,” Knotts said.

The question of succession came just after Sanford became governor in 2003.

He joined the Air Force Reserve and was sent to Alabama for two week’s training with his unit, the 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron based in Charleston. Sanford did not transfer power to Bauer at the time, saying he would be in regular contact with his office.

Sanford said then he would transfer authority in writing to the lieutenant governor only if he were called to active duty.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
Reach Clif LeBlanc at cleblanc@thestate.com and John O’Connor at joconnor@thestate.com