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 3rd 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.
