Voters of all stripes in South Carolina need to keep in mind how the incumbent state treasurer running to keep his job had serious issues in his current term in keeping up with some of the state’s money.
In fact, two independent investigations found Curtis Loftis to be partly responsible for a $1.8 billion state accounting mess so serious that a supermajority of Republicans and Democrats in the S.C. Senate voted to remove him from office. Unfortunately, he got saved by inaction by the S.C. House. What an embarrassing mess. But now voters can finish the job.
That’s why we wholeheartedly endorse Democratic state treasurer nominee Vincent Coe to take over this constitutional office. He’s a bonafide bank examiner with two decades of experience in finance, law and regulatory compliance. He’s just the kind of guy who you want watching the state’s money — not a guy who couldn’t keep the books.
“Your money doesn’t have a party,” Coe says. “If not me, then who? If not now, then when?”
Down with incompetence. Up with accountability and transparency.
Johnson/Skardon for gubernatorial offices
The Charleston City Paper endorses state Rep. Jermaine Johnson of Richland County and running mate Sam Skardon of James island to be the Palmetto State’s next governor and lieutenant governor.
While not as familiar to Palmetto State voters as his Republican opponent, Johnson’s uplifting, positive message of bringing people and parties together to work on big state problems is a breath of fresh air.
It’s unlikely that Johnson and Skardon, leaders for the next generation, will use old-school ideologies and ideas to grapple with big South Carolina issues. Rather than an institutional, old-guard approach, they’ll explore new thinking and focus on issues that people care about — high prices, growing the economy for better jobs, improving education, expanding health care and more.
A vote for this energetic, young ticket would be a big step in the right direction for getting South Carolina off the bottom of all of the bad lists that Republicans haven’t made a dent in over the last two decades.
Other statewide candidate endorsements
Attorney General: Republican David Stumbo is an experienced prosecutor who is expected to stand up for the rule of law, not political grandstanding.
State Superintendent of Education: North Charleston teacher Sylvia Wright, a Democrat, will steer the state’s education agency from self-aggrandizing conservative politics and put the focus where it should be — real public schools and students.
Secretary of State: While incumbent Republican Mark Hammond has held this office for 24 years, he’s done a good job and has done nothing to be thrown out of office. His steady leadership will serve the state well for another four years.
Comptroller General: In this open seat, the smart choice is the only major party candidate who is a certified public accountant — Democratic nominee Tiffany Boozer. She has staff experience in the office and knows how it works to oversee state spending and financial reporting.
Commissioner of Agriculture: While we believe the General Assembly should make this an appointed position, we prefer the less-political choice — Democratic DeShawn Blanding. A key point in his favor: He didn’t work for President Donald Trump.
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