GOP to keep fighting Collins' candidacyBy Dave Munday (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The Post and Courier Bill Collins (left) GOP APPEAL - The petition for a rehearing that Dorchester County Republican Party filed Friday. It includes the GOP's Aug. 11 letter to the State Election Commission stating legal objections to Bill Collins' petition to run for state Senate. Previous storiesCollins candidacy certification stands, published 08/13/08 GOP to challenge Collins' ballot bid; Election commission hearing set for Aug. 15, published 08/01/08 SUMMERVILLE — Bill Collins, the independent candidate for state Senate who recently survived a protest by the Republican Party, is not off the hook yet. The party filed another challenge Friday to keep Collins off the ballot, and state GOP leaders were lining up to join the battle. Collins, a former newspaper publisher, is running against Mike Rose, an attorney and former state senator who beat Sen. Randy Scott in the Republican primary for the District 38 seat. Gov. Mark Sanford endorsed Rose in the primary. Sanford is watching the outcome of the challenge but has not gotten involved in it, Press Secretary Joel Sawyer said. "Obviously the governor endorsed Mike Rose in the primary, so he would certainly like to see him win that Senate seat," Sawyer said. Collins got on the ballot as an independent through a petition. The Dorchester County Republican Party challenged the petition on legal grounds. They contended that Collins' petition was invalid because it didn't meet the requirements of state law in a number of areas, including having voters from different counties on the same page; Collins himself signing the petition twice; and enough errors to mean that Collins didn't get the number of signatures he needed. Collins needed 3,197 signatures to get on the ballot as an independent. He turned in 4,696 signatures, and the commission validated 4,038 on July 25. The State Election Commission met Tuesday and adjourned with no comment and no action, leaving Collins' candidacy intact. State GOP Chairman Katon Dawson spoke against Collins' petition at the Tuesday hearing. "We will continue to pay close attention to the situation," Communications Director Rob Godfrey said. "He (Rose) is one of the reform-minded conservative candidates who is committed to making state government responsive to the needs of Dorchester County. We're working hard across the state to elect Republican candidates." Columbia attorney Butch Bowers, a former Election Commission chairman, filed a request for a rehearing Friday afternoon. He's asking the commission to reconsider the arguments and either declare the petition invalid or send it back to the counties for review. "I think there is a strong legal basis for the commission to reconsider its decision," Bowers said in a phone interview. Collins' attorney, Tom Hart of Summerville, argued that none of the charges had any merit. The commissioners could decide early next week whether to meet again, Election Commission Public Information Officer Chris Whitmire said. They are under no obligation to do so. County GOP Chairman Arthur Bryngelson said he would like some feedback from the commission. He said the party is prepared to appeal to the Supreme Court if necessary. "I left that meeting (Tuesday) perplexed and confused," Bryngelson said. "Was the law not broken? Or were the infractions not serious enough to reverse the petition? I'd just like some explanation. This is not about Mike Rose or Bill Collins. It's about the law. This could change the way elections are done in South Carolina." No Democrat is running for the seat in November. Neither Rose nor Collins returned phone calls Friday. |
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This article has 33 comment(s)
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Posted by Slick50 on August 16, 2008 at 5:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If Arthur Bryngelson spent as much time watching what is happening in city and county council as he has watching Mr. Collins, Dorchester County would be a better place to live. This is starting to look like a serious case of sour grapes. Stop appealing the decision and get on with it. If you don't like Mr. Collins, put a better candidate up against him.
Posted by WhoCares on August 16, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mike Rose's whining is costing him votes. I had planned to vote for him, but now I will vote for Collins just because...
Posted by sgtpsycho on August 16, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I voted for Rose over the DUI dude. Now I will vote for Collins since Rose is against voters having a choice and the fact he obviously can't Butch Up.
Posted by cougars1970 on August 16, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that the Republicans' fighting so hard to keep Collins off the ballot makes me wonder what they are afraid of. If Rose "responsive to the needs of Dorchester County," I do not understand why either he or the Republican Party on his behalf is trying to dismiss the concerns of the citizens of Dorchester County by going to court to deny Collins a place on the ballot.
If anyone is interested, here is a link Collins:
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gi...
Posted by knightsvillecracker on August 16, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"I left that meeting (Tuesday) perplexed and confused," Bryngelson said.
Ha! Arthur has left every meeting he ever attended perplexed and confused. The Dorchester County GOP needs to pull the plug on that oaf.
Posted by WhoCares on August 16, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All this talk about going to the Supreme Court sounds like Al Gore's ill-fated attempt to steal the 2000 presidential election. Does Mike Rose really want to emulate Al Gore?? What's next, global warming???
Give it up Rose... Collins has as much right to be on the ballot as you. If you really support our democratic style of government, let the citizens of the county decide who wins in November!!!
Posted by jeff61 on August 16, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This man has earned the legal right to be on the ballot. He full fulled all the requirements. The voters "we the people" will decide in NOV. I support the GOP but I think they are wrong on this fight.
Posted by ChrisPia on August 16, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Arthur Bryngelson Concerned about the Law....Klunk ,I fell off my Chair..... Tell Mr Rose He needs to take down his signs. Threatening to Boycott stores is against election Law......
Mr Collins please Contact The FBI and Department of Justice and Have them Monoitor What's going on Here.(If They are not already!).The election Commission has Ruled Twice on This Subject.File a Federal Complaint.
Posted by tc1 on August 16, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"I support the GOP but I think they are wrong on this fight."
I agree, but I haven't seen any comment from Rose. Even if the party is right the perception presented will kill them. Mike, tell the party to drop it and pray for the best.
Posted by ChrisPia on August 16, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Chief Counsel Karl "Butch" Bowers is an asset to the McCain campaign. He is a partner with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP in Columbia and is the former Chairman of the South Carolina Election Commission. He has served as counsel to the South Carolina Republican Party and as campaign finance counsel to several successful political campaigns. He also serves as a JAG officer in the South Carolina Air National Guard.
Posted by metallic on August 16, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'll echo the sentiment of those who are saying that the behavior of the Republican Party is helping Collins.
I signed Collins' petition -- but didn't know if I would vote for him in the November election since I really didn't know his positions. I signed Collins' petition because I like the idea of more choices in elections.
I know now, I will be voting AGAINST Rose.
Posted by JohnS on August 16, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The chairman is wrong with his threat of a boycott of local stores carrying the petition. Who is he to make a statement like that? Maybe a gov agency needs to look into his background.
Posted by summervillerepub on August 16, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Arthur, you are killing our party! I am a Mike Rose supporter & will vote for him in November. Mike is not "whining" about the petition candidate (as some comments suggest), but Arthur's whining & actions are being attributed to Mike. Arthur, it's bad enough that you recruit other candidates on our republican ticket (opposed & unopposed) who are unqualified and drag down the rest of our ticket. Stop dragging Mike down with your tactics.
Posted by ChrisPia on August 16, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.independentmail.com/news/2008...
I do believe The Justice department will be interested in the Case.
Posted by ChrisPia on August 16, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.state.sc.us/scsec/new_home/Pr...
Karl S. Bowers Member of The Election Commission SC.??????
Posted by zoomru on August 16, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
KATON DAWSON............
What are YOU ...DOING !!
You RAVENEL'er !!!!
WE the people will decide at the BALLOT BOX. Stop being an IDIOT !! This action makes you look like a KEYSTONE COP !
I highly suggest you get ready for NOVEMBER !!
Joel Sawyer.....from here on out your answer will be "NO COMMENT" !! (Fist POUNDS !)
Mike ROSE...I told you weeks ago to start pressing FLESH ! You LEAD from the FRONT !! You welcome a fight. You will get your message out YOURSELF ! YOU mean to tell me that you did NOT answer your phone ON FRIDAY ?? Oh..OH !! RULE #1 in political warfare... answer the CALL TO DUTY !! NO e-mail or telephone number for voters to get in touch with YOU ?? WHOLLY - COW !!~! DO you want people to vote for YOU ?!!
"WILD BILL" Collins.... you didn't answer your CALL TO DUTY either on FRIDAY ??! ARE YOU...Nutz !! (Fist POUNDS!) No e-mail or telephone number either ?? Where are you AT TODAY ?? I hope you are out campaigning. I'd be trying to kiss more than BABIES ! I highly suggest you get on some lip BALM and ..pucker UP !! Don't let me here that your up there schmoozing with Norfolk-Southern at their retreat at Bresnan Forest ??! You've not won anything ...YET !! If you got 4100 people to sign for you ...you might get 1000 to VOTE !! I suggest some EYE to EYE ..combat with voters !! YOU didn't let your OLD COUCH get wet yesterday ..DID YOU? YOU better have that couch parked on some sidewalk in SUMMERVILLE or a gas station and be asking for VOTERS to have a CHAT !! What is YOUR WEBSITE ?? WE WANT TO SEE PICTURES and video !!? ......Today, Tonight, Tommorrow, and TUESDAY !! The four T's !!
Citizens of this STATE...these "PARTY" rules to keep ANY willing citizen from running for office is nothing more than a taxpayer fleecing by LAWYERS !! We decide by the VOTES we cast...not by having someone protecting their "BROOD" .!!
GENTLEMEN....start campaigning and stop BICKERING !!
Posted by ChrisPia on August 16, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/pin/docs/a...
Page 18 Might Give You a Clue as to this Move.
Posted by zoomru on August 16, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mike and "WILD BILL".....
the more I think about you 2 cats not ANSWERING your phone yesterday.....the more TORQUED I get ! (Fist POUNDS!)
You mean to tell me that Hillary will answer her phone at 3AM and you WONT on friday afternoon ?? MY BACKSIDE !!
CITIZENS...do we not have a NURSE or BANK TELLER, or firefighter that would run for this OFFICE and answer their CELLPHONE at all times ?? How about a teacher or car salesman...NEW or USED? It doesn't matter !!
Mike and BILL...you do know that it is HURRICANE season don't you? We had to call Linse' Suave' Graham-nista to move SAND for the PORT; so I guess we will need to call you to get TREE LIMBS removed !!? I highly suggesst you BOTH do something to let the VOTERS know that you really DO want this position ?! Have either one of you got a fake tattoo saying "Pelosi..DRILL HERE !" ...YET !!
How about one saying ..."SANFORD..Windfarms NOW !" or "BEES FERRY...I'll Plasmafy YOU !"
The VOTERS need to know that you are fighters !! ARE you?
Mike and Bill...start FLEXING !
Posted by knightsvillecracker on August 16, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by zoomru on August 16, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
............ "WILD BILL" Collins.... you didn't answer your CALL TO DUTY either on FRIDAY ??! ARE YOU...Nutz !! (Fist POUNDS!) No e-mail or telephone number either ??
Zoomru:
http://www.billcollinsforsenate.com/id1....
will provide you with Bill Collins' email address, home phone number, cell phone number, & his wife Margaret's cell phone number. I am confident Bill would happily talk with every sane caller (& probably 50% of the insane callers) that might contact him.
I'd say you're an even bet ;)
Posted by ChrisPia on August 16, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Philip... No Pounding Of Fists Though when you call.
Posted by moonpie on August 16, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mooncalf, it's those nice state benefits you get plus the state retirement you qualify for not the pay. And of course the power.
Posted by blondback on August 16, 2008 at 10:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To my friends, ( I am in the News ). Rose can not stand on his short feet and fight the Good fight. He can only stand behind close door and use other people behind close door and make comments, Like get the news meda in the fight, it make him look good or better , this is farr from the truth... ? Whome is rose backers behind close door. What in it for Author... Rose does speak out of both sides of his mouth... If you dont beleived me just watch him....Chrispie you doing a wonderfull job God bless you. Keep up the good hunting rose need all the help he can get. To keep quite.
Posted by notafan on August 17, 2008 at 12:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Its nice to see Chris Pia is still trying to advance his agenda. Hey chris your boy won the sheriffs office and you will have you job back soon so please give it a rest.
Posted by walleyedwoman1215 on August 17, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Blondback, if you are "in the news," I am Anastasia, the rightful heir to the Russian throne! :-) But you make a point...
Posted by summervillegeechee on August 17, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was under the impression that the voters were the ones with the right to decide who they wanted to serve, not the political parties. Now I have learned that the GOP leadership wants to deprive all the citizens of Dorchester County of their rights to do so. Not a way to win friends and influence voters. By doing so they now can count me as an ex-Republican. I am just glad Barry Goldwater is not alive to witness the demise of the party he managed to re-establish here in South Carolina after 100 years of disdain.
Posted by jeff61 on August 17, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe all the people that signed the petetion for Mr Collins should send e-mails to the GOP leadership there demmanding that they back down. I must admit I do know requirements one must go through to run for public office but it appears Collins has met them. The GOP should leave this alone and let the out come be decided in NOV
Posted by ChrisPia on August 17, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Notafan.....Just the facts!
Posted by walleyedwoman1215 on August 17, 2008 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sofaking, what?
If a woman is 40, educated and unmarried, alla sudden she isn't heterosexual? That's a hoot. I like the Indigo Girls. Prove I'm gay. Please. :-)
Posted by bigwhip on August 18, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It appears that the Dorchester County Repubs have lowered themselves to the abysmil level of the Charleston County Repubs; a wasteland of petty bias and underhanded support of certain people. This behavior tells you what kind of leadership exist in local Repub circles. An embarassment at best.
Posted by ChrisPia on August 18, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
She is a very pretty,educated and classy woman.She could be single because she put her efforts towards her career and education. She probably has not met her mate yet. Thats All.
Posted by ChrisPia on August 18, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Arthur Bryngelson, chairman of the Dorchester County Republican Party, spoke at a Christian Exodus' conference and said he would encourage Christian Exodus members to become Republicans.
"I consider myself to be a fundamental Christian,'' he said. ''I'm with (Christian Exodus) all the way up to secession. ... I'm not in favor of going down to the Battery and firing on Fort Sumter again.''
Posted by Carolina_Politics on August 18, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Dorchester County Republican Party apparently enjoys making fools out of themselves since they are still beating the Bill Collins bush. The fact that his petitions were certified is not good enough; the party is continuing to try and force him off of the November ballot.
I have stated before that I like Mike Rose as a candidate and I am happy that he prevailed in the primary over the drunk, but I think some questions are in order. What is Rose and the party apparatus of afraid of and why do they not believe voters in the 38th district deserve a choice in November just like they got in the primary when Rose ran against Scott? Is what’s good for the goose not good for the gander?
It’s time for Mr. Rose to step up and demand an end to this witch hunt. I think this is hurting him with the voters as they see the party behaving childishly over a case of sour grapes. The Republicans are not entitled to this seat any more than they anyone else is. That is for the public to decide.
It’s also past due for county GOP Chairman Arthur Bryngelson show some leadership and put a stop to this altogether. Once the petitions were certified he should have welcomed Collins’ candidacy like a gentleman and had his party work to make sure the voters still elect Rose. If he cares about the viability of his party he’ll stop ruining its reputation with the locals.
http://www.carolinapoliticsonline.com
Posted by ChrisPia on August 20, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.osc.gov/documents/forms/osc13...
File a complaint.