Bauer gets a little bit Smart(er) behind wheelBy Robert Behre (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Alan Hawes South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer has been driving a Smart Car. During his six years as South Carolina's lieutenant governor, Andre Bauer has made headlines behind the wheel, either for speeding or running red lights. This year, he's attracting attention again — without any help from the cops. Bauer traded in his old Grand Wagoneer, a Jeep that got about 8 miles to the gallon, for a Smart Car, one of the first imported into South Carolina. "Everywhere I go, people want to talk about it," the lieutenant governor said. "They want to know about the gas mileage (36 miles per gallon in town; 41 on the highway) and how much it costs (he paid about $15,300)." Bauer, who almost lost his 2006 re-election bid after suffering injuries in an ultralight plane crash, said he feels secure in the tiny vehicle. "It's got a steel cage that's supposed to be very safe," he said. "I don't want to test it out, but I wouldn't want to test it out on any car." The European import is easily recognizable as Bauer drives it around Charleston with its No. 2 license plate, a plate Bauer said he might trade in soon for an "I Believe" plate. People often ask Bauer how much room there is inside the car, and he says there's more than one would think. "I've had (state Sen.) Jakie Knotts, who has got to be 300 pounds, get in it and ride around. He loved it." The Smart Car does get buffeted around on the highway, just like the driver of a midsize car will notice the wash from a passing truck more than the driver of a large SUV. But that doesn't bother Bauer, who already has ordered his next Smart Car because the waiting time can be about a year. Bauer's driving habits first landed him in the news in 2003, when he ran red lights in Columbia en route to the Statehouse. Two years later, he managed to avoid speeding tickets twice after he was clocked going 31 mph and 13 mph over the limit, which also complicated his 2006 re-election. And exactly how fast will the Smart Car go? "As far as I know, 70 (mph) is the state law," he said, "so that's all I know." Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 30 comment(s)
Posted by 8theistic on July 3, 2008 at 1:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Everywhere I go, people want to talk about it," the lieutenant governor said.
"As far as I know, 70 (mph) is the state law," he said, "so that's all I know." Hmmm, last I checked, lieutenant governor, it was 55, stoopid!
Posted by Johnq2 on July 3, 2008 at 7:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bauer needs to put an "I believe" plate on his car so it appears like he is christian, it's the same with this new toy car he is driving, I suppose now he will claim to be green when we all know it is just a gimmick to help him get elected.
Bauers tenure has been a joke and the time is coming for this bum to hit the unemployment line.
Posted by ColdBeer on July 3, 2008 at 7:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
8theistic, the maximum speed limit in SC is 70 mph. I can't say for sure that the State Law says that, as I haven't read the law, but I can't see law saying one thing and the signs saying another.
While 36 mpg city driving is good, it's not THAT good. Certainly better than what he was getting, but there are other cars out there that are bigger, around the same price, get close to the same mileage, probably safer and you don't have to have your testicles removed to drive them (except for the KIAs and Miatas).
Still, he's drastically reduced his gas costs, so he doing something right.
Posted by STREETLAW on July 3, 2008 at 7:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The LG going green is good news. Now if he could just think silver. He is suppose to be an advocated of care for the elderly, but if he spent one day in the roll of most caregivers he would jump in his smart car and run for the hills.
Most of the eldercare programs in SC or purely informational. What the aging and their caregivers need is more hands on and financial help.
Currently, the options for most failing senior citizens is to be relegated to the death traps of neglect they call "nursing homes."
And this is suppose to be a civilized nation?
Posted by metallic on July 3, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Smart Car" Ha!
Anyone considering buying one of those needs to watch this video first:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vtg2gGdmm...
The way the "Smart Car" handles, it is a serious hazard to its occupants and everyone else on the road.
Posted by MindBath on July 3, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd actually feel safer on a motorcycle - getting 60mpg.
Also, nice work PnC, I see you managed to slip the "I Believe" issue in there to get things stirred up.
Posted by Siri on July 3, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I seen one of these at a stop light the other day WOW are they small looking. But kinda, cute like a bug. Not a VW a ladybug or something. I think that if its in an accident it will be like stepping on a cockroach. SQUISH!!
Posted by wjhamilton3 on July 3, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Smart Cars were parked bumper to bumper all over Paris a year ago. One great thing about vehicles like this is that they take up half the space of regualar cars, which dramatically increases the amount of spaces you can have. They're also ideal for city driving, getting in and out of parking garages, using smaller streets and parallel parking. Electric and Hybrid models are on the way as well.
Posted by Tammie on July 3, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think SmartCars are adorable!! They'd be even more adorable if I was 4'9 and weighed the same as a wet cat.
I'll stick with my "grocery getter" (Volvo). But for me, the SmartCar wouldn't be a smart choice with a new baby. JMO
Posted by blondjes on July 3, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
just to let everyone know, they rated bad in consumer report, VERY rough ride, your very close to the person next to you so be sure you know them very well and the kicker is you have to put PREMIUM gas in it!
Posted by Tammie on July 3, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Blondjes, I read that too. Can't you get the option of a 1 OR 2 seater? If you get hit in one of those, you're f****d.
Posted by lou9 on July 3, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bauer getting smart behind the wheel of a car? Now that's funny. The only smart move would be to cut up his driver's license.
Posted by Thomas1776 on July 3, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Smart Car. Dumb idiot driving it.
Posted by bkeelin on July 3, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Street Law,
A civilized country would have family members taking care of their aging family members, not dumping them in a nursing home that is over worked, over crowded, and under paid. That would be civilized but alas many of us are too busy with our careers and our own lives to bother with tending to the needs of our family.
It used to be that family members took care of their own, before people started making a buck by housing the elderly and family members realized it was easier to pay a few bucks than to actually take of the ones who took care of them.
Posted by mikesingle1950 on July 3, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Last friday afternoon I was on I-26 and observed Mr.Bauer in his Smart car. My SUV was set on 75 mph and he passed me doing at least 80 mph. What say you?
Posted by zoomru on July 3, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Andre "The G I A N T" Bauer,
OK... you get a winky for buying a SMART CAR. What you should have said since this is the 4th of July is "FREEDOM to Choose". That's right. You know these cars have been available for most of the past decade ..(I think) in Europe. To now let them be sold in the USA is a joke. We call ourselves FREE. Yes ...they may not be as safe as a hummer but we let motorcycles on the highway? You Andre' should have called the US Gov ..OUT on this. You know the only reason they haven't been let in till now is that the government knew thet would be a hit like the VW bug and didn't want to start seeing gas tax revenue decrease. That's debatable though...really. You should be taking this chance while you get press to expound on the choices of transportation we have presently in South Carolina; which is AUTO only really? What is OUR states mass transit plan build out and implementation plan? How are we going to streamline and maximize tax funding to provide the most efficient system?? When you get a chance...CROW like chicken?!!
Posted by SmooveB on July 3, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This guy needs to ride the Short Bus, rather than a Smart Car. Sheesh.
Posted by stand828 on July 3, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bauer is such a toad. He'd kiss an elephant's a** if he thought it would get him a vote.
And as far as an "I Believe" plate, I think the Christian Bible thumpers he panders to would flip over in their choir robes if they knew the "gentlemen" he hangs out with when he's here in Charleston.
Posted by Picky on July 3, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think this is great. Green is always awesome. But in this case everyone in South Carolina is just a little safer too. Mr. Bauer was known to force small cars out of his way by threatening them with his pick-up truck. He'll have a hard time being threatening in the Smart! And he'll probably think twice before crashing a red light. Thank God - some child's life has probably been saved. And Thank Your to Andre Bauer for making this important change.
Posted by dr_fed on July 3, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nice PR move LOSER. This guy is such a F*cktard and will do anything to improve his political image. Hey Andre, I think your next move should be to go in front of a church on a Sunday morning bend over and take one up the A*s for the SC Baptist Convention. This guy is such a pathetic loser.
Posted by Tammie on July 3, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Looking at him next to that car...Bauer is a midget. I bet he can fit in my niece's Barbie jeep!
Posted by est8esq on July 3, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That picture reminds me of Michael Dukakis and the tank from way back when... this one's just a lot more fruity!!!
Posted by JH09915 on July 4, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey, Thomas know it all 1776,
What kind of car do you drive you damn jackass?
You are truly amazing.
You bitch, moan, and complain about everything.. Get a life..
Posted by JH09915 on July 4, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dr.Fed,
Good God man, what in the hell is your deal??
Talk about pathetic..
Posted by majorjohnson on July 4, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Andre has security and a personal driver we're paying for. Is he being chauffeured in that thing, or are they following him in an SUV?
Posted by JH09915 on July 4, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Mikesingle1950,
If your cruise control was set on 75, then you were breaking the law, is that right or did I miss something??
What you are saying is that it is ok for you to do 75 but not ok for Mr.Bauer to do 80..
I get it, just because he is a politician, he is not allowed but you are permitted to do that because you are a regular taxpayer??
Grow up and find something with some substance to whine and bitch about..
Posted by mikesingle1950 on July 4, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JH09915:
Does the J stand for Jack**s?
I Like Mr. Bauer! My comment was to the fact, that the SMART car was able to cruise at 80 mph. You must not travel I-26 as much as I do. The speed limit is 70 mph. Give or take 5 mph. Even at that, 95 percent of the people travel at 80 mph or better.
You must be a Yankee...they are the worst drivers and always trying to tell someone how "we" do it up north!!!
If you don't understand what you are trying to read, stop and get some one from the SOUTH to explain it to you.
I forgive you for your rude comment...Have a Blessed Day!!!
God Loves YOU!!!!
Posted by JH09915 on July 4, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey MIkesingle1950, first of all I am not a damn yankee.
I was raised West of the Ashley.
I also understand full well everything I read if it is written correctly.
I appreciate your asking as to whethr or not I am a jack ass.I hope you have a wonderful day as well.
Oh, and by the way, I have been travelling I26 for as long as it has been in Charleston and South Carolina..
Posted by SCPDBLUE on July 4, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I stick with my 97 Dodge Ram 1500 and my 73 Plymouth Roadrunner Street/Show car.
Posted by walleyedwoman1215 on July 4, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
smoove and stand, I laughed out loud! I've met AB a half-dozen times at quasi-social events. (No, he never remembers my name!) Seems to be a nice guy, but smooth... very, very smooth. Did he run with Thomas Ravenel?