What Impact Will Mark Sanford's Baggage Have on Today's Special Election?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the special election in South Carolina for the House of Representatives seat, focusing on the candidates Mark Sanford and Elizabeth Colbert Busch. Participants explore the implications of Sanford's past controversies and the influence of familial connections in the election, as well as the political dynamics within the state.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that Sanford's past controversies, including a recent court matter, may impact his candidacy despite polls indicating a close race.
  • Others suggest that Sanford's strained relationship with the Republican establishment could be a double-edged sword, potentially benefiting him while still aligning with party norms.
  • Participants mention Elizabeth Busch's connection to Stephen Colbert as a potential advantage, implying that her celebrity ties may attract significant support.
  • There is a humorous suggestion that the name "Bus(c)h" could confuse voters, particularly among less informed Republicans.
  • Some express a critical view of Republicans, indicating a bias against them while inviting reciprocal criticism of their own governments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of opinions regarding the significance of Sanford's baggage and Busch's celebrity connections. There is no clear consensus on how these factors will influence the election outcome.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various political dynamics and personal histories that may not be fully detailed, leaving room for interpretation regarding their impact on voter behavior.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in political dynamics, election strategies, and the influence of personal controversies in electoral politics may find this discussion relevant.

jtbell
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Former South Carolina governor Mark Sanford (R) faces Elizabeth Colbert Busch (D) today in a special election for the House of Representatives seat whose district includes Charleston SC. The seat became vacant when SC governor Nikki Haley appointed its former occupant to the Senate to replace Jim DeMint, who resigned late last year to head the Heritage Foundation.

Polls apparently indicate a dead heat. A Democrat normally would not have any chance of winning in this heavily Republican state, but Sanford has a load of baggage which you can review from this previous thread:

www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=321741

Recently it came out that Sanford had entered his ex-wife's house (in her absence) in violation of a court order in Februrary to watch the Super Bowl with one of his sons. That matter is coming up for a court hearing this week.

http://www.wltx.com/news/article/232907/2/Sanford-Explains-He-was-Watching-Super-Bowl-with-Son (WLTX TV, Columbia)

Some commentary from cnn.com:

In South Carolina politics, two very different campaign styles

I'm in a different district, so I'm just a spectator, but I remember Sanford squabbling a lot with the Republican-dominated legislature while he was governor, vetoing spending bills and then the legislature overriding the vetoes. The Republican establishment doesn't like him much.
 
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jtbell said:
The Republican establishment doesn't like him much.

That's a point in his favour, but he's still running as one of them. On the other hand, Elizabeth Busch is Stephen Colbert's (the Colbert Report) sister and he's been publicly backing her, so she probably already has the support of anyone who matters.
 
Elizabeth Busch is Stephen Colbert's (the Colbert Report) sister...so she probably already has the support of anyone who matters.

only Colbert fans matter ?
 
jim hardy said:
only Colbert fans matter ?

I dunno, but I like the sneaky idea of having a democrat candidate called Bus(c)h. Maybe the more intellectually challenged republcans voted for the wrong person :smile:
 
jim hardy said:
only Colbert fans matter ?

To we non-Yanks who think of Republicans with derision, that's a resounding "Yes!"

And before anyone beaks off about that, you're perfectly welcome to deride my government in return. After all, we do it ourselves all of the time.
 
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