by Adam Fogle
Palmetto Scoop
February 19, 2010
The Democratic nomination for governor now appears to State Sen. Vincent Sheheen’s for the taking.
As first reported on The Palmetto Scoop Thursday night, Charleston attorney Mullins McLeod has dropped out of the race for governor and endorsed Sheheen, essentially making it a two-way primary between the Kershaw County State Senator and Columbia lobbyist Dwight Drake.
“For the sake of our state and our party’s chances in November, I will not allow those seeking change to endure a divisive primary battle between candidates fighting for the same thing. There’s simply too much at risk,” McLeod said at at a press conference at the State Democratic Party headquarters in Columbia on Friday. “Instead, I will continue to fight for those families and I will continue to fight for change by endorsing and campaigning for Vincent Sheheen. ”
Sheheen, who leads Drake in both support and money, used the endorsement to further bolster his momentum.
“Both Mullins and I believe that it’s time for new ideas and a new generation of leadership in the governor’s office,” Sheheen said. “We share a vision for a South Carolina with strong public schools, well-paying jobs, and a government that works for the people. I’m grateful to have Mullins on our team as we work to restore hope in South Carolina and make our state a place we can be proud of again.”
But Drake was quick to dampen the sentiments with a statement of his own.
“While my other opponents have spent time ignoring the state’s mounting fiscal problems and our rising unemployment, I have a proven record of getting things done and creating jobs,” said Drake. “I am looking forward to continuing to talk with South Carolinians about my jobs plan and how, as Governor, I plan to get our state working again.”
State schools superintendent Jim Rex and State Sen. Robert Ford are also seeking the Democrat nomination, but neither has shown any ability gain traction. The primary will be held on June 8.
Palmetto Scoop
February 19, 2010
The Democratic nomination for governor now appears to State Sen. Vincent Sheheen’s for the taking.
As first reported on The Palmetto Scoop Thursday night, Charleston attorney Mullins McLeod has dropped out of the race for governor and endorsed Sheheen, essentially making it a two-way primary between the Kershaw County State Senator and Columbia lobbyist Dwight Drake.
“For the sake of our state and our party’s chances in November, I will not allow those seeking change to endure a divisive primary battle between candidates fighting for the same thing. There’s simply too much at risk,” McLeod said at at a press conference at the State Democratic Party headquarters in Columbia on Friday. “Instead, I will continue to fight for those families and I will continue to fight for change by endorsing and campaigning for Vincent Sheheen. ”
Sheheen, who leads Drake in both support and money, used the endorsement to further bolster his momentum.
“Both Mullins and I believe that it’s time for new ideas and a new generation of leadership in the governor’s office,” Sheheen said. “We share a vision for a South Carolina with strong public schools, well-paying jobs, and a government that works for the people. I’m grateful to have Mullins on our team as we work to restore hope in South Carolina and make our state a place we can be proud of again.”
But Drake was quick to dampen the sentiments with a statement of his own.
“While my other opponents have spent time ignoring the state’s mounting fiscal problems and our rising unemployment, I have a proven record of getting things done and creating jobs,” said Drake. “I am looking forward to continuing to talk with South Carolinians about my jobs plan and how, as Governor, I plan to get our state working again.”
State schools superintendent Jim Rex and State Sen. Robert Ford are also seeking the Democrat nomination, but neither has shown any ability gain traction. The primary will be held on June 8.
