South Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus

Sheheen Calls DHEC Port Decision a Costly Blunder

2011-11-10T23:10:00.000-05:00

November 10, 2011 Sheheen Calls DHEC Port Decision a Costly Blunder Calls for DHEC Board’s Resignation Columbia, SC - State Senator Vincent Sheheen of Camden today called the state’s Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) unanimous decision to allow the dredging of waterways to the Port of Savannah a costly blunder and called for Board members to resign immediately.

Hardball - Voting Rights Restricted

2011-09-19T16:01:00.001-04:00

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Leventis letter to SC Election Commission

2010-06-14T14:09:00.003-04:00

Senator Phil Leventis' letter to SC State Election Commission requesting the impoundment of voting machines used during the June 8th primaries. VIA FACSIMILE: (803) 734-9366 June 14, 2010 Mr. John H. Hudgens, IIIChairmanSouth Carolina State Election Commission 2221 Devine Street, Suite 105 Columbia, SC 29205 Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to request that all voting machines used

Senator Leventis Condemns Attack on Spratt

2010-05-18T13:34:00.001-04:00

May 18, 2010 Senator Leventis Condemns Attack on Spratt Sumter, SC - South Carolina Senator Phil Leventis (D-Sumter) today condemned the National Republican Congressional Committee for their attack on Congressmen John Spratt. NRCC spokesman Andy Sere attacked Congressman Spratt by implying that his "memory must be failing him" and calling him "Amnesiac John" in a press statement on Monday

Pinckney Calls For Passage of Economic Development Bill

2010-03-15T14:51:00.000-04:00

March 15, 2010 Pinckney Calls For Passage of Economic Development Bill Ridgeland, SC - State Senator Clementa Pinckney today called on his colleagues in the state Senate to pass a critical economic development bill this week. Senate Bill 1054 creates performance-based incentives for companies like the Okatie Crossing developer to locate to South Carolina. Senator Pinckney issued the

Setzler Joins New Carolina: South Carolina's Council on Competitiveness

2010-02-05T14:15:00.004-05:00

February 5, 2010 Setzler Joins New Carolina: South Carolina's Council on Competitiveness COLUMBIA, S.C. - State Senator Nikki Setzler is joining a select group of business and civic leaders seeking to create well-paying jobs in the state while positioning South Carolina as a major competitor in the global economy. Setzler joins the leadership of New Carolina: South Carolina's

Sheheen Fights to Hold State Government Accountable

2010-01-25T16:19:00.001-05:00

January 25, 2010 Sheheen Fights to Hold State Government Accountable Columbia, SC - State Senator Vincent Sheheen (D-Camden) announced today that his plan to enact legislative oversight of state agencies is gaining momentum. Sheheen's plan to overhaul the way state government is operated has been incorporated into a reform measure to make the state's Department of Disability and Special

SC Senate Republicans Say No to Jobs Legislation

2010-01-21T22:28:00.001-05:00

January 20, 2010SC Senate Republicans Say No to Jobs LegislationColumbia, SC - The South Carolina Senate Republican Caucus today blocked an effort by Senate Democrats to fast-track reform of the state's Employment Security Commission.Senate Democrats moved to put a reform plan for the state's work force development agency on special order - a move that would put the bill in the top spot of the

SC Senate Democratic Leader Applauds Nettles Nomination

2009-12-22T20:41:00.002-05:00

December 22, 2009SC Senate Democratic Leader Applauds Nettles NominationColumbia, SC - South Carolina Senate Democratic Leader John C. Land, III (D-Manning) issued the following statement today applauding President Barack Obama's nomination of Bill Nettles to be South Carolina's next United States Attorney:"Bill Nettles is a great legal mind and a tenacious fighter for justice. I am thrilled that

Directions to Annual Caucus Duck Hunt Event

2009-12-13T22:25:00.002-05:00

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Sheheen to Introduce Plan to Restore Benefits

2009-10-20T12:16:00.001-04:00

October 20, 2009Sheheen to Introduce Plan to Restore BenefitsCamden, SC - Statement of Senator Vincent Sheheen, Democratic candidate for Governor, on Monday's announcement regarding a special session:"Because it is so vital to the lives of everyday South Carolinians, I have drafted legislation restoring unemployment benefits and plan to introduce the bill on October 27th when the Legislature

Sen. Lourie Calls On DeMint, GOP to Denounce Inflammatory Rhetoric

2009-10-19T21:30:00.004-04:00

October 19, 2009Sen. Lourie Calls On DeMint, GOP to Denounce Inflammatory RhetoricColumbia, SC - One of South Carolina's two Jewish members of the state General Assembly, state Senator Joel Lourie of Columbia, today called on Senator Jim DeMint and South Carolina Republican Party chairwoman Karen Floyd to denounce the inflammatory comments made by Bamberg County GOP chairman, Mr. Edwin O. Merwin

Leventis Letter to Gov. Sanford on Ozmint

2009-09-14T09:20:00.001-04:00

/leventis%20letter%209-11-09.pdfSeptember 14, 2009Leventis Calls on Sanford to Remove Corrections DirectorSumter, SC - State Senator Phil Leventis of Sumter today released a letter to Governor Mark Sanford calling for the removal of Department of Correction chief Jon Ozmint.From the letter: "His (Ozmint) actions as director are marked by a lack of candor, arrogance and a poor leadership style. He

Sanford's hobby? Being governor

2009-07-23T00:27:00.005-04:00

Sanford's hobby? Being governorBy S.C. Sen. John LandSpecial to SC Statehouse ReportJULY 10, 2009 -- It was early on the afternoon of Monday, June 22, when I received a phone call telling me Gov. Mark Sanford was missing. I was told no one knew where he was, not even his wife. Folks remarked how odd it was that our state's chief executive would disappear and not tell anyone where he was going.

SC Senate Democratic Leader Questions Sanford's Priorities

2009-06-25T12:15:00.001-04:00

June 25, 2009SC Senate Democratic Leader Questions Sanford's Priorities Columbia, SC - South Carolina Senate Democratic Leader John C. Land, III (D-Manning) issued the following statement today in response to Governor Mark Sanford's June 24th remark on his continuing time in office. "Yesterday, Mark Sanford said that (quote) 'Over the time that I have left in office, I'm going to devote my energy

Senate Democratic Leader Prays for Sanford's Safety

2009-06-22T16:15:00.003-04:00

June 22, 2009 Senate Democratic Leader Prays for Sanford's Safety Columbia, SC - South Carolina Senate Democratic Leader John C. Land, III (D-Manning) issued the following statement today on the news that Governor Mark Sanford has gone missing: "We've been concerned by the Governor's erratic behavior for some time. We're praying for him and his family. I hope he is safe and that he contacts the

Senator Land on the the 2009 Legislative Session

2009-05-21T16:48:00.000-04:00

May 21, 2009SC Senate Democratic Leader's Statement on End of 2009 Legislative SessionColumbia, SC - South Carolina Senate Democratic Leader John C. Land, III (D-Manning) issued the following statement this evening on the adjournment of the South Carolina General Assembly:"This session will be remembered more for what didn't get done than what did. And the blame lies solely at the feet of Mark

Handicapped Parking Reform Passes

2009-05-21T15:44:00.001-04:00

Orangeburg Times and Democrat3-30-08 Editorial ATV safety legislation should be law ISSUE: Chandler's LawOUR VIEW: Lawmakers should push Sanford for compromise on ATV legislationOrangeburg Sen. Brad Hutto minced no words in assessing the situtaion:"This is absolutely incredible. Republican senators

Drug Problem? Test the Users.

2008-03-27T22:14:00.005-04:00

Associated Press 3-26-08"If it's a Republican using cocaine, then Republicans take the test," Sen. Brad Hutto said as senators began debating a proposed constitutional amendment that all elected, appointed or judicial candidates get screened for illegal drugs before being put on the ballot."I don't know why y'all want to bring this up," said Hutto, a Democrat from Orangeburg. "I don't relish in

Word of the Day - unconstitutional

2008-03-27T10:20:00.002-04:00

un·con·sti·tu·tion·al Pronunciation: \ˌən-ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-shnəl, -ˈtyü-, -shə-nəl\ Function: adjective : not according or consistent with the constitution of a body politic (as a nation) unconstitutional infringement on rightsUse in a sentence:The drug testing legislation the SC Senate Republicans propose is unconstitutional because it is a suspicionless search.

Anderson honored by Hospital Association

2008-03-27T09:48:00.001-04:00

March 27, 2008 Anderson honored by Hospital AssociationBy Dan HooverSTAFF WRITER State Sen. Ralph Anderson, D-Greenville, received the South Carolina Hospital Association's inaugural Lewis W. Blackman Patient Safety Champion Award on Wednesday evening in Columbia. The presentation came during the association's Patient Safety Symposium dinner. Anderson was the honorary chairman of Greenville

Senate Democrats call drug testing proposal absurd

2008-03-26T20:40:00.001-04:00

Wed, Mar. 26, 2008 Senate Democrats call drug testing proposal absurd By SEANNA ADCOXAssociated Press Writer Democratic senators on Wednesday called it ludicrous to require all candidates get tested for drugs when there's just one known South Carolina politician with a drug habit, and he was a Republican. "If it's a Republican using cocaine, then Republicans take the test," Sen. Brad Hutto

Urine Test More Important than Saving Lives to Senate GOP

2008-03-25T14:06:00.001-04:00

South Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus Media Contact: Phil Bailey phil@scsenatedems.org For Immediate Release March 25, 2008 Urine Test More Important than Saving Lives to Senate GOP Columbia, SC – Today the Republican led state Senate refused to set Chandler’s Law for Special Order, a move that would have put the ATV safety bill on the legislative fast-track. Instead a measure calling

Anderson physician to run for state Senate

2008-03-20T15:55:00.001-04:00

Anderson physician to run for state Senate By Heidi CenacOriginally published 02:14 p.m., March 20, 2008Updated 02:43 p.m., March 20, 2008 ANDERSON — Anderson doctor Marshall Meadors announced to a crowd of about 50 supporters today that he will run for state Senate District 3, the seat held by Kevin Bryant, R-Anderson. Dr. Meadors said he intends to file at the Democratic Party

Greg Anderson Announces Bid for State Senate

2008-03-11T09:27:00.002-04:00

Greg Anderson for State Senate P.O. Box 507 Edgefield, South Carolina 29824 803.637.7034 For Immediate Release Media Contact: Phil Bailey philcbailey@yahoo.com March 11, 2008 Anderson Announces Bid for State Senate Edgefield, SC – Edgefield businessman and attorney Greg Anderson announced today his candidacy for state Senate district 25. Anderson says education, health care access, job

Sen. Leventis Announces Bid for Re-Election

2008-03-03T11:40:00.001-05:00

Office of Senator Phil Leventis District 35 - Sumter and Lee Counties 803-968-6185 Contact: Phil Bailey 803.318.2763 phil@scsenatedems.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 3, 2008 Sen. Leventis Announces Bid for Re-Election Sumter, SC – Retired Air Force General and state Senator Phil Leventis today announced his bid for re-election for the SC Senate. Leventis, a Sumter businessman, said his

Private School Voucher Governor Campaigns For Voucher Legislator

2008-02-29T12:37:00.000-05:00

South Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus Media Contact: Phil Bailey: 803.318.2763 (mobile) phil@scsenatedems.org For Immediate Release February 29, 2008 Private School Voucher Governor Campaigns For Voucher Legislator Columbia, SC – Governor Mark Sanford campaigned in Senate District 16 today for Representative and Senate Candidate Mick Mulvaney. Mulvaney has recently had to defend

Senator calls for investigation of governor in Port Royal deal

2008-02-27T21:17:00.003-05:00

Posted on Wed, Feb. 27, 2008 Senator calls for investigation of governor in Port Royal deal By JIM DAVENPORTAssociated Press Writer A Democratic state senator said he will file legislation Thursday calling for an investigation of Gov. Mark Sanford's involvement in the sale of valuable waterfront property in Port Royal amid questions about the role of a campaign donor in the deal. The Senate

Associated Press Channeling Monty Python for Headlines?

2008-02-14T20:35:00.003-05:00

And the Lord spaketh to Davenport: ‘Hallowed be thy raise.’ And so it was written. Posted on Thu, Feb. 14, 2008 Hallowed be thy raise: SC senate panel agrees to church gambling By JIM DAVENPORTAssociated Press Writer Gambling for charity, in church of all places, would be legal in South Carolina under a bill that was approved by a Senate panel Thursday. The legislation would let

Anderson Announces Re-Election Bid for SC Senate

2008-02-13T22:00:00.003-05:00

Office of Senator Ralph Anderson SC Senate District 7 – Greenville County 864.235.0611 - Greenville 803.212.6108 - Columbia Contact: Phil Bailey phil@scsenatedems.org February 13, 2008 Anderson Announces Re-Election Bid for SC Senate Greenville, SC – Greenville Senator Ralph Anderson announced his bid for another term in the South Carolina Senate today. The retired

Rational health insurance for young adults

2008-02-10T11:20:00.000-05:00

The State. Sun, Feb. 10, 2008 Rational health insurance for young adults By JOEL LOURIEGuest columnist Throughout my career in the S.C. House of Representatives and Senate, I have been an advocate for improved accessibility to health care for all South Carolinians. It is my opinion that this is one of the greatest domestic challenges we face in our state and country today. Unfortunately,

Note to Candidates: Avoid Poppy Seed Muffins

2008-02-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

Feb 4, 5:30 PM ESTSenators consider requiring drug tests for SC candidates By JIM DAVENPORT Associated Press Writer Aiken Standard 11/01/2007 Editorial Elect Clyburn to Senate 25 seatAs South Carolina lawmakers return home from Columbia, it is a time for evaluating important pieces of legislation that did not become law. One such proposal is a change to the

Sanford names Hate Group's Candidate to Treasurer Post

2007-06-20T16:39:00.001-04:00

Sanford Appoints Hate Group Candidate As Interim Treasurer Columbia, SC - Governor Mark Sanford today appointed Ken Wingate as interim State Treasurer. Treasurer Thomas Ravenel was indicted yesterday on federal drug charges and suspended from his duties. Wingate's appointment brings a new cloud of suspicion over the Treasurer's office, however. In 2002, when he was running in the

Does this mean we can get our Triple-A credit rating back?

2007-06-19T23:27:00.000-04:00

Hey, Credit Rating Agencies who set SC’s bond rating, please pay no attention to this:State treasurer suspended in wake of cocaine charges By AARON GOULD SHEININ and ADAM BEAM - asheinin@thestate.com, abeam@thestate.com function PopupPic(sPicURL, sHeight,