Since the mainstream media has already begun to speculate about what could potentially shape up to be a highly competitive governor’s race in South Carolina next year, we figured we would add our two-cents to the discussion, as well.
There is no doubt that next year’s election will be one of the most consequential statewide races in South Carolina history. The next leader of the Palmetto State must clean up the chaos left by the Trump Administration and its rocky ending, as well as address the damage that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to inflict upon our state and country.
The pandemic has brought to light the many disparities that exist between different regions and counties across the state, ranging from discrepancies in healthcare and education, to a lack of support for small businesses, to concerns regarding the overall quality of life for South Carolinians. As we approach the start of campaigning, the Palmetto Insider plans to profile those leaders who we believe can effectively challenge the status quo that has halted progress and expansion in South Carolina for the past two decades.
One such leader is State Representative J. Todd Rutherford of Columbia. Rutherford’s record for advocating against government overreach – something that Republicans once screamed about daily but have become remarkably silent on with Trump – is one that could fuel a potential run for the state’s top elected position.
From pointing out the hypocrisy in requiring a witness signature on absentee voting, to calling out cities that attempted to privatize public beaches, Rutherford has led many of the fights against government intrusion of individual rights in the state. His efforts are often supported by the libertarian wing of the Republican Caucus in the capital city and have resulted in the creation of the “Black Tea Party” alias from some Columbia insiders.
Over the past decade, Rutherford has additionally been a leading advocate for medical cannabis use and decriminalizing marijuana in South Carolina. Like its cousin hemp, Rutherford sees the plant as a potential new cash-crop for local farmers who have been left behind throughout the past thirty years.
Rutherford has also called for the end of police civil asset forfeitures, something he refers to as an act of “stealing” from everyday South Carolinians. The Democrat argues that, “the police in this state can pull you over for nothing, take your money, and you have no way to get it back. They won’t give it back. This happens to both Black and White South Carolinians and will especially happen if you are poor.”
Furthermore, Rutherford has been an outspoken proponent of expanding the gaming industry in the Palmetto State. He’s been known to question the hypocrisy of a “pro-business state” that refuses to expand gaming for the benefit of the greater economic, arguing that, “with the money earned from a regulated gaming industry, we could lower taxes for everyone dramatically and have enough money to pay for all of our real needs in the state.”
“The leadership class in Columbia and throughout South Carolina wants the average person, both Black and White, to remain stupid and poor. This is how they continue to hold power. No doubt, expanding gaming in South Carolina will empower a new generation within the state. They don’t want that!”
We agree with Rutherford. We also agree that South Carolina has a money problem. Until this issue is addressed, our hospitals, schools, businesses, and people will continue to suffer and lag behind our neighboring states and the rest of the country. Will Rutherford run? Most don’t believe so. But his plans – the Rutherford Doctrine – is exactly what anyone thinking of running should seriously consider adopting.