State politics branching out on the WebBy Yvonne Wenger (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Saturday, August 30, 2008
COLUMBIA — Statehouse politics are moving more and more to the Web as legislators increasingly use new media to communicate with constituents, and some like Sen. Kevin Bryant have become proficient bloggers. The Anderson Republican may have been the first with his "Blog from the Backbench" but others are following suit with several legislators using the Internet to post photos from the campaign trial, where they stand on issues and how they voted on important bills. "Studies show that 37 percent of Americans now get their news from the Internet while only 25 percent actually pick up a newspaper," said Wesley Donehue, political Internet consultant. "Those statistics will continue to spread over the next few years. Candidates must utilize the Web to stay competitive in this new marketplace of ideas." For more on this story, read tomorrow's editions of The Post and Courier. |
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This article has 1 comment(s)
Posted by STREETLAW on August 30, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And using the internet also give salons an opportunity for political patronage. An investigation into the web site for the town of James Island, for instance, will reveal the site is controlled by a man named Clark, which just happens to be the name of the Mayor. Whether or not they are related, or he or profited from this arrangement is unknown.
But there may be a cause for concern. You might agree if you get copies of the town officials financial disclosures regarding the 2006 election. See if any of them mentioned the large expenditure for a campaign ad they paid for in the Post and Courier just prior to the election, as the law requires. This information is a matter of public record.
And see if you think there was a conspiracy to obstruct justice. Probably not, since a lawyer, a minister, the mayor and other public officials were involved. But how could they all just forget to disclose this expenditure considering the draconian penalties they would face. If the forms on file do not reflect this, there is a good chance they have been tampered with.
Also take note of the time frame for filing disclosures, the penalty for not doing so in a timely manner, and the absence of certain reports and financial accounts mandated by candidates with over $500 in expenditures. The penalty for not disclosing expenditures in accordance with a rigid schedule is $100 a day. Most of these people were at least 300 days late getting corrected forms in, if the had a need to do so.
Then ask yourself if these people are law abiding citizens. Considering this was not their first time to run for office and they should have certainly been aware of the law. Ask whether your money is safe with them. Anyone, of course, can make a mistake. And anyone can be arrogant. These people are suppose to be good upstanding citizens. Also, if you think they may have broken some laws ask why the SC Ethics Commission, if duly notified of their transgressions, has failed to act in a timely manner. It is little wonder that more people don't run for office in this state. First the Ethics Commission makes it a most frightening experience with their severe penalties for anyone who does not follow their obscure procedures, then they seem to ignore violations on the part of incumbents.
It is absolutely amazing what people can get away with under the mantle of official right. But maybe if enough people would take the time to look into these matters and ask questions, things might be different.
I'm sure all these people may have friends in high places and may be able to get away with it for a while. Maybe forever.
But who knows when someone who is concerned about decency in government may not have a few friends who are placed where it matters most? The SC Supreme Court will make the ultimate decision.
In the meanwhile, politicians will use the internet to weave a facade of respectability, and make their case for reelection. Often at the taxpayers expense.