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October 25, 2006 | South Carolina Headlines

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All Eyes on the Contenders for House Speaker
Benj Buck
May 2, 2005

During the next few days many people will have their eyes on the likes of Bandini, High Limit, and a Nick Zito trained horse named High Fly.  With the Kentucky Derby days away, racing fans wonder if this could be a Triple Crown year, and if so which horse can pull it off.  Fanatics and gamblers keep a close eye on the tracks and listen to trainers as they record practice times and look for the smallest sign of weakness.

Meanwhile another race rages on in South Carolina as Carolinians have their eyes on the likes of Bobby Harrell, Jim Harrison, and Spartanburg’s Doug Smith.  For now, we’ll limit extreme comparisons to the Kentucky Derby athletes.  However, just as the fanatics at Churchhill Downs carefully examine the contenders, the political junkies engage in careful watching and listening for signs of weakness in Columbia.

Many seem to think that South Carolina is in for a photo finish between Harrison (R-Columbia) and Harrell (R-Charleston). However, a recent poll at Gopusa.com shows that many look for a large victory by Speaker Pro Tem, Doug Smith.  Furthermore, both the Upstate’s and Midland’s lack of state leadership may hurt Harrell’s chances for David Wilken’s vacated position as some House members may seek to even out geographic control.

The controversy over domestic violence bill has certainly placed Harrison, the Judiciary Chair, under the spotlight.  Harrison’s ability to handle this issue will give measurable signs of his aptitude for the Speaker role.  Meanwhile, Doug Smith seems to have the connections, which may or may not help him move from House Speaker Pro Tem to House Speaker.

Remember the issue at hand deals with more than the role of Speaker; the issue also relates to the jockeying of position amongst the committees. Those interested in the Judiciary Chair and the Ways and Means Committee Chair as well as Speaker Pro Tem have high concern in this close House race.

Though no contender for House Speaker stands out, one thing is for sure--if this race turns into a “cock-fight,” somebody is going to jail.




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