Ken Ard and the Leadership Vacuum

Like many of you, I have been reading the bumbling affairs of Ken Ard. It appears we have another embarrassing Republican lieutenant governor.

My first reaction is that we Dems told you so  — along with many brave Republicans who actually voted for the far superior Ashley Cooper — in 2010. 

But that is history.

As we all know, the lieutenant governor is basically powerless, so most people read this as part of the continuing South Carolina Republican Party soap opera. 

However, it actually would have a potentially big effect on the Lowcountry if Glenn McConnell moved from his very strong position as leader of the state senate to the powerless lieutenant governor position. 

I think what bothers me the most about this issue is the lack of response from our governor. In the military, we call this a lack of leadership.

Both as leader of our state, and at least titular leader of the Republican Party, one would think that she would take decisive action to clean this mess up.

But Republicans having trouble with the law does seem to be a trend. Check this YouTube video.

Democratic State Party Chair Dick Harpootlian is calling for a recall vote. This is an admirable request, but would be a massive effort by the voters, time consumingand potentially divisive. 

I would rather spend the time on closing the $2 million in tax loopholes so we can balance our state budget — and not on the shoulders of Medicaid recipients. That is this Democrat's approach.

But I think Haley needs to act like a leader and tell Mr. Ard to resign. Then I would recommend to the voters of this state to not vote blindly by party but learn who is running for office in both parties, and vote for the best person. 

Hopefully, in 2014 we voters will get a chance to vote again for Ashley Cooper for lieutenant governor.

What do you think?