Busch vs. Sanford

Why Sanford vs. Colbert Busch Could Be Competitive

By MICAH COHEN

Former Gov. Mark Sanford won a runoff election this week, securing the Republican nomination for South Carolina’s First Congressional District. He will face the Democratic nominee, Elizabeth Colbert Busch, in a May 7 general election.
The First District, which runs from Hilton Head Island in the south to north of Charleston, is solidly Republican, and typically a Congressional race in the conservative Lowcountry would provide little suspense: Republicans have held the seat since 1981.
But this election is not typical. Mr. Sanford enters the general election with significant personal baggage, having spent six days in 2009 in Argentina with a woman who was not his wife while telling his aides he was “hiking the Appalachian Trail.” (He and the woman are now engaged.) Ms. Colbert Busch, meanwhile, is an accomplished businesswoman with deep ties to the district’s business community. . . .   (Click here to read more:http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/05/why-sanford-vs-colbert-busch-could-be-competitive/)

My home state of South Carolina—not only the First Congressional District— needs Elizabeth Colbert Busch's voice in Congress.   As much as I believe Sanford shouldn't be placed in a position of public trust again, my passion about this race has far more to do with the caliber of Ms. Busch and her candidacy.   So, I couldn't resist leaving a comment at this excellent blog.  Here it is:


South Carolina voters might need to be reminded that Sanford's "ethical-moral issues" were not only personal. They also involved condemnation and fines by the State Ethics Commission for violations during his term as governor. He also was censured by the Republican House—so, his were not simply "ooops" mistakes.

Elizabeth Colbert Busch is a solid candidate and, as indicated in this post, well-versed in finance. Ms. Busch has walked the "family values" walk, under challenging circumstances.

My hope is there are enough rational Republicans in the First District to send Ms. Busch to Congress. In addition to getting a fine representative, the election of Elizabeth Colbert Busch could mean this state would no longer be the punch line in political jokes—or not as often, at any rate. And certainly not because of her!

I'll leave you lovable Lefties to enjoy your weekend after asking you for one smart, good deed:  Wherever in the world you may be, if you know any voters in South Carolina's First District, please contact them and ask them to vote for Elizabeth Colbert Busch on May 7.  And on election day, please get in touch again, while the polls are still open,  to be sure they've voted!   Also, if you can make a financial contribution, here's how:  http://colbertbuschforcongress.com