Hardball politics

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The Associated Press quoted the letter as saying: "When you make a donation, it is important that you know whether ... (the candidate) is actively working to undercut these positions." Clearly this is a heavy-handed attempt to get all Republicans to line up behind the tax credit proposal or face dwindling campaign contributions from those political action committees. This is politicking of the most obnoxious sort, and it reflects poorly on a group that calls itself a supporter of "Responsible Government."

Sanford's private school tax credit should fail or succeed on its own merits, not on the basis of political shenanigans. On an issue as sweeping and controversial as the tax-credit plan, state lawmakers are to be applauded for having some questions and misgivings.

In a related story, South Carolinians for Responsible Government recently demoted its executive director after he wrote three letters promoting school choice under a pseudonym to The State newspaper. Last fall, meanwhile, the group sent out some nasty attack letters opposing some Greenville school board incumbents.

It appears that South Carolinians for Responsible Government has a lot of money but is short on good judgment.