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Bailey switches parties again, files with GOP

COLUMBIA -- District 97 Rep. George Bailey, a veteran Dorchester County lawmaker, confirmed Tuesday that he filed for re-election as a Republican, after initially filing as a Democrat.

"Well, I probably unleashed a hell of a mess," the St. George businessman conceded. "I'll face the consequences down the road. I did what I had to do. I'm an ultra-conservative person to start with; I'm pro-business ... I had to make a decision, and I did what was best for me to help my district. There are a lot of rumors about industrial development in the western end of Dorchester County. And, everybody that pulls the purse strings is in the Republican Party."

Whether it's providing infrastructure or money for economic development, Bailey said, it's the Republican Party that's making it happen.

Citing previous endorsements from pro-business PAC's and his own conservative voting record, Bailey said that his voting record makes him a better fit with the GOP.

"My voting record will point out that I am a conservative," he said. "I did what I thought was right for me and my constituents. I told the county chairman yesterday that I'd file as a Republican ... They may say I tried to manipulate ... but, sooner or later I knew I'd have to switch and now was the time to do it. I discussed it with the mayor and two County Council members and some friends."

Bailey's jump across party lines brought an immediate response Tuesday from South Carolina Democrats.

"This action undermines the electoral process and will deny the right of the voters to have a choice in this election," House Minority Leader James Smith said. "We will do everything within our power to protect the right of Dorchester County voters and to ensure a fair election for their State House seat."

Dorchester County Democratic Chairman A.J. Glover recalled the events leading up to Bailey's shift in party allegiances.

"From the county convention until 12:05 today, George Bailey was our candidate for House Seat 97. He filed as a Democrat. He wrote the check to our party," Glover said. "Mr. Bailey's selfish intentions became clear this afternoon, and it is now apparent that he has broken his solemn pledge without warning or notice. We will get to the bottom of these underhanded tactics employed by the Republican Party. Today, our top priority is to reassure the Dorchester County voters that the Democratic Party has their best interest at heart."

It was just 17 months ago that Bailey downplayed a rampant rumor that was making the rounds that he planned to switch parties shortly after the 2002 election.

"I have no comment on that. People are just trying to create a little news," said Bailey at that time. "Maybe a lot of people are wishing that. We'll see what shakes out in Columbia ... "

Bailey, a Republican-turned-Democrat, had defeated one-term GOP Rep. David Owens by less than 500 votes in a hotly contested race to reclaim the seat he'd held for 16 years.

The SC Hotline Web site in November 2002, citing an unidentified report, said Bailey planned to switch to the Republican Party. According to the Web site, "Bailey was recently 'fishing for a plum committee assignment from the GOP leadership. Apparently, the House GOP leadership, which was very active in supporting David Owens for re-election to that seat ... has given Bailey the cold shoulder to his overtures.'"

Some Dorchester County Republican leaders, who had heard the 2002 rumors, said at the time that Bailey would not be welcomed locally.

Bailey's move Tuesday actually marks his return to the Republican Party. In addition to running for the House as a Republican in Charleston County several years ago, he also served as Richard Nixon's campaign manager for Dorchester County, worked for Barry Goldwater and was a "staunch supporter of Strom Thurmond."

Bailey gave up the District 97 seat four years ago, in an unsuccessful bid for the District 37 Senate seat. In the Nov. 5, 2002, general election, he defeated Owens by a vote of 4,925 to 4,437.

T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached by e-mail at tlyon@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5545.