Some candidates recruited to run, others prompted by cravings

By WARREN BOLTON

Associate Editor

IN EXPLAINING why he’s running for governor, attorney Dennis Aughtry referenced a story from the late country comedian and “raccoonteur” Jerry Clower.

Mr. Aughtry recounted Mr. Clower’s story about a trip through Georgia. Mr. Clower stopped at an old country store where he saw two men sitting on crates. As the men peeled open a can of mustard sardines, “That aroma came out and he said, ‘It just flung a craving on me,’” Mr. Aughtry said.

Mr. Aughtry said he was struck with the notion to run during a period when he was feeling bad about the poor state of education in South Carolina and the high unemployment rate. About that time, Time magazine listed Gov. Mark Sanford as the third worst governor in the nation and “it flung a craving on me,” Mr. Aughtry said. He filed to run for governor “instead of being one of the tired and timid souls.”

Each election cycle we interview dozens of people seeking state and local elected offices.

We routinely ask folks to begin by telling us why they’re running.

It’s rare that we get answers as colorful as Mr. Aughtry’s or as reasoned as that of Oscar Lovelace. That gubernatorial candidate, a physician, supported Gov. Sanford the first time around, but says he can no longer sit back and watch the governor’s poor performance as the state’s CEO.

Most times, we get the same, pat answers about why people choose to run, particularly from those new to politics. Here are some from over the years:

• “I’ve got some good ideas that would help improve the way government works.” Without a doubt, we need elected leaders with good ideas. The only problem is we talk to some folks for 30 to 45 minutes and they never share even one original thought. One candidate for Columbia City Council said he had a five-point plan to help resolve the homeless issue. But he refused to share it.

• “I’m the best qualified.” Yeah, right. That’s what they all say. Many who make this statement have never held an elected or appointed office. But who would admit they’re not the best qualified? Well, some actually do. But they assure us they’re a quick study. I must admit, there have been times when political newcomers have impressed us enough to get our endorsement.

• “I’m good at solving problems.” From time to time, some people who are very involved in their community decide it’s time to graduate to a bigger stage. They’ve been fighting zoning issues, calling officials when ditches are overgrown and delivering meals on wheels. Those are all noble and needed gestures, but they don’t necessarily prepare a candidate for the Legislature.

• They’re spurred by a single issue. It could be that they’re upset that a rezoning or some other issue didn’t go their way. Or perhaps their representative voted opposite what they wanted on a particular matter. They figure their only option is to run for office. But far too often, they have little knowledge of anything beyond their narrow interest.

• “The incumbent isn’t responsive to voters; he or she doesn’t keep the people informed.” This is a well-used — overused, really — line. Just about every challenger trots it out. All three people who challenged Tameika Isaac Devine in the recent Columbia City Council elections raised that point, despite the fact Mrs. Devine is among the most responsive on the council.

• “I have the time to serve full-time.” There are many sitting officials who indeed do serve full-time. But that’s no guarantee that they’re serving well.

• “A group of concerned citizens approached me.” Joyce Dickerson, who won a seat on Richland County Council in 2004, said several community members and close friends prompted her to run. They “asked me not to stay at home and die on the vine,” she said. One time, a candidate for Lexington County coroner told us Sheriff James Metts encouraged him to run. The sheriff said he had no recollection of that.

Other answers include “I want to make a difference” and “I’m not beholden to any special interests and will serve only the people.” Or, as lots of incumbents like to say, “I have a lot of work to do still.” Of course, we have to determine whether they mean they want to continue the progress they’ve made or if they’re saying they finally want to start doing what they were elected to do.

Some incumbents have given interesting answers as to why they run for re-election. When U.S. Rep. James Clyburn visited during his last campaign, he said: “I’ve not given any serious thought to retiring. I really have an obsession with this office.”

Here’s what state Sen. Kay Patterson said when he ran for what he said is to be his last term: “To be very candid with you, I wanted to just go home. (Sen. John) Matthews said ‘I won’t have anyone to help me do the work.’”

When Gov. Sanford came last week to discuss his re-election bid, he talked about it in terms of a business venture. Part of what compels him to want to continue to serve is the fact he has “sunk costs” in the endeavor, he said. “I’ve got five years of my life invested in this process.”

Each candidate has his own reason for running. Their stories aren’t always the most original or compelling. But you’ve got to at least give them credit for answering the call, no matter what “flung a craving on” them.

Reach Mr. Bolton at (803) 771-8631 or wbolton@thestate.com.