|
Opinion
Sanford’s
approach likely has a lot of silent support
April
8, 2005
Does
statewide or national politicking ever end? That, no doubt, is
a question a lot of people ask themselves every day. From all
appearances, it has a simple answer. No!
That comes to mind
as the “race” for South Carolina begins to heat up ….. one
more time ….. or still. A news item reported that Democrats
have taken the offensive against Republican Gov. Mark
Sanford’s bid for a second term.
The first shot across
Sanford’s bow was on the economy, particularly the
unemployment situation and the growth of income among South
Carolinians. Democrats say both are among the worst in the
nation.
They continue to use the same old rhetoric that
smacks of class warfare. Pitting the poor against the rich has
become standard through the years and it appears that’s not
about to change.
THE LAY OF THE LAND
is shifting in the political world, though, and more
South Carolinians who consider themselves average voters
cannot be taken for granted as many have in the past.
For
one thing, Sanford has not been the typical chief executive.
He came to office questioning the status quo in state
government. He started off challenging the way “things have
always been done.” That, to be sure, was something that was
out of the ordinary. In the past, the ship of state sailed
along routinely, with nobody rocking the boat.
There’s a
good bet that many South Carolinians tend to relate to that
questioning approach. They may not be all that vocal about it
publicly, but in the privacy of their homes, work places and
the voting booths, it’s very likely a serious topic.
MOST VOTERS, IT SEEMS, think of
themselves as the “little guy,” the underdog who could use a
champion. Meanwhile, they picture government as the “city
hall” that nobody can fight ….. and win. So, then, they are
likely, even if quietly, to welcome a surrogate to fight their
political (and related) battles.
Sanford has been that
surrogate, regardless of whether anyone credits him with that
particular aspect of his administrative thrust.
Under those
circumstances, state Democrats may find it difficult to make
much headway in the next election. And no one should want them
to lose ground as an equal partner in the two-party political
system. That system should maintain the loyal opposition, no
matter which party is on top at the moment.
One thing is
obvious, though. Voters have left little doubt they want a
system that is free of petty rancor. It doesn’t seem, however,
to be even a possibility as the political wheels turn.
Editorial expression in this feature represents
our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.
| | |
|
|
| | |
|
|
