Say it ain’t so.

Mailers advocating against both candidates for South Carolina state Senate District 10 have recently popped up in city mail boxes, claiming Greenwood Mayor Floyd Nicholson is a pick-pocket and attorney Dee Compton is against public education. Monday, both candidates issued statements denying involvement in the campaigns.

“No candidate can coordinate with any of these third-party groups, whether it’s a 527 organization or a committee, state law makes that clear,” Compton said. “Neither one of us knew about any of this stuff until it hit the mailboxes.”

Both flyers were issued by different third parties. Dee Compton’s flyer was paid for by the cryptic “SCSDC,” and the mailer with Nicholson’s name came from South Carolinians for Responsible Government.

“What we do is issue advocacy,” said Neil Mellen, communications director for South Carolinians for Responsible Government. “Issue advocacy groups are an important part of the process separate from the candidates.

“A lot of folks are very interested in one issue. For example, folks are frustrated with big spending or public school quality. People are very passionate about those issues.”

Mellen said the organization presents voters with statistics and background information without political rhetoric.

“People want to see a little bit of background, another voice examining the record,” he said. “Issue advocacy groups, because they have that narrow focus on policy concerns, are often in a better position to report where lawmakers, public officials stand on an issue.

“They offer unique insight, and I think realizing where someone has stood historically is a good indication of where they’re going to be involved in the future.”

SCRG takes its information from numerous public sources, including posted minutes of councils, budget control board figures and records from the legislative audit council.

“The Internet is really exciting, there’s a lot of information out there. The tough thing is having the time, patience and wherewithal to dig deeply and bring all this up. That’s what we do,” Mellen said.

The organization focuses on political races and issues across South Carolina, especially in the state House and Senate, which is where the criticism of local candidates comes in.

“We’re involved in various races based on the issues that we think are important,” Mellen said. “We’re not going to be coordinating with any specific candidate, in accordance with state law, and we wouldn’t because that would go against what we’re working for: transparency.

“We hope other people will look at what we do, then do the research and find out where the issues are. We see this as a great opportunity to educate people.”

Nicholson confronted the mailer head on.

“When I first saw it, I said, �well, yes,’ and I just let it roll off my back. Yes, I did support (the tax increases), but I didn’t do it myself. How can I do this on my own when I’m only one vote?” he said.

The flyer questions Nicholson on a 2008 property tax increase, the 13 percent increase in the 2007 budget from 2006 and the adoption of two new taxes: an accommodations tax and a 2 percent hospitality tax on prepare food and beverages.

“Yes, we have an accommodations tax � the county has one, too � and that is on staying in hotel rooms. Local people shouldn’t be paying these taxes,” he said. “And yes, we have the hospitality tax. I think it’s been an asset and has allowed us to enhance the quality of life in Greenwood.”

Since its adoption in 2006, the hospitality tax has generated $2.99 million used for numerous projects, as well as an additional $1.88 million in grant funding, including the Federal Building Visitors Center, Greenwood Community Theatre renovations, the Museum, Greenwood County Library, Benjamin Mays Historic Site, Festival of Discovery and Live After 5, Nicholson said.

The tax increase, he said, was needed to maintain the quality of services in Greenwood, such as purchasing a new ladder truck for the fire department, building a new fire substation and incurred increases in medical insurance and benefits for employees.

“I stand behind each vote that I have (in every case) for a tax increase and will be happy to share with you the reasons I felt they were necessary,” he said in his statement. “An elected official is called upon to make difficult decisions, and they are not always popular decisions.”

Compton also addressed the information in the mailer against him and suggested part of the fascination with the 2008 District 10 race stems from the longevity of its predecessor. Democratic Sen. John Drummond, of Ninety Six, held the seat for more than 40 years, and the new opportunity has caused many third-party groups to weigh in on the matter.

“I don’t blame my opponent for these because I know he had no connection to them,” Compton said. “Any body can go to my Web site and see what I stand for. That includes groups for and against me. I want to be judged on my record for the taxpayers and my positive message of reform.”

The most recent anti-Compton flyer focuses on $33,000 in contributions from out-of-state donors and suggests the attorney supports school choice vouchers because of the contributions. The flyer claims it used an Index-Journal article as a source, yet provides the incorrect publication date and adds, “What else is he hiding?”

“There’s a difference between addressing someone’s record factually as opposed to creating an insinuation or making something up that directly contradicts my public statements. I do not support (school) vouchers. No ifs, ands or buts,” he said. “I don’t support vouchers, I support improving education.”

Compton re-iterated he had no prior knowledge of the anti-Nicholson publications and that any mail from his campaign would include his name, address and cell phone, number as well as “Paid for by Compton for Senate.”

“All of my mail has been embossed with my logo; my television commercials have my logo on them. All of my mail or media has my logo, all of my mail or media say it was paid for with my campaign, and all of my mail or media have a positive message about issues in this community,” he said.

Nicholson and Compton said they hope voters will recognize who the messages come from and not assume the opponent has anything to do with it.

“I never picked a pocked, and I never run a negative campaign,” Nicholson said. “I just show what I have done. If I can’t be elected on that, that’s it. I’m not going to throw stones.

“If you’re going to send out anything negative, don’t plan on including me.”

GREENWOOD, S.C. – Republican State Senate Nominee Dee Compton released a new 60-second radio advertisement today titled “Drill Here, Drill Now.” The ad highlights the need for action to solve the energy crisis, beginning with off-shore drilling here in South Carolina. It will begin running Monday, Oct. 13 in Greenwood, Abbeville and Laurens counties.

View the ad on Compton’s website at http://www.comptonforsenate.com/videos.

Script for “DRILL HERE, DRILL NOW” (:60)

ANNCRS: Oil money to terrorists.

An economy in trouble.

Out of control gas prices.

The energy crisis is real. And, as usual, Washington has failed to act.

The time has come for South Carolina to lead the way.

We need a State Senator who’ll take action now.

Someone to lead the fight to build our economy, create new jobs and push legislation to drill for oil off the coast of South Carolina.

And that leader is Dee Compton.

DEE COMPTON: This is Dee Compton. The time has come to end our dependence on foreign oil. That’s why I created a plan for Energy Independence.

We must explore new technologies and offer tax incentives for alternate sources of energy. But most of all, we must begin off-shore drilling for oil right here, right now! With your help, as your State Senator, that’s what I’ll do.

ANNCRS: Dee Compton. He’s ready to lead.

On Tuesday, November 4th, vote Dee Compton. Republican for State Senate.

This message was paid for by Dee Compton for Senate.

# # #

COLUMBIA, SC - Republican Senate District 10 Nominee Dee Compton today joined Governor Mark Sanford in calling for mandatory roll call, or “on the record,” voting in the state legislature for the final reading of any bill that spends taxpayer money. Sanford expressed his support for the proposed roll call legislation at a press conference held at the Statehouse.

“I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Governor Sanford on the issue of roll call voting,” Compton said. “As a county councilman, I am required to raise my hand in public to vote yes or no for all to see. There should be no curtains to hide behind when votes are taken on tough issues, especially when those issue impact our community. This legislation will bring the same kind of much-needed transparency and responsibility to state government.”

According to the South Carolina Policy Coucnil, in 2008, nearly 99 percent of the votes cast in the South Carolina Senate were voice votes. Roll call votes would identify a Senator’s position on the issue voted upon.

In August, Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell (R-Charleston) and Representative Nikki Haley (R-Lexington) announced their intentions to introduce a bill in both legislative chambers that would require roll call votes. Specifically, the legislation would require roll call votes on matters that significantly affect taxpayers or benefit legislators personally or professionally or that spend money.

# # #

GREENWOOD, SC - The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the state’s largest broad-based business organization, today announced their endorsement of Dee Compton for State Senate District 10.

“As the unified voice of the business community, the Chamber believes that supporting pro-business candidates that have demonstrated support for business priorities and a commitment to advance a legislative agenda that promotes competitiveness in South Carolina is of the utmost importance,” Incoming SCCC President and CEO Otis Rawl said in a letter to Compton. “The Chamber will devote resources to this key race in 2008, working with its members and allies to hold fundraisers, educate citizens and organize Get Out the Vote efforts.”

Rawl thanked Compton for his commitment to representing the people of South Carolina and praised him for his achievements in creating jobs, building the economy and fostering a pro-prosperity working environment to raise citizen’s income.

The SCCC strives to serve as a catalyst to increase per capita income and global competitiveness through decreasing business costs and increasing productivity, building a highly skilled, capable workforce, nurturing entrepreneurial development, fostering a favorable climate for members and their employees, and improving the quality of life for all South Carolinians.

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With your help, we won the Republican nomination for State Senate. After a long and difficult campaign, our team achieved a terrific result.

And as you know, it took a lot of effort. I knocked on over 4,000 doors; sat on hay bales in every parade in three counties; helped farmers feed cows—I’ve even been snapped at by more than a few dogs.

Thankfully, because of your early and constant support, we had the resources we needed to achieve victory.

BUT NOW WE FACE THE MOST IMPORTANT CHALLENGE: We have to win the November general election.

We all know a Democrat has held this Senate seat for decades and decades. And while I intend to represent everybody in our District, I am a Republican. Therefore, we clearly face a major challenge.

More than ever, I need your support. Our positive, issue-driven campaign can make history — but once again I need your help.

If you can support my campaign, please click here to contribute today. Whether a lot or a little, every dollar you can give means one more voter I can reach, one more letter I can write, and one more time I can share my vision for our future.

And if you would like to become a part of Team Compton, that’d be great too. Click here to learn more.

The result of the Republican Primary sent a clear message. The good people of Abbeville, Greenwood and Laurens counties are ready to make real changes in state government. Now we have to make it happen.

AND MOST OF ALL… Thank you for your friendship. I am honored and deeply grateful for your support.

REMARKS DELIVERED BY DEE COMPTON
Thursday, June 19, 2008

We have come here today to the Greenwood County Council Chambers to set the record straight.

On Tuesday, my opponent sent out a post-card stating “Dee Compton is Raising our taxes.”

I and my Republican council colleagues standing with me have fought tax increases, and have worked hard to lower the tax burden on our families in Greenwood County.

As a council, we all share in the things we do together. This attack is not just one against me, but distorts the true record of all the fiscal conservatives with whom I have been privileged to serve on council.

Specifically-I have not voted to increase property taxes for the operating budget of Greenwood County. The operating budget is the only thing we as councilmen have complete control over. School budgets are set by school trustees, and they are allowed by law to increase budgets by a percentage each year. Under penalty of law, the County Council is obligated to fund these increases and service the school district’s debt. If we did not, we would violate our oath of office, and plunge the county into lawsuits.

Second-This council, and myself included, passed an accommodations tax. It is a tax on hotel rooms. The tax was requested by hotel owners in the county. However it is not a tax on Greenwood County. The taxpayers of Greenwood do not live in hotel rooms. Rather, it is a tax paid by tourists, who use our services while visiting, and produce revenue that allows council to reduce the tax burden on our property owners. In that sense, it is a tax cut for Greenwood taxpayers.

Third-No one on Greenwood County Council voted for a sales tax, as my opponent has said. In this case, Greenwood County Council allowed the people to decide if they wanted a sales tax, and we voted to put a referendum on the ballot. The people, not us, passed the sales tax referendum overwhelmingly by more than 70%. This was the fairest response to an unfunded federal mandate to repair our dam at Lake Greenwood.

To further set the record straight, these gentlemen here with me today are true fiscal conservatives. Together, we have saved the taxpayers in Greenwood County well over $1 million dollars, by consolidating departments, implementing hiring freezes, and privatizing EMS billing and the animal shelter. I and this council have a clear record of holding the line on property taxes, and I am proud to stand on that record.

Due to this negative untruthful the South Carolina Association of Taxpayers has come to my defense and to the defense of my record on County Council. Please look for a message from the association president Don Weaver in your mail boxes tomorrow.

From Greenwood Today:

GREENWOOD, SC - Greenwood County Councilman Dee Compton was joined by State Representative Gene Pinson, Greenwood Sheriff Dan Wideman and County Councilman Bob Jennings as he watched the returns with his family and a room full of supporters.

Compton stated, “Tonight is a good night for Conservatives in District 10. Over the last few months, myself and my four colleagues engaged in a positive, spirited campaign. It is clear the voters of District 10 are ready for conservative change in Columbia and I look forward to the next two weeks and further discussing the issues with voters throughout Greenwood, Abbeville, and Laurens Counties.”

Compton, a two-term member of County Council won a plurality of votes in almost every precinct in the district and grossed 43% overall, nearly twenty points ahead of his run-off opponent.

Compton concluded, “All of my opponents have conducted themselves as gentleman these last few months. This may have been the most positive race in this state. I wish my opponent luck in the run-off, and hope we can continue a dialogue with the voters on who is best qualified to serve our community.”

Republican Senate Candidate Dee Compton took a few moments out to talk with GwdToday.com after tonight’s election results: “I’m just pleased at all of the support we have gotten. I, myself, have knocked on over 4,000 doors and have gotten a lot of good responses from the good people in this district. I look forward to focusing on the issues that are important to the people. I feel this was the cleanest race in the state and, again, all of the other candidates conducted themselves well. They are all true gentlemen.”

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.!

GREENWOOD

ABBEVILLE

LAURENS

By CHRIS TRAINOR/Index-Journal staff writer
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 11:28 PM EDT

South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster arrived Tuesday night in Greenwood hoping to meet a few supporters of Republican state Senate candidate Dee Compton.

He ended up meeting several hundred.

Hundreds gathered Tuesday night at the Greenwood County Farmers Market for a free barbecue hosted by Compton. McMaster, who recently endorsed Compton, was the event’s guest of honor.

The attorney general talked about his Greenwood visit.

“It’s a great pleasure to be here,” McMaster said. “We need as many qualified, hard-working, conservative people as we can get in the state Senate, and Dee Compton would be excellent.

“He’s been a leader. He’s been a leader on county council. He’s a good man, and we need him in the Senate. I’m here to help him get elected.”

With five Republican candidates — Compton, Bryan Hope, Norman Ouzts, Chip Stockman and Dale Phillips — set to square off in a June 10 primary, McMaster touched on what led him to throw his support behind Compton.

“It’s his record on county council, it’s his stature in the community, it’s everything about him,” McMaster said. “He has all the qualifications and all of the attributes we look for in quality candidates.”

McMaster also took time to address rumors that he might run for governor.

“I’m thinking about it,” the attorney general said. “That would be an opportunity to do a lot of good. But we have a lot of irons in the fire right now in the attorney general’s office.”

Compton said he was glad to have McMaster on hand for the Tuesday event.

“I’m overwhelmed,” Compton said. “It is a great honor to have him with us and to receive an endorsement from our attorney general, a man who is very much responsible for building the Republican Party in the state of South Carolina, in addition to his good work as our attorney general.”

The state Senate campaign of John D. “Dee” Compton announced it will receive an endorsement from S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster on Tuesday in Greenwood.

A community barbecue campaign rally with residents from Abbeville, Greenwood and Laurens counties will include McMaster’s endorsement. The event, from 6:30-8 p.m., is open to the public.

The rally will be at Greenwood Farmers Market, 1612 Highway 72/221 E., behind Greenwood Civic Center.