Agenda-driven groups leave "disaster area"

The influence of out-of-state interests on the South Carolina primary was felt instantly in Spartanburg County, where veteran lawmaker Bob Walker was one of a few senior lawmakers turned out of office thanks to mail and phone campaigns paid for by out-of-staters. One lawmakers called the Spartanburg County legislative delegation, once one of the most experienced and powerful delegations in the state, a "disaster area."

State Rep. Harold Mitchell stood in the middle of election central Tuesday night, staring at the scoreboard and surveying the damage to the Spartanburg County Legislative Delegation.

Bob Walker, chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee: Gone, voted out in favor of 28-year-old Joey Millwood, a journalist with no political experience. Ralph Davenport, holder of a seat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee: Gone, voted out over a widely criticized school consolidation plan that most likely never would have seen the light of day.

Jim Ritchie, Senate majority whip: Scratching and clawing just to make a runoff against Shane Martin for the District 13 seat. Scott Talley and his eight years of experience in the House: Headed for a runoff against Lee Bright for the Senate District 12 seat. Throw in the retirement of House Speaker Pro Tem Doug Smith, and it didn't take Mitchell long to declare the delegation a disaster area.
...
"As I looked at it, from a leverage standpoint, it didn't take long to figure out where we were," said Mitchell, a Democrat who, with three years' experience, is now the third-ranking member of the House delegation behind Lanny Littlejohn (a Republican with 20 years of service) and Mike Anthony (a Democrat with six years in office who represents Union County and a piece of Spartanburg County).
...
"Like the old saying goes, be careful what you ask for because you just might get it," Smith said. "It will take decades for Spartanburg County to recover from this."

Smith, who retired after 16 years in the House, entered the Legislature in 1992 as a member of the minority party. When the Republicans took over two years later, some very fresh faces found themselves in key positions. This crop of newcomers won't have that luxury, Smith said. There are Republicans in front of them who have waited years for a spot on Ways and Means or a committee chairmanship.
...
Mitchell said in some cases there was another ingredient at work. He said the money pumped in by the "Gangs of New York" - a movie title he said aptly describes South Carolinians for Responsible Government, Conservatives in Action and the S.C. Club for Growth - took a toll in some races, including Walker's. Joey Millwood, a candidate who supports using taxpayer money for private schools, was bankrolled by such groups tied to voucher maven and New York millionaire Howard Rich.

"They tried to influence our judicial races last year, but they didn't succeed," Mitchell said... "But they certainly affected the General Assembly races this year, and now they've gotten several steps closer to their plan for school vouchers."

Incumbents out, county loses clout - Legislative delegation: Area's influence declines as veterans leave arena
Herald-Journal (Spartanburg, SC) - June 15, 2008

Editors of the local newspaper reached the same conclusion.

When the next legislative session starts in January, Spartanburg County will have much less influence in the General Assembly. Part of this loss is because Smith, a leader in the House, decided not to run for re-election. The county also lost the chairmanship of the House Education and Public Works Committee when Joey Millwood defeated Rep. Bob Walker. And Spartanburg lost a seat on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee when Steve Parker defeated Rep. Ralph Davenport.

... If Shane Martin defeats Sen. Jim Ritchie in next week's runoff, the county would take a similar hit in its power in the Senate. Two of the county's three seats would be held by freshmen.

... Elections should be open. The voters should be able to choose from any candidates who choose to run. Incumbents should have to run on their record of accomplishments. They should not feel entitled to hold their seats as long as they want.

But they also shouldn't have to fight outside groups channeling large amounts of money into their races from sources unknown. That was a factor in some of these races. Well-financed groups - pursuing their own agenda and unwilling to reveal where their money comes from - pushed several candidates, including Millwood.

Candidates should be able to know who they're fighting, and voters should be able to know who is financing the political messages they get in their mailboxes.

Rep. Harold Mitchell is correct when he says the delegation will have to work together to overcome its loss of influence. It should start by insisting that the General Assembly pass a law that would force independent groups that try to influence elections to disclose their finances.

Loss of power - Primary elections cost Spartanburg its measure of clout in Columbia
Herald-Journal (Spartanburg, SC) - June 17, 2008

Meanwhile, the automatic recount in Bob's race against Joey Millwood gave the same result.

A recount of votes for the State House District 38 on Monday concluded Joey Millwood has unseated eight-term state Rep. Bob Walker by 19 votes in what many considered to be the most stunning upset in last week's GOP primary. Millwood, a 28-year-old journalist, scored 1,539 votes to Walker's 1,520, according to the official count.

Walker has until Monday to lodge a protest with the state GOP Executive Committee. He said he still was undecided on whether to pursue an appeal.

"I will not make any judgment," Walker said. "I think my experience, knowledge and service will be missed. I have no regrets as far as what I tried to accomplish over the years."

Recount confirms Millwood's victory over Walker
Herald-Journal (Spartanburg, SC) - June 17, 2008

And then, he decided not to appeal at all.

State Rep. Bob Walker said Wednesday he will not file a protest in the House District 38 Republican primary. Newcomer Joey Millwood scored a 19-vote victory over Walker in the June 10 primary. A mandatory recount on Monday affirmed the victory. Walker, the chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee, was seeking a ninth term. He said he examined questions about some absentee and provisional ballots, but in the end he "just didn't see the numbers" to proceed.

Walker said he would continue to serve the district until his term expires in December. After that, he said, his future is "in the hands of the good Lord."

Millwood, sports editor of the Tryon Daily Bulletin, faces Democrat Mark Chambers in the general election in November.

Walker won't protest vote ousting him after 8 terms
Herald-Journal (Spartanburg, SC) - June 19, 2008