The Dead Guy from Wendy’s Will have a Primary Opponent

OK, so it’s a different David Thomas. It’s actually the David Thomas who took his seat in the South Carolina Senate in 1985.

Who is his rumored opposition? Well if you live in his district, from what I heard last week you recently got a phone call conducting a poll that should tip you off as to who his opponent might be. If you don’t live in his district, take a look at the picture to the left.

If you still need a hint, it’s Hunter Howard, the current (but soon to be former) president of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

Of course a campaign like this should be no surprise as veteran legislators seem to be announcing retirement every day and while others face stiff opposition (e.g. Tom Davis vs. Catherine Ceips).

Howard was one of the House’s young bucks in 1974. He was also a Democrat. Of course in the ol’ days just about everyone was. South Carolina wasn’t exactly a red state back then unless you’re referring to various neck colors, so he shouldn’t allow former party affiliation to become a campaign issue.

Thomas is famous for making the tough decisions unless he starts getting pressure. He’s represented Senate 8 for 22 years and hasn’t had a serious challenger several elections.

This will be an interesting race to watch.

Setting aside his former service in the House, Howard’s family ties run deep in that area. His father was a magistrate for years. His son Hunter III ran unsuccessfully for that House seat (Garry Smith won when Lt. Governor Andre Bauer’s chief of staff Mike Easterday resigned to become Governor Mark Sanford’s legislative director in 2003). His family’s businesses that bear the family’s name can still be seen. As a networked business leader, fundraising shouldn’t be an issue. One drawback is that he hasn’t lived in the district for more than 20 years, and like so many areas in the state, there has been a lot of residential development over the years where people won’t know him.

Thomas’ strength in campaigning is questionable. When he ran for Congress in the 1980s, he dropped out and forced the late Terry Haskins to run for both his state House seat and the 4th District Congressional seat just so then-Congresswoman Liz Patterson wouldn’t have a free pass. His lack of challengers in the past eliminated the necessity to canvass neighborhoods, so will he remember how to do it, and how will he be received by those he hasn’t spoken to in years? As the district’s lines have changed, does Thomas still have the ability to relate to other parts in Greenville County? As chairman of the Senate’s Banking and Insurance Committee, fundraising shouldn’t be a problem. Unfortunately, it may be problematic anyway as is evidenced by his reported use of credit cards to finance much of his bid for lieutenant governor in 2002.

There are a lot of “what ifs” yet to be answered, but one thing is certain to ring true. This campaign of pro-business versus social conservative will be entertaining to say the least.

– Wilson Charles