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Monday, July 20, 2026 - 11:05 AM

INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA FOR 30+ YRS

First Published & Printed in 1994

INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE VOICE OF
UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA FOR OVER 30 YEARS!

Published by James Spurck

By Press Release

Published by James Spurck

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-06-30 22:16:33

    While America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, let us remember the most famous bell, which became immortal only after it could no longer ring. The forgotten story behind its inscription, its crack, and the liberty it continues to proclaim reveals far more than most Americans have ever been told.

    Like millions of other Americans, I had always taken the Liberty Bell for granted. It was simply one of those familiar symbols that had always been there, like the American flag, the bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty or Mount Rushmore. I knew it represented liberty, but I had never stopped to ask what that actually meant.

    That changed just a few days ago.

    As my wife, who proudly became an American citizen less than a decade ago, and I reflected on America's 250th birthday, she asked me, a lifelong American, a simple question that caught me completely off guard. It was a question I should have asked long ago.

    "What does the Liberty Bell actually stand for?"

    Confident in my assumptions, I...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-06-19 15:00:17
    A packed room of candidates, elected officials, campaign workers and Republican activists gathers for the 4th District Republican Club’s final breakfast before Tuesday’s runoff, overlooking the Greenville skyline.

    Runoff candidates brought humor, family stories and final appeals to the 4th District Republican Club, showing that political competition does not have to erase Republican friendship and fellowship.

    James Spurck, Publisher

    South Carolina Republicans have survived months of campaign speeches, political mailers, television advertisements, and enough roadside signs to guide travelers across the state without a map. The primary is over, the runoff is Tuesday, and nearly everyone appears ready for a winner, including the candidates themselves.

    Still, the final 4th District Republican Club gathering before the runoff showed that opposing candidates and their supporters can compete for votes without...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-06-15 16:28:29
    From left: Greenville County Councilwoman Kelly Long, former District 17 candidate James Hoard, Greenville County Councilman Steve Shaw, Greenville County Council District 17 runoff candidate Joe Dill, S.C. State Rep. Mike Burns, and former District 17 candidate John Ehlers gather Monday as Hoard and Ehlers announced their endorsement of Dill in the runoff.

    After falling short of an outright majority in the June 9 Republican primary, James Hoard and John Ehlers threw their support behind former Greenville County Councilman Joe Dill as he heads into a June 23 runoff against Travis Forrester with a sizable first-place lead.

    Candidate John Ehlers found a humorous way to describe what happened in the June 9 Republican primary.

    After losing to former Greenville County Councilman Joe Dill, Ehlers told those gathered in front of the media that his elder in the race had given him a political “spanking.” It was a moment of comic relief, but it also captured the larger point of Monday’s...

  • James Spurck, Publisher | Political Analysis
    2026-06-11 21:27:04

    After another primary night of losses, one of the Upstate’s most talked-about Republican political superstitions is getting harder to ignore.

    In Greenville County Republican circles, a political superstition has taken on a life of its own. Mention a candidate endorsed by the current Greenville County Republican Party leadership and sooner or later someone will whisper the phrase, the "Candidate's Kiss of Death."

    It is no longer just an occasional joke passed around at campaign events. It has become part of the local Republican political vocabulary. Coffee meetings, social media discussions, text message chains, and post-election conversations have all helped spread the phrase throughout Greenville County.

    The term is most often directed toward the political operation built around former Greenville County Republican Party Chairman Jeff Davis and the MySCGOP activist network that has dominated local party...

  • James Spurck, Publisher | Political Analysis
    2026-06-08 09:06:00

    Stewart Watson argues Thomas Beach has focused too much on the Freedom Caucus fight, but many voters may see that fight as the reason Beach was elected.

    The race for South Carolina House District 10 may be one of the most revealing Republican primaries in the Upstate this election cycle.

    On one side stands incumbent Representative Thomas Beach, a member of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus and one of the legislators most closely associated with the movement's efforts to challenge the status quo in Columbia. On the other stands challenger Stewart Watson, who recently appeared on the New American Movement podcast and spent considerable time bashing the SC Freedom Caucus.

    The discussion was informative, but it also raised questions that Republican voters in District 10 should carefully consider before casting their ballots.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-06-05 12:27:06

    With roads crowded, rural land under pressure, and public services stretched, candidates debated how County Council should respond to Greenville County’s rapid expansion.

    Greenville County Council candidates at the June 1 forum. From left: Kyle Long, Allen Kellett, Daniel Rumfelt, Rick Bradley, James Hoard, John Ehlers, and Joe Dill.

    Greenville County Council candidates gathered at the Hughes Main Library in downtown Greenville on June 1 for a forum hosted by the Palmetto Conservative Fund and moderated by 98.9 WORD Talk Show Host Joey Hudson.

    Yet the evening kept circling back to one issue. Growth!

    More specifically, the candidates wrestled with a question increasingly asked by residents across the county: Has Greenville...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-06-04 18:10:50

    A congressman and an agriculture commissioner candidate focused on practical government, accountability, and the everyday impact of public policy.

    Cody Simpson and William Timmons reflect two sides of the same conversation: how policy decisions in Washington connect with the future of South Carolina farms, families, and communities.

    First Monday in Greenville brought together two speakers from different levels of government at its June 1 luncheon: U.S. Rep. William Timmons, who is seeking reelection in South Carolina’s 4th Congressional District, and Cody Simpson, a Republican candidate for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture. The monthly luncheon meets at the Poinsett Club in downtown Greenville and gives members an opportunity to hear directly from elected officials, candidates, business leaders, and party leaders.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-06-03 23:03:25

    Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette surprised the Greenville radio host with the state’s highest civilian honor during a community gathering at Hudson Farm in Greer.

    Joey Hudson displays the framed Order of the Palmetto certificate after receiving South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Left to right: SC Rep. Luke Rankin, WORD Talk show Host Mike Gallagher, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Joey Hudson’s wife Peg Hudson, WORD Talk show Host Joey Hudson, and SC Rep. Paul Wickensimer in the back.

    The rain held off for an evening of fellowship and community engagement at the 2026 Freedom Farm Fest, held Saturday, May 30, at Hudson Farm in Greer.

    The event was organized by News/Talk 98.9 WORD, the Fourth District Republican Club, and First Monday. Organizers described the gathering as a celebration of freedom, fellowship, and conservative values.

    During the evening’s statewide candidates forum, Greenville radio host Joey Hudson received an unexpected honor. South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela S. Evette presented Hudson...

  • James Spurck, Publisher | Political Analysis
    2026-06-03 21:13:57

    A discussion starter on how Greenville County should evaluate its next leader, not who that leader should be.

    When discussions begin about replacing a county administrator, a familiar phrase almost always follows: "Conduct a national search."

    The reasoning sounds sensible enough. A county government as large and complex as Greenville County should cast the widest net possible in hopes of finding the most qualified candidate. The assumption, whether stated directly or not, is that the best person for the job is probably somewhere else.

    Perhaps that is the case.

    But perhaps Greenville County should begin by asking a different question: What if the best candidate is already here?

    For decades, Greenville County has grown into one of South Carolina's largest and most influential counties. It manages a substantial budget, oversees major infrastructure projects, balances the needs of urban and rural communities, and...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-06-03 15:35:03

    The candidates differed on corruption, judicial reform, and how the office should be led at two very different meetings.

    The three Republican candidates for SC Attorney General participate in the Greenville County Republican Women’s Club luncheon forum. From left are First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe, Eighth Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo, and State Sen. Stephen Goldfinch. - Photo by Terry M. Thacker

    South Carolina Republican voters received two useful but noticeably different views of the three men seeking the party nomination for Attorney General.

    One event showed what happens when candidates are given room to explain themselves. The other showed what happens when the pressure rises.

    On May 27, SCETV News and South Carolina Public Radio hosted a statewide debate from Columbia featuring First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe, Eighth Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo and State Sen. Stephen Goldfinch. Gavin Jackson moderated the Attorney General discussion. The debate was part of...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-05-27 14:00:09

    Norman took the heat while Mace seized the moment

    Rom Reddy, Ralph Norman, Alan Wilson, and Nancy Mace faced off Tuesday night at Wofford College in a GOP gubernatorial debate that turned personal as candidates challenged each other’s records, motives, and credibility.

    SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Tuesday night’s Republican debate for South Carolina governor was billed as a discussion of data centers, Scout Motors, judicial reform, education, public health, and direct auto sales.

    It became something else, too.

    At Wofford College in Spartanburg, four GOP candidates used those policy questions as a springboard into some of the sharpest candidate-on-candidate exchanges of the campaign. The debate featured businessman Rom Reddy, Congressman Ralph Norman, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and Congresswoman Nancy Mace. Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette declined the invitation, while State Sen. Josh Kimbrell did not meet the polling threshold to participate, according to the debate introduction.

    Fox Carolina’s...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-05-19 15:25:13

    Ranked choice voting has gained attention in recent years and has been adopted in several states and cities across the country, but it remains one of the most debated election reforms in modern American politics.

    The issue even surfaced this week on the floor of the South Carolina House of Representatives during debate over redistricting legislation, where Democratic lawmakers introduced an amendment that would have implemented ranked choice voting in South Carolina. The proposal was ultimately rejected by the House.

    While the amendment failed this time, the broader national push for ranked choice voting is not going away. Democratic activists and election reform advocates across the country continue pushing for the system through state legislatures and ballot initiatives, meaning South Carolina voters will likely hear the debate again in the future. That alone is reason enough for the public to understand exactly how the system works and why it remains so controversial.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-05-13 15:08:21

    Candidates talk with voters one-on-one as grassroots coalition overcomes a sabotage effort against the meet-and-greet event

    98.9 WORD radio personalities Mike Gallagher and Joey Hudson mingle with attendees as Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette speaks with voters during the “Get Connected!” grassroots candidate event in Greenville.

    GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. — In what many attendees described as a rare and unusually broad gathering of Republican candidates from federal, statewide, legislative, and local races all under one roof, Greenville County conservative grassroots organizations drew candidates, activists, media personalities, and voters together Monday evening for what organizers called a highly successful second “Get Connected!” voter...

  • James Spurck - Political Analysis
    2026-04-04 10:03:49

    New transportation bills raise concerns about gas tax use, expanded spending, and whether SC lawmakers are drifting from past promises to taxpayers.

    As debate grows over gas tax revenues, Columbia remains at the center of the discussion, as questions continue to point toward how those costs are passed along.

    The South Carolina House Ways and Means Committee has advanced two major transportation bills, S.0831 and H.5071, moving them closer to a full House vote and setting off renewed debate over taxes, infrastructure funding, and legislative accountability.

    Both S.0831 and H.5071 advanced out of committee, with both bills passing by a vote of 22 in favor, 2 opposed, and 1 not voting, signaling strong support despite growing...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-03-30 20:04:36

    County Chairman Blount outlines growth challenges, while Attorney General candidate Pascoe explains his path from Republican to Democrat and back again, and Rep. Burns calls for closing primaries

    Greenville County Council Chairman Benton Blount addresses attendees during the Back-to-Basics Breakfast at Golden Corral, outlining county priorities and responding to questions on growth, budgeting, and development. - Photo by Terry M. Thacker

    GREENVILLE COUNTY, SC — The latest Back-to-Basics Breakfast, hosted by the Palmetto Conservative Fund, served up a multi-layered look at the current state of governance in Greenville County and beyond, as local leadership, statewide candidates, and engaged citizens worked through a wide range of issues in real time. The format, which blends prepared remarks with open questioning, revealed not only policy priorities but also the underlying tensions that come with rapid growth, shifting political alignments, and competing expectations between...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-03-27 10:21:04

    Ongoing litigation now involves a SLED investigation, prosecutorial review, and state-level involvement

    Greenville County Councilman Ennis Fant speaks with television reporters outside County Council chambers on October 30, 2025, after an election commission hearing ended when the complainant withdrew his motion citing the absence of SLED testimony.

    A March 25 hearing in Greenville County Court of Common Pleas brought the residency dispute involving Councilman Ennis Fant into sharper focus, as attorneys presented a series of motions tied to both the underlying claim and access to evidence.

    According to information from those present in the courtroom, the hearing involved as many as nine separate motions that were argued between the...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-03-25 18:11:42

    Attorney General candidate discusses trafficking, immigration enforcement, and prosecutorial strategy during Greenville forum

    SC Attorney General candidate David Stumbo speaks during “An Evening with Solicitor Stumbo” at the City Club of Greenville, as moderator and talk radio host Joey Hudson looks on.

    GREENVILLE, SC –Republican Attorney General candidate David Stumbo delivered an extensive and detailed policy discussion during an event titled ‘An Evening with Solicitor Stumbo’ hosted by the 4th Congressional District Republican Club, offering a wide-ranging look at his approach to law enforcement, drug policy, judicial reform, and state governance.

    The event, organized by club president Nate Leupp and moderated by talk radio host Joey Hudson, included both prepared remarks...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-03-20 23:17:27

    Attorney General candidates outline sharply different priorities

    Left to right: Eighth Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo, First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe, and State Sen. Stephen Goldfinch participate in a Republican Attorney General debate hosted by the Pickens County Republican Club. Moderating the event is WORD’s “Straight Talk with Bill Frady” host Bill Frady, seated facing the candidates.

    PICKENS COUNTY — Republican candidates for South Carolina Attorney General offered contrasting visions for the state’s top legal office during a debate in Pickens County, with discussions ranging from violent crime and child protection to government overreach, corruption, and the limits of prosecutorial authority.

    The forum featured candidates including David Stumbo, David Pascoe, and Stephen Goldfinch, who fielded questions on law enforcement strategy, federal and state relations, and their qualifications to serve as the state’s chief prosecutor and legal officer.

    While candidates aligned on...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-03-04 07:58:22

    $106,000 sanctions dispute fuels broader debate over government authority and the public’s right to challenge local decisions in court

    The Greenville County Courthouse on East North Street, where a March 5 hearing will determine whether sanctions are imposed in the dismissed sewer expansion lawsuit.

    A lawsuit challenging Greenville County’s expansion of the Metropolitan Sewer Subdistrict has moved from a debate over planning law to a six-figure dispute over whether the plaintiffs should be ordered to pay the County’s legal fees.

    The underlying case was dismissed last fall. What remains unresolved is whether the lawsuit was merely unsuccessful or rises to the level of legal frivolity.

    The distinction now carries a potential price tag of $106,164.48.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-02-24 16:23:17

    Four announced contenders make their case as undecided voters remain a decisive factor

    Attendees listen as Republican gubernatorial candidates make their case to a crowd that reflects both early enthusiasm and a still-undecided electorate.
    Photo by Terry M. Thacker

    The Upstate Republican Women’s Club and Fourth Republican District Club hosted a South Carolina Republican gubernatorial forum on February 23, 2026, bringing together party activists and voters for a structured discussion of leadership priorities ahead of the June primary.

    Veteran broadcaster Jane Robelot served as moderator, emphasizing the responsibility of informed voting and encouraging attendees to evaluate not just policy positions but governing temperament. Each candidate was given time for opening remarks, policy questions, and a closing statement. Audience participation from the floor was not permitted.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-02-24 15:02:30

    18-year-old from Cleveland, South Carolina, tops IPRA and PBR leaderboards in historic 2026 season

    Elijah Jennings, an 18-year-old rider from Cleveland, South Carolina, has emerged as one of the most promising young bull riders in the sport this season. Jennings captured a world championship title with the International Professional Rodeo Association at the 56th International Finals Rodeo in January and followed it up with his first career victory in the toughest professional development tour in bull riding — the Professional Bull Riders Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-02-22 20:46:08

    Ad hoc committee explores zoning gaps, registration models, neighborhood complaints, and emerging rental trends.

    Greenville County Council’s Short-Term Rental Ad Hoc Committee convened for its first formal meeting Feb. 16, electing Councilwoman Liz Seman as Chair and beginning what members acknowledged could be a complex regulatory undertaking.

    The issue has also surfaced in prior reporting by Rick Brundrett in The Nerve, where short-term rental owners and managers raised concerns that overly restrictive local ordinances could amount to discriminatory treatment of certain property owners. Those earlier discussions at both the county and state levels have framed the debate as one involving not only neighborhood impacts, but also equal treatment under the law.

    The five-member committee includes Liz Seman, Frank Farmer, Curt McGahhey, Dan Tripp, and Alan Mitchell.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-02-13 09:26:40

    S.768 would raise senior exemption to $150,000 as a proposed amendment seeks relief for all homeowners

    Debate over property tax relief intensified this week in the South Carolina General Assembly as senators continue to consider the Senate Bill 768, a measure that would significantly expand South Carolina’s homestead exemption for seniors while also opening discussion about broader relief for all primary homeowners.

    Senate Bill 768, as amended by the Senate Finance Committee, would increase the existing homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 of fair market value for qualifying homeowners age 65 and older who have lived in South Carolina for at least five property tax years. Under current law, the homestead exemption applies to residents age 65 and older, as well as those who are legally blind or totally disabled, and exempts the first $50,000 of a primary residence’s fair market value from county, municipal, school, and special assessment property taxes.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-02-07 11:12:14

    How Scripture described the boundary between light and darkness long before modern astronomy gave it a name

    For centuries, critics have claimed that the Bible reflects an ancient and primitive understanding of the universe and of science in general, assuming that modern science must correct what Scripture once misunderstood.

    But what if that assumption is backwards?

    The Bible and an Overlooked Astronomical Reality­

    Long before telescopes, satellites, or space travel, the Bible described a physical reality that modern astronomy would not formally explain or name until thousands of years later. One of the clearest examples is an ancient phenomenon that astronomers today call “the terminator.” No, I am not talking about Hollywood, futuristic machines, or even Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. I am referring to the real, observable boundary between light and darkness.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-01-28 19:32:34

    “This Court is at a loss as to why the Plaintiff’s (Jeff Davis) present medical situation exists when four doctors agreed that full recovery should have already occurred.”

    A Newberry County Circuit Court judge has issued a new order in the long-running civil case involving the current Greenville County Republican Party Chairman, Jeff Davis, requiring sworn medical affidavits to justify continued delays in court proceedings.

    This time, Circuit Court Judge Donald B. Hocker issued the order without a hearing, marking the fourth order entered since the South Carolina Court of Appeals issued guidance in late 2024.

    In a prior order issued in May 2025, the court anticipated scheduling a hearing on pending appellate stay matters by November 2025 based on medical opinions from treating physicians indicating Davis would be able to resume normal activities. When the court recently attempted to schedule a hearing, Davis reported that he could not attend due to ongoing medical treatment.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-01-17 12:12:51

    South Carolina’s House Must Choose the Real Meal in Primary Reform – H. 3310

    At a recent press conference at the South Carolina State House, Rep. Mike Burns delivered what could become the defining quote of this year’s state legislative fight over election reform. Referring to two competing primary election bills now before the House, Burns reached back to an old Jean Shepard country song At the Time, for illustration:

    “‘If you’ve never had filet mignon, peanut butter tastes just fine.’ We have two bills: one is filet, and the other is peanut butter. We get to make a decision next Wednesday morning.”

    This alimentary decision is expected to come before the House Judiciary Committee next Wednesday, January 21, at noon. It is not just about legislative preference. It is about whether South Carolina Republicans will finally enact true closed primaries or settle for something weaker, with less muscle behind it, an insider-controlled, establishment substitute being marketed as a strong, healthy...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-01-14 18:01:44

    Sheriff Lewis and Lt. Governor Evette highlight the impact of anonymous tips in solving crimes

    Crime Stoppers of Greenville Board Member Joey Hudson introduces the speakers.

    GREENVILLE – January is Crime Stoppers Awareness Month, and Crime Stoppers of Greenville used its January monthly open business meeting this week to highlight how anonymous citizen tips continue to play a vital role in solving crimes and protecting public safety across Greenville County.

    The meeting opened with remarks from Crime Stoppers of Greenville President Felicia Robbins and Board Member Joey Hudson, who is also well-known as a local talk show host on WORD. Hudson gave the invocation and welcomed law enforcement partners, community leaders, and members of the media, noting that Crime Stoppers of Greenville depends on cooperation between citizens, law enforcement, and local media to function effectively.

    Crime Stoppers of Greenville provides a way for people to be involved in fighting crime while never...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2026-01-10 11:43:37

    The Contract Is Signed. Trust Is Not.

    After multiple meetings and two separate votes, one issue is dominating Greenville County’s political conversation: the County Administrator’s employment contract.

    Recently, Greenville County Council finalized an 18-month contract extension for County Administrator Joe Kernell. It was a decision that has left many county citizens frustrated, skeptical, and questioning whether the new council elected in 2024 is delivering the change voters expected.

    With the contract signed, the public’s mistrust of the County Administrator is now spilling over onto the new council members.

    It appears that inside the council chambers, however, the decision was not as simple as “renew or remove.” What emerged was a compromise — one that supporters say creates stability and a path forward, while critics argue it perpetuates a status quo the public no longer trusts.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2025-12-23 09:42:11

    The Heavens Declare the Creative Glory of God

    Publisher’s Note: I have presented the following in presentation form for almost a quarter of a century. This is the first time I have put it in article form. Having been a former President of the Roper Mountain Astronomers and a former board member for many years, I have presented the following as my opinion of the Bethlehem Star. God has used it many times to share the reason for the season.

    Even though the Bible never calls or implies that the Bethlehem Star was a supernatural miracle, I have had a few attendees tell me that I am trying to explain an unexplainable miracle as if that makes this miraculous event less than a miracle. But it is my opinion that this makes it more of a miracle. It glorifies the Creator more in that God set all these astronomical events in motion at the beginning of the creation of the heavens and earth. No astronomical events mentioned in the Bible collide with each other or get off track. But they occur...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2025-12-20 00:06:12

    South Carolina Children’s Theatre (SCCT) is currently presenting Annie, a classic Broadway musical long regarded as family and children-friendly entertainment. The production is currently running in Greenville from December 5th to 21st and features some cast drawn from the local performing arts community.

    One of the principal roles in Annie is Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, the wealthy industrialist who adopts the orphan Annie and becomes central to the story’s moral arc. In promotional materials shared on Instagram (as seen in the image below), SCCT lists “Clay Smith” as the actor portraying Daddy Warbucks in the current production.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2025-12-10 14:54:53

    SC Courts Appear to Be Growing Frustrated with Jeff Davis’s Lawfare

    The South Carolina Court of Appeals has declined to dismiss or vacate a contempt order against Greenville County Republican Party Chairman Jeff Davis. This decision upholds a ruling that requires him to serve 90 days in jail or pay nearly $40,000 in attorney’s fees. It also marks the latest chapter in a years-long legal battle stemming from Davis’s defamation lawsuits against political consultant Chad Connelly and others.

    Davis is known for using frivolous lawfare against his political opponents and for abusing the use of unnamed John Does across various counties in South Carolina. With one of those in 2020, he filed multiple libel lawsuits in Newberry County against Connelly and other figures connected to South Carolina’s Exceptional SC scholarship program. The suits claimed defamation and misconduct but were dismissed by the circuit court.

  • James Spurck, TE Publisher
    2025-07-31 20:02:55

    SC Treasurer Curtis Loftis Gives Update on Senate’s Attempt to Overthrow a Duly Elected Office

    South Carolina State Treasurer Curtis Loftis addressed a recent luncheon of the Greenville County Republican Women. - Photo of Terry M. Thacker

    During a recent address at the Greenville County Republican Women’s July luncheon, South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis discussed the ongoing efforts by the South Carolina State Senate to challenge the voting of elected officials and their attempt to overturn a statewide election.

    After informing the Republican audience that he is currently on his twelfth organized investigation, Loftis emphasized the importance of standing firm against these manipulative tactics and highlighted the need to uphold the will of the voters, ensuring that the voices of "we the people" are protected.

    Background of the 1.8 billion Accounting Error

    The issue reportedly originated from a decade-old discrepancy that arose when South Carolina transitioned from an outdated...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2025-06-20 15:03:31

    A Lack of Communication and Coalition was Clearly Seen among the Conservative Council Members

    Voted in favor: Russo, Farmer, Bradley, Blount, Seman, Mithcell, Fant, and Tripp; Voted against: Long, Shaw, McGahhey, and Collins.

    Following the recent tax hike approved by the previous Council in 2023, last year’s election led to a shake-up, with three council members being replaced due to the tax hike. During the election, candidates won on campaign promises to reverse some of the tax increases, bring transparency to the budget process, and limit the county administration's spending on what they called out-of-control spending.

    They discovered within months how difficult that would be. During an approximately four-hour meeting on June 17, 2025, Greenville County Council officially approved its 2026 fiscal year budget of $488.5 million. Not to mention, the passage followed a contentious month-long process marked by passionate debates and struggles to fulfill campaign promises, ending with a final...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2025-04-25 09:07:01

    On Thursday evening, April 24th, the Travelers Rest Planning Commission voted on the proposed annexation of the "Inn at Altamont" project property, a luxury hotel and park planned for Paris Mountain. During their meeting, the planning commission recommended denial of the annexation and rezoning requests for the project. With six out of seven present, the vote was 5-1 against the proposal despite the city planning staff recommending annexation and rezoning approval.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2025-02-07 15:24:50

    Plans Are in Place to Ask City of Travelers Rest to Take Land from Greenville County for a Proposed Hotel

    Within one week, over 8,000 Greenville citizens have signed a petition protesting a proposal for a massive hotel on Paris Mountain called The Inn at Altamont.

    It appears that the developer, The Divine Group, is attempting to circumvent and bypass specific county regulations that protect the land use of Paris Mountain with, as Greenville County Councilman Steve Shaw put it, a “cherry-picking” tactic by seeking annexation into the city of Travelers Rest. This slick yet lawful move would allow their development plans to skirt the land-use protections placed by Greenville County, which has both Greenville and Travelers Rest residents upset.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2025-01-08 08:53:53

    Greenville Voters have Given County Council a Conservative Mandate

    Newly-elected Chairman Benton Blount and newly-elected Vice Chairman Rick Bradley shake hands as new councilman Frank Farmer looks on. - Photo by Terry M. Thacker.

    Greenville County Council has ushered in a new era of leadership with the election of Benton Blount as Chairman and Rick Bradley as Vice Chairman. Blount, representing District 19, was unanimously elected by his fellow council members. He has expressed a strong desire to unite the council and focus on reviewing the county's budget to find ways to save. Blount also aims to tackle planning and development issues, emphasizing the need to guide development in a way that aligns with the desires of the citizens rather than developers.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2024-12-30 12:03:39

    Blount: A leadership that does not hide behind polished words or wrap itself in political games

    Current District 19 Greenville County Councilman Benton Blount has announced he is putting his name in to run for Chairman of Greenville County Council, a decision he says has not come lightly but by those who have supported him and not about recognition or title.

    He has made it very clear that he will not be a polished chairman and that Greenville needs that. He said that polished politics is "one of the reasons so many have grown disillusioned with government. Too often, leaders seem to put on a polished persona in the council chambers, only to take it off the moment they leave. That’s not who I am, and it’s not who I’ll ever be."

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2024-12-02 11:56:56

    Jeff Davis’s Chickens Have Come Home to Roost

    As it has been reported this past week, on November 25th, 2024, Jeff Davis, former Greenville County Republican Party (GCRP) Chairman and current GCRP State Executive Committeeman, has been ordered by 8th Circuit Judge Donald Hocker to serve 90 days in the Newberry Detention Center unless he pays $39,443 in court contempt fees within ten days of the order.

    Jeff Davis responded the day after the ruling that he had no plans to go to jail and would appeal the judgment.

    The Facts

    On October 11, 2024, three Civil Actions were brought before Judge Hocker that involved eight distinct orders from the past (take notice of the dates): two orders involving two of the civil actions dated back to October 15, 2021, two more orders involving the same two civil actions dated back to September 19, 2022, two other orders involving the same two civil actions dated back to January 3, 2023, one order involving one of the two civil actions already...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2024-10-21 20:02:18

    A Much Needed Focus on the Forgotten School Board Election

    When we think about elections, our minds often gravitate toward national races such as the high-stakes drama of presidential races or the intense campaigns for congressional seats. However, local elections, particularly those for school boards, are crucial in shaping our communities, deserving our attention and participation, and impacting our daily lives.

    From deciding on school board members to local council policies, the choices we make at the local level resonate far beyond the polling booth. They impact us more quickly, personally, and significantly than those made at the federal level.

    Getting involved in local elections not only empowers us as voters but also helps ensure that the voices and needs of our communities are heard and our future progenies are educated and informed, not indoctrinated and brainwashed by perverts, “wokism,” or taught corporate self-interest and mandated academics such as common core. So, let’s

    ...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2024-06-24 15:00:33

    Greenville County Republican Candidates Jay Rogers and Alex Reynolds have ties to Democrat and ultra-liberal Ennis Fant

    Ever heard the old English proverb, “Birds of a feather flock together”? This proverb means that beings of similar type, interest, personality, character, or other distinctive attributes tend to mutually associate.

    There is a mystery behind a campaign organization that calls themselves “Better Greenville.” No one knows who is behind this group. They have a website, www.bettergreenville.org, but that is pretty much all that is known of them.

    This dark money group, who some have said is a group of developers looking to make a fortune in Greenville, has been sending a large number of campaign mailers on behalf of candidates on the Greenville County Council who oppose a more conservative agenda.

    During the weeks before the June 11th primary, this secret group endorsed Republican candidates: Butch Kirven, Chris Harrison, Mike Barns, Jay Rodgers, and Alex Reynolds....

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2024-06-20 12:11:29

    Alex Reynolds Thanks Council Member for Raising Taxes in Greenville County on Council Member’s Social Media Account

    Wasteful spending and community service for personal gain have become par for the course in South Carolina politics. This election cycle has revealed much of the same. Now, attention is being turned to a couple of Greenville County council runoff elections. One of the run-off candidates, Alex Reynolds, is running to unseat Steve Shaw, a local favorite and one of the few defenders against the recent county tax increase. 

    At present, Alex Reynolds is an appointed board member of the Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust (GCH&NRT) and serves as the Communications Committee chairman. In this capacity, he has established a separate website for the Trust in addition to the County’s official webpage. This raises a crucial question: if Greenville County provides a website for the trust, as it does for every other county department and entity, why is there a need...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2024-06-17 01:25:46

    SC Rep. Jason Elliott Hired Private Investigator Phil Carter, Who Had a GPS Tracker Placed on Opponent’s Truck Without His Knowledge

    The Post and Courier has brought to light a contentious issue here in South Carolina, reporting that State Rep. Jason Elliott and his associates have allegedly hired a private investigator to conduct surveillance on his District 6 opponent, Ben Carper, in an Upstate South Carolina state senatorial primary election runoff.

    The article states that Elliott's team provided The Post and Courier documents alleging that Carper had illegally changed his driver’s license address and registered to vote at a rental property he owns inside District 6 despite living at another home in District 7.

    Elliot’s attorney, Sloan Ellis, accused Carper of committing “voter fraud” and requested 13th Circuit Solicitor Walt Wilkins to investigate whether Carper committed a crime. It is yet to be determined if the Solicitor’s office has started any investigation at this time.

    Carper...

  • James Spurck, Publisher - Opinion
    2024-06-11 13:01:03

    It’s Time to Send Patch the Pirate’s Commodore, the Jolly Roger, and its Crew to Washington, DC.

    Just one of the demeaning campaign materials by Congressman William Timmons towards a world-famous children’s ministry called Patch the Pirate.

    In 1976, a 9-year-old boy and his 7-year-old sister, their future uncertain, were placed in a Greenville, South Carolina children’s home, a ministry of Tabernacle Baptist Church on White Horse Road in Greenville, SC.

    He and his sister were thrown into a world different from the one they knew in the Washington, DC area where they lived. They came to a place with unfamiliar beliefs in a man they knew nothing about, Jesus. It wasn't until a few weeks after his arrival at the children’s home that he first heard a clear presentation of this man and his story, Jesus.

    It all began when a girl not much older than him approached and asked if he had ever been saved. The boy, completely clueless, asked if she was referring to him falling off a nearby...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2024-05-21 18:57:42
    Chief Deputy Coroner Mike Ellis, candidate for Greenville County Coroner, is shown allegedly campaigning on the clock.

    A Complaint Has Been Filed Against Chief Deputy Mike Ellis for Campaigning on the Clock

    A campaign ethics violations complaint was filed against Chief Deputy Coroner Mike Ellis (2nd in Command) of the Greenville County Coroner’s Office with the South Carolina State Election Commission by Freedom Caucus activist Sam Manley.

    According to the complaint, Mike Ellis, who is running for Greenville County Coroner, is campaigning while on the clock. Additionally, Ellis has been seen wearing campaign shirts during the performance of his duties as Chief Deputy Coroner. The complaint also mentions that there is photographic evidence of these violations, which has been provided to The Times Examiner.

    Manley, on a recent “The New American Movement” podcast (click HEREto watch), expressed his concern that Ellis's actions are not only a misuse of public resources but also a...

  • James Spurck and Terry Thacker
    2024-05-10 10:11:03

    “The Boys Are Back in Town” - Gallagher and Hudson are Back Where it All Started 35 Years Ago

    Mike Gallagher was in the 98.9 WORD studio this past Tuesday, his second day back on the air in Greenville, with “The Mike Gallagher Show.”
    Photo by James Spurck

    In 1989, when talk show pioneer Rush Limbaugh had already been on syndicated radio for a year in Upstate South Carolina, local talk radio host Mike Gallagher was added to the local lineup from 10 a.m. to noon as the lead-in to the Maharushi.

    After gaining popularity on the original WORD (WFBC) local station, “The Mike Gallagher Show” became nationally syndicated. Gallagher was promoted to New York City, and the Greenville local station became one of his first affiliates.

    After many years, the company that Gallagher worked for acquired the former WMUU radio station in Greenville, which was previously owned by Bob Jones University.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2024-04-19 12:17:55

    Timmons Uses 180 Proxy Votes, of which only 25 Are Using SC Representation during the 117th Congress after Opposing It

    How often do you come home from a hard day’s work and find bills in the mailbox among campaign postcards from those who remind you why you can't pay those bills due to the rising cost of inflation?

    Or as you prepare for your evening meal, here comes out of their bedroom, your YouTube generation and online social media teenage child screaming how much they and their online friends hate a certain candidate’s interruptive campaign ads accusing their opponents repeatedly.

    Well, one of those incumbent candidates has been consistently and repeatedly attacking his opponent for not having a perfect record and missing so many votes in his current State House tenure; and at the same time, bragging about how much a perfect attendance record he has had in his US House tenure compared to his opponent.

    On closer inspection, there is more than meets the eye.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2024-04-04 12:21:11

    US Rep. William Timmons Publicly Curses and Takes It Out on His Local Republican Constituents Attending a Recent GOP Event

    It became obvious during a recent Greenville County Republican business meeting, where both Incumbent US Rep. William Timmons and his opponent SC Rep. Adam Morgan spoke, that Timmons considers his 4th Congressional primary Republican voting block as his real opponent.

    It started with SC Freedom Caucus Chairman Adam Morgan giving an upbeat and electrifying speech about his successes in Columbia, SC as a legislator and how proud he was of his SC Freedom Caucus colleagues. He went through a list of their revolutionary-style battles with Columbia’s swampy RINO establishment with hopes that the 4th District voters would send him to Washington’s Swamp to do the same with the Freedom Caucus members in US Congress.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2024-03-09 12:52:49

    Does US Rep. William Timmons Support DEI?

    In recent months, several educational institutions have been eliminating their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. These decisions were largely made in response to state bans and the discontinuation of public funds for DEI programs. There is also a growing public disapproval of activities related to "political or social activism" within public colleges. This trend has become more pronounced, particularly among Conservative elected officials and candidates, who are less supportive of DEI programs in higher education. As a result, many states are taking measures to have these programs removed.

    During the 2024 local primaries, the fact that DEI organizations and programs, no matter where they surface, promote discrimination and push liberal and progressive politics, DEI is becoming a hot topic and a serious concern among Republican voters.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2024-02-21 10:10:18

    Due to the recent popularity of The Times Examiner and its increase in readership (whether liked or disliked), it is time for an upgrade. 

    We are currently stripping down our Upstate, South Carolina Conservative news web portal so we can easily update our database and file system to a new upgraded system with new technologies. We also plan to update the design and layout to fit more modern digital mediums.

    You may see hiccups while in the process and features removed to make the upgrade easier to maintain. Some of those features will come back when on the other side of the upgrade and update is complete.

    Thank you for being so patient and hopefully this will be quick and easy.

    ----------------

    UPDATES:

    2-21-24 - Server System has been successfully upgraded with current technology and upgraded software. The backend CMS has been successfully upgraded to the current secure version. We are working now on replacing extension/plugin features and a new design.

    2-21-24 - All extension &...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2024-02-05 10:12:14

    A Tale of Entangled Strings and Deceitful Schemes

    By James Spurck, Publisher

    One of the biggest questions when a puppet show is put on is that many are curious to know, “Who is the Puppet Master?” During the show, a persistent question lingers in the minds of the attendees as they watch, “Who is he?” Who is the elusive puppeteer, deftly manipulating the strings from behind the scenes?

    According to dictionary.com, this metaphorical term, Puppet Master, often describes someone who manipulates situations or individuals from behind the scenes, exerting influence and orchestrating events to suit their own desires.

    In Greenville County, a puppet show has been happening for a few years. A puppeteer has been at play, operating his puppets and pulling the strings, directing actions and decisions to maintain his grip with a fear of possible detachment and potential loss of control.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2024-01-04 11:17:15

    The State’s Goal is to Reduce the Tax Rate by 0.1% until it reaches 6% from its original 7%

    With South Carolina having the highest personal income tax rate in the Southeast and being the 12th highest in the nation, SC State Legislators and Governor Henry McMaster decided that it was time for an income tax cut.

    In 2022, the state’s top tax rate was seven percent. That year the South Carolina Senate compromised from a desired 5.7% rate by passing along with the State House a new spending plan that would immediately lower 7% to 6.5 percent for the coming 2023 tax year. Beginning with 2024, over the next five years, it would reduce by 0.1 percent each year until it reached 6% in 2028.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2023-11-16 16:05:07

    SC Congressman Adam Morgan to Challenge US Congressman William Timmons

    US Representative Ralph Norman of South Carolina's 5th District introduces and throws his full support behind State Representative Adam Morgan's campaign for the 4th District seat.

    Thursday, November 16th at the packed-out Historic Greer Depot in Greer, SC., as a State Representative in Taylors, SC, and Chairman of the SC Freedom Caucus Adam Morgan has announced his bid to run against the current US Congressman Willliam Timmons in South Carolina’s 4th Congressional District.

    With this announcement, there is no doubt this race will become one of the most anticipated outcomes of South Carolina’s 2024 elections. It will most definitely have National attention.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2023-10-03 09:15:44
    South Carolina's delegation to the NFRW 2023 Convention.

    The National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) is the national women's wing of the Republican Party. It was established in 1938 and has tens of thousands of active members. Its leadership has been moderately Republican from mostly blue states for years now. And the recently proposed slate was more of the same. The slated President has one or more transgender women in her organization!

    During its 42nd Biennial Convention in Oklahoma City and in a great show of solidarity, four conservative red-state women WON FROM the FLOOR. It has been said that this has never happened before. The current 4th Vice President Julie Harris of Springdale, Arkansas was elected as president for the 2024-2025 term. She will succeed NFRW President Eileen Sobjack of Washington, who is serving as president during the 2022-2023 biennium.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2023-09-21 10:07:30

    Upstate Pastor Is Presented The Order of the Palmetto from SC Governor

    Sunday, September 10th during the morning service at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley (RSBC), SC Senator Rex Rice (District 2 in Pickens County) presented in special recognition to Pastor David Gallemore for his 40th Anniversary as Pastor of RSBC. After jokingly referring to himself being nervous as a Presybertian in front of a Baptist pastor and recognizing his military service for our country, Sen. Rice presented to Pastor David Gallemore a South Carolina Senate Congratulatory Resolution on behalf of his 40th Anniversary as Pastor of RSBC. Rice said that not only do you have over 6,000 members to look over, but you have a large community that knows you well and knows you as an anchor to this community.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2023-09-16 22:38:54

    Greenville GOP ECs Asked for Clarification on Budget, Accurate Headquarter Records, Missing Minutes, and Equal Access to GCRP Resources, and They Won!

    Remember the song by The Charlie Daniel’s Band, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia?” A portion of the song says,

    Johnny, rosin up your bow and play your fiddle hard
    'Cause Hell's broke loose in Georgia, and the devil deals the cards
    And if you win, you get this shiny fiddle made of gold
    But if you lose, the devil gets your soul.

    The story of deceit and scams began in Georgia fifteen years ago and has followed the current GCRP State Executive Committeeman Jeff Davis all the way up to his tenure at GCRP.

    In court documents obtained by The Times Examiner and easily available to anyone who cares to do their own research (https://timesexaminer.com/upload/Davis%20vs%20Taylors%20Bankruptcy-Order.pdf), it was found in May 2008 that Davis as a financial planner had created a scheme to buyout shares within a privately-held bank named Georgian Bank from an early investor who found...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2023-08-29 13:29:40

    GCRP’s State Executive Committeeman Jeff Davis Is Passing Out “No Trespass Notices” to Women Who Are Starting to Ask Serious Questions

    According to Oxford, Gynophobia is a fear of women. This word comes from the Greek word γυνή - gunē, meaning "woman" and φόβος - phobos, "fear". Hyponyms of the term "gynophobia" include feminophobia. According to Wikipedia, Gynophobia or gynephobia is a morbid fear of women, a type of specific social phobia.

    While as Greenville County Republican Party’s Chairman for the last two years and now currently as GCRP's State Executive Committeeman, Jeff Davis has been pushing County Executive Committeemen and precinct officers to come visit, what he started while chairman, the weekly Coffee and Politics gatherings. He would chide those who disagree with him for not coming to ask him questions and discuss their concerns. He claimed the purpose was transparency, openness, and his approachability.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2023-08-15 10:23:31

     Colonel Bobby M. Dill Is Now At Peace With His Wife LaVerle

    Bob and LaVerle Dill's photo published in June 5th, 1996 in The Times Examiner’s 2nd Anniversary issue with the article you can read below after publisher's comments.

    Colonel Bobby M. Dill, the Founder of The Times Examiner has gone on to be with his Lord on August 14, 2023, just ten days after turning 91 years old. All those who have been in politics, not just in the Upstate of SC but in South Carolina, know very well his influence here. But some of you may not know his influence within America's military and how The Times Examiner came to be. In honor of his memory, we will publish the following article that was published in the 2nd Anniversary edition of the June 5th, 1996 issue of The Times Examiner.

    May God be with his family and friends as they prepare to honor a man and a legend here in the upstate of South Carolina. God bless his memory. Details of funeral and visitation arrangements will be forth coming.

    ------------------------------

    Faith,...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2023-08-10 10:06:36

    Greenville GOP Resolution to Censure Republican Council Members Who Voted for Tax Increases Passes 1st Vote

    Harrison Musselwhite (aka “Trucker Bob”) reads out loud with his known enthusiasm the Resolution to Censure the County Council members who voted for the tax increase as those in their districts surround him with support.

    At an August 7th, 2023 general business meeting, the Greenville County Republican Party Executive Committeemen got to formally respond to six Republican County Council members who voted for the most recent Greenville County tax increases.

    Six out of the ten Republicans that sit on Greenville County Council who voted to raise county taxes were County Council Chairman Daniel Tripp (District 28), Vice Chair Elizabeth Seman (District 24), Joey Russo (District 17), Michael Barnes (District 18), Chris Harrison (District 21), Butch Kirven (District 27). The four that did not were Steve Shaw (District 20), Benton Blount (District 19), Stan Tzouvelekas (District 22), and...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2023-08-09 15:47:21
    County Councilman Benton Blount shares his and his colleagues' thoughts on recent county events as Steve Shaw at behind left and Stan Tzouvelekas at behind right look on.

    On August 7th, 2023, GCRP’s Executive Committee voted for a resolution that commended and showed appreciation for four County Councilmen (Steve Shaw – District 20, Benton Blount – District 19, Stan Tzouvelekas – District 22, and Rick Bradley – District 26) for voting against the most recent Greenville County tax increases for years 2023 and 2024.

    GCRP made it clear how much they appreciated these guys holding the line, “… for following the SC Republican Party Platform, responding to the wishes of their constituents, and fighting for greater transparency and accountability in the Greenville County budgeting process.”

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2023-08-09 09:30:40

    Greenville County Republican Party Planning to Censure the Republican County Councilmen Who Voted for the Recent Tax Increases

    Local taxpayer advocate from Greenville 1 Precinct Michelle Shuman speaks as a guest at the August 7th, 2023 Greenville Republican Executive Committee meeting exposing facts surrounding the recent Greenville County tax increases.

    Michelle Shuman, a local taxpayer who lives in Greenville 1 Precinct, was a guest speaker at Greenville County Republican Party Executive Committee meeting on August 7th, 2023. She spoke on the county property tax situation that was affected by the recent tax increases voted by Greenville County Council.

    Shuman has gotten a lot of attention for her in-depth and well-documented postings on social media platforms such as Facebook and Nextdoor about the Greenville County property tax increases and other issues with the finances and operations of the government of Greenville County. 

  • James Spurck, Publisher - Opinion
    2023-06-20 14:12:04

    County Councilmen Accusing Each Other of Grandstanding and Playing Politics

    The iconic English nanny Mary Poppins would be proud of Greenville County. What became her famous nostalgic symbol may soon become Greenville’s colorful tax burden among other budgeted items. This past Tuesday, June 6th, the County Councilmen gave their approval for second reading of the proposed budgets for 2024 and 2025, which received some reductions at this meeting.

    I will be the first to admit that when it comes down to the actual details of the budget, I am no expert, and I would not even dare try to get into those details and sway my readers one way or the other. And it sounds impressive that Greenville County has not raised taxes in 28 years, despite our property taxes saying otherwise. So, while everyone else is arguing the financial details, let us consider observable factors seen at this meeting that may provide some insight into what is going on behind the scenes.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2023-05-24 10:27:08

    Great Way to Celebrate South Carolina's 235th Birthday by Supporting the Unborn

    Even Though It Is Not Perfect, It Is A Start And Will Save Lives

    The long and fought for S.474 called the "Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act" has passed the South Carolina Senate by a vote of 27-19.

    McMaster announced on Twitter after the vote that he is looking forward to "signing this bill into law as soon as possible."

    This bill will ban most abortions after detecting early cardiac activity in the unborn child. This can be as early as six weeks. If any physician in South Carolina violates this law, they would have their license revoked in the state. They could even face felony charges, fines, and jail time.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2023-05-18 10:30:05

    The Hustling Hypocrisy of Identity – “Watch What He Does, Not What He Says!”

    According to Reuters, “If you believe honesty is the best policy, you will have a hard time convincing the forked-tailed drongo. This tricky African bird is the pathological liar of the animal kingdom.”

    Scientists described how these little demonic, red-eyed birds with forked-tails brazenly deceive other animals by mimicking alarm calls made by numerous bird species - and even meerkats - to falsely warn of an approaching predator in a ruse to frighten them off, swoop down and steal the food they leave behind.

    For the last two years in Greenville County, Republicans have been hearing the same alarm calls in a ruse of warnings that all Republicans are RINOs except the grassroots organization MYSCGOP and those who identified with them. Through division, chaotic meetings, uncomfortable venues, and anti-unity calls, they have created confusion and scattered the local Greenville County Republican Party, swooped in,...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2023-04-21 15:01:27

    As The Largest County in SC, Greenville has become the most ineffective Republican Body due to infighting.

    Remember walking down a sidewalk and coming across a marching line of ants? Out of curiosity, you follow this intriguing line into the neighboring field of grass and find them cohesively fighting a much bigger enemy whom they eventually overcome. As you watch this natural drama unfold, you are amazed at how naturally unified the ants are. And despite how small these tiny little creatures are, they win more than twice their size due to their unifying numbers. They get things done.

    We humans also understand this principle, or at least some of us do.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2023-02-08 08:38:59

    SCGOP Executive Committee Will Control Greenville’s Precinct Reorganization and County Convention 

    During an April 2022 GCRP business executive committee meeting, Eric Snyder, an Executive Committeeman from Graze Branch precinct, gets into Sgt. of Arms Stephen “Cowboy” Bradshaw's face after having highjacked the meeting while Chairman Jeff Davis looks on.

    On Saturday, February 4th, on a motion recommendation from the Rules Committee, The South Carolina Republican Party’s (SCGOP) Executive Committee took a voice vote in Columbia where more than forty were in favor with only three members in opposition to exert authority over Greenville Republican Party’s (GCRP) 2023 precinct reorganization (reorg) and its county convention. SCGOP and its staff will oversee Greenville’s precinct reorg meetings and their county convention and will allow the precinct presidents to run their meetings in a safe and organized manner.

  • James Spurck
    2022-08-22 12:54:48

    A group of Conservative activists is going to meet at the Pickens School Board meeting to support a mother of a student at Daniel High School in Pickens County. The mother is bringing attention to a book titled Stamped written by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi which deals with Critical Race Theory (CRT). This book is being used at Daniel High School in Easley, SC; and according to her, quite possibly being used by other middle schools and high schools of Pickens County School District.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2022-04-12 12:34:00

    Due to EC’s Highjack, Slim Quorum was Lost and Election Meeting Forced to be Adjourned

    After what appeared to be “finally” a smooth meeting, where local GOP members heard from candidates for various political offices in Greenville County, it came time to elect new Greenville GOP office positions. Most of these positions had been vacated by previous holders who no longer wanted to serve due to grievances that they had with the way business has been conducted in prior business meetings.

    It all started once Chairman Jeff Davis handed the reins of acting chairman to 4th Vice-Chairman Griffin Callahan to conduct the election. As acting chairman, Griffin was taking nominations from the floor for 5th Vice-Chair. After the first nomination was given and seconded, the call for further nominations was requested.

    That is when Eric Snyder, an Executive Committeeman from Graze Branch precinct, got up with hands full of notebooks, notes, and a drink mug in the other hand and declared Point of...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2022-03-18 09:59:50
    Left to right: County Council Candidate Dr. Ben Carper, Greenville Councilman Joe Dill and his son Joel Dill, State Rep. Patrick Haddon, and State Rep. Mike Burns.

    On March 17, 2022, a day after the 2022 filing period opened to run for office in Greenville County, three men signed up for reelection and one signed up to run for an opening elected office.

    Dr. Ben Carper from Greenville County District 23 filed to run for the County seat that Xanthene Norris has held since 1997, almost a quarter of a century. She plans not to run this coming term.

    As a licensed South Carolina real estate sales agent, active in ministry as a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley, and a lifelong resident of Greenville, Dr. Carper will be an active counselor representing all constituents. Dr. Carper says he wants to, "Unify district 23 with a positive message of growth and prosperity for all district citizens."

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2022-03-18 09:12:24

    Born and raised in Greenville County, Dr. Ben Carper has officially announced his candidacy and filed today for County Council District 23 in Greenville County.

    As a licensed South Carolina real estate sales agent, active in ministry as a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley, and a lifelong resident of Greenville, Dr. Carper will be an active counselor representing all constituents. He is truly a “phone call away.”

    With Greenville County experiencing a thriving business atmosphere, he will continue to support the business growth seen in Greenville County. He desires a strong business climate providing good jobs and incomes for the citizens of the district so his constituency can live, work, and play in District 23.

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2022-03-08 15:46:07

    GCGOP State Executive Committeeman Stephen Brown Immediately Resigns

    With the Greenville County GOP Chair barred from state GOP meetings, cops being called to the new GCGOP headquarters, Democrat as a guest speaker, GOP elected officials distancing themselves from the meetings, attempts to remove good-standing executive committeemen due to personal agendas, very long out-of-control executive committee meetings, 2nd Vice-Chair stepping down, Treasurer resigning his position, lawsuit threats being slung around, rules committee presenting non-definitive opinions, constant name-calling and derogative statements towards fellow Republicans, constant shouting and screaming during meetings that are...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2022-02-20 09:20:50

    “If you take away people’s ability to be able to zone themselves, it is nothing but communism.” – Councilman Joe Dill

    All seemed smooth as Greenville County Council moved quickly through their agenda on Tuesday, February 15th until it came to a piece of property located off a two-lane State-maintained collector road, Griffin Mill Road which is owned by Dyrone Derek Moss.

    On behalf of Moss, Alvin Thomas Johnson of Levi Grantham Land Group, LLC requested to rezone the 15 acres of land from R-S, Residential Suburban District, to R-15, a Single Family Residential District where they plan to develop approximately 30 units on this property.

    This property is currently a part of the Plan...

  • James Spurck, Publisher
    2022-02-04 09:43:44

    Legislator Says Upstate Delegation Now Controls the SC Senate

    WYFF’s Taggart Houck, WGTK 94.5 The Answer’s Joey Hudson, and First Monday’s Deb Sofield moderated the questions and answer portion of the forum.

    On Monday, January 31st, the Fourth District Republican Club and South Carolina’s State GOP Club held a community-wide legislative forum at the newly renovated Historic Greer Depot in Greer, SC.

    The meeting began with Fourth District Republican Club Chairman Nate Leupp and SCGOP Chairman Drew McKissick who gave open remarks and thanked the crowd for the great attendance.

    WYFF’s Taggart Houck, WGTK 94.5 The Answer’s Joey Hudson, and First Monday’s Deb Sofield moderated the questions...

  • James Spurck
    2021-11-23 12:09:16
    Greenville GOP passed a resolution calling for a special emergency session for SC general assembly to protect the citizens of SC from Federal mandates.

    Monday evening, November 22nd, Greenville GOP passed a resolution calling upon SC Gov. Henry McMaster, Speaker of the House Jay Lucas and Senate President Harvey Peeler to do all they can to call a special session (including but not limited to an emergency session), and demanding our Legislators pass legislation that will protect #WeThePeople from these unconstitutional vaccine mandates.

    GCGOP Chairman Jeff Davis expressed the solidarity of the GCGOP Executive Board, who he said was 100% supportive for this initiative. After a few approved changes, the Executive Committee voted unanimously in favor of the resolution which calls on the General Assembly to be called into special session (including but not limited to an emergency session) and demand SC Legislators to pass legislation that will protect the citizens of South Carolina from...

  • James Spurck
    2021-07-15 07:35:55

    South Carolina Democrats May Have A Long Sought-after Opportunity

    On July 11, 1804, longstanding political rivals and personal enemies, former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton and Vice President Aaron Burr raised their dueling pistols and took aim. Due to political upsets by Hamilton, Burr retaliated by challenging Hamilton to a duel in which Hamilton was killed.

    Politics has always been an ugly business. Relationships get soured and emotions boil out of control. The ramifications can be long-lasting.

    Unfortunately, South Carolina’s Grand Old Party is currently in the middle of such turmoil.

    This current dueling all started with the largest county delegation of the South Carolina Republican Party. Any state-wide candidate knows that to win a state-wide election requires a healthy relationship with the Greenville County Republican Party.

 

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