- Embedded in America
- Seek Protection and Guidance
- The Art of The Deal
- Smarter and Better People: Aristotle, James Henley Thornwell, and the Moral-Intellectual Nexus
- When Columbia Passes Gas, the Cost Doesn’t Just Dissipate into Thin Air
- It’s Not Just About Crime: What the Attorney General Debate in Pickens Revealed
- Residency Lawsuit Against Greenville Councilman Ennis Fant Expands into Criminal Review Dispute
- Stumbo Sounds Alarm on THC, Repeat Offenders, and Cartel Crime in Greenville Appearance
- Back-to-Basics Breakfast Brings a Plate Full of Legislative Bites
- Vengeance Belongs to the Lord
- Truth Versus Propaganda Narratives
- Iran War Commentary and Notes
- Christian Principles of War and Foreign Policy
- Happy Resurrection Sunday!
- Lamar Advertising Refuses to Display Stanton Healthcare’s Billboard Campaign Offering Abortion Pill Reversal for Women
When Columbia Passes Gas, the Cost Doesn’t Just Dissipate into Thin Air
- Details
- By James Spurck - Political Analysis
New transportation bills raise concerns about gas tax use, expanded spending, and whether SC lawmakers are drifting from past promises to taxpayers.
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 opposition from fiscal conservatives and grassroots Republican activists.
At first glance, the vote may appear routine. But as more details emerge, critics argue the long-term effects may linger well beyond the initial legislative push, even after the initial explanation has already been clearly communicated.
Norman, Kimbrell, Lynch, Pascoe and Stumbo To Participate in May 21 Faith Forum
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- By Randy Page - Palmetto Family Council
COLUMBIA, S.C. – U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman, State Senator Josh Kimbrell (R-Spartanburg), U.S. Senate candidate Mark Lynch, First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe, and Eighth Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo will be participating in the Palmetto Family Council/Faith Wins joint candidate forum on Thursday, May 21, beginning at 6 p.m.
In addition to the latest confirmations, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and State Senator Stephen Goldfinch (R-Georgetown) previously announced their participation in the forum.
Rural Transportation Bill Easily Passes S.C. House; Senate Fate Uncertain
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- By Rick Brundrett - The Nerve
On a recent Monday, David Crawford says he gave a ride in his Edisto Island Shuttle van to three young women who informed him that they initially had requested an Uber to take them off the island, but that the driver canceled two minutes before their scheduled pickup.
“They came down for a break,” Crawford, who has owned the local transportation company for more than 10 years, said when contacted by The Nerve. “That’s done routinely, just a fun little family trip.”
As Crawford first told The Nerve for a story last July, he believes there is a lack of private transportation companies in rural areas statewide. The Nerve in September revealed, based on a review of state records, that if you want a ride from a “transportation network company,” such as Uber or Lyft, it likely will be hard to do so in at least 100 small towns or cities, as well as in three rural counties, in South Carolina.
Businessman Rom Reddy Stumps for Governor in Greenville
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- By Terry M. Thacker
“We've lost our moral compass, we've got to get it back.” said the newly announced Republican gubernatorial candidate Rom Reddy as he campaigned in Greenville this past Monday.
The Isle of Palms businessman spoke to about 150 invited potential supporters at the Hotel Hartness, each of whom was required to pass through a security checkpoint before being admitted to the meeting room.
The newest Republican candidate has joined an already crowded field of five other candidates – Lieutenant Governor Pam Evette, State Senator Josh Kimbrell, Congresswoman Nancy Mace, Congressman Ralph Norman and Attorney General Alan Wilson.
Stumbo Sounds Alarm on THC, Repeat Offenders, and Cartel Crime in Greenville Appearance
- Details
- By James Spurck, Publisher
Attorney General candidate discusses trafficking, immigration enforcement, and prosecutorial strategy during Greenville forum
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 and an extended question-and-answer session covering issues from violent crime to cyber fraud and marijuana legalization.
Stumbo, currently serving as Solicitor for South Carolina’s 8th Judicial Circuit, emphasized prosecutorial experience and alignment with law enforcement as the foundation of his campaign.
Religious Discrimination Case Against University of AZ Can Proceed
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- By Liberty Counsel
TUCSON, Az. — The U.S. District Court in Arizona ruled former ethics Professor Daniel Grossenbach can proceed with his religious discrimination lawsuit against the University of Arizona, which unlawfully fired him for his parental rights advocacy and religious speech. Grossenbach’s lawsuit contends that the university did not renew his contract in November 2023 after receiving anonymous complaints about his advocacy against secretive gender policies at local school board meetings where his children attend school, which is not at all affiliated with the university.
Graham, Wilson and Goldfinch Commit to Palmetto Family/Faith Wins Candidate Forum
- Details
- By Randy Page - Palmetto Family Council
COLUMBIA, S.C. – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and State Senator Stephen Goldfinch have each committed to joining Palmetto Family Council and Faith Wins for our joint candidate forum on Thursday, May 21, beginning at 6 p.m. Further announcements will be made as candidates confirm their participation.
“This is the only place in South Carolina for citizens to hear from statewide candidates regarding issues important to faith voters during this primary season,” said Chad Connelly, President of Faith Wins. “It’s an incredible opportunity for those seeking votes to give their message directly to evangelical voters.”
It’s Not Just About Crime: What the Attorney General Debate in Pickens Revealed
- Details
- By James Spurck, Publisher
Attorney General candidates outline sharply different priorities
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 several core Republican positions, the debate revealed meaningful differences in how each would approach and execute the responsibilities of the office.
S.960: Establishment Aims To Gag SC Watchdogs
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- By Alaina Moore - United Patriots Alliance
A bill that would threaten the effectiveness of watchdogs in South Carolina was filed on February 26, 2026 and began moving almost immediately. It appears that Senate leadership has not taken too kindly to our efforts to hold them accountable and decided to file S.960.
The significance of the date this bill was filed was not lost on us as it was the same day S.897, a bill authored by democrat lawyer-legislator Margie Bright Matthews that would eliminate religious exemption for the MMR vaccine, was scheduled for a hearing. Thanks to our and other watchdog group efforts, this bill did not move out of subcommittee.
Now, state senators are attempting to make sure we cannot do that again. Specifically, Senators Sean Bennett, Greg Hembree, Luke Rankin, Ross Turner, Chip Campsen, and Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey.
Statehouse Update March 10-12
- Details
- By SC Policy Council
Update 3/11/26: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred during the week.
Budget debate started in the House on Monday, with the process expected to last all week and possibly into next week. After finalizing a budget proposal, the House will debate tax cuts.
Meanwhile, the Senate will continue holding budget hearings as well as other committee hearings on crucial legislation. Last week, the Senate Transportation Committee advanced S.831, a major Department of Transportation (DOT) reform proposal, to the Senate floor. It remains to be seen whether this bill or the proposal in the House, H.5017, will be the vessel for DOT reform utilized by the legislature.
Budget
- General Appropriations Bill H.5126 – This bill allocates the budget for next year totaling over $15.1B in spending from the General Fund. House floor debate is underway. Update: This bill has passed the House and moves to the Senate for consideration.
- Capital Reserve Fund H.5127 – House floor debate commences immediately after second reading of H.5126. Update: This bill has passed the House and moves to the Senate for consideration.
Statehouse Update March 3-5
- Details
- By Brendan Connors - SC Policy Council
Update 3/3/26: Adjustments were made to this summary to reflect developments that occurred throughout the week.
Last week, the Senate passed the income tax bill (H.4216) with an amended tax rate, cutting the top rate by an additional 0.18%. Click here to learn more about the proposal in a recent piece by Vance Ginn, Ph.D., Senior Economic Fellow at the Policy Council.
Palmetto Family and Faith Wins To Host Candidate Forum
- Details
- By Randy Page - Palmetto Family Council
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Steve Pettit, President of Palmetto Family Council, and Chad Connelly, President of Faith Wins, announced today that their organizations will be co-hosting a candidate forum on Thursday, May 21, at Village Church (574 Rimer Pond Road, Blythewood) for candidates running for the United States Senate, Governor, and Attorney General in either the Republican or Democratic Party primaries.
“It’s important for people of faith to have the opportunity to meet statewide candidates personally,’ said Pettit. “Many times, issues important to believers are rarely featured in other forums or debates, and Palmetto Family is delighted to co-host these events with Faith Wins.”
Summaries of Judicial Ethics Complaints Released, but Secrecy Remains
- Details
- By Rick Brundrett - The Nerve
Last fiscal year, of the 636 pending and new ethics complaints filed against S.C. judges, 490, or 77%, were dismissed, according to an annual Judicial Department report, though no detailed explanations for the dismissals or other specifics of those cases were given.
After The Nerve for years repeatedly reported on the state court’s secretive disciplinary system, the S.C. Supreme Court – led by Chief Justice John Kittredge, who became the administrative head of the state court system in 2024 – issued a written order last June to begin publishing summaries of dismissed judicial complaints.
Since that order, a total of 246 summaries of dismissed ethics complaints from July through December last year have been published on the Judicial Department’s website, a review by The Nerve found. The state’s fiscal year begins on July 1 and runs through the following June 30.
The SC Senate Just Told Everyone Under 65 to ‘Pay Up and Shut Up'
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- By Alaina Moore - United Patriots Alliance
How 32 lawmakers killed fair tax relief and protected sweetheart deals instead
Over the past several weeks, the South Carolina Senate has heavily debated S.768, a bill that would give a property tax break to those 65 and older who have lived in South Carolina for ten years or more.
S.768, also known as the Homestead Act, was introduced and pioneered by Senate Finance Committee chairman Harvey Peeler. Peeler himself is nearly 80 years old and has held the same senate seat for 45 years.
On February 18th, Senator Lee Bright offered amendment 6 to the Homestead Act which would allow all taxpayers to receive the same property tax break, not only senior citizens.
Republican Gubernatorial Candidates Outline Competing Visions at Upstate Women’s Forum
- Details
- By James Spurck, Publisher
Four announced contenders make their case as undecided voters remain a decisive factor
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.
S.C. Senate Moves to Expand Property Tax Homestead Exemption
- Details
- By Neil Wolin - SC Policy Council
As home value assessments rise, South Carolina residents 65 and older are increasingly calling for property tax relief.
In response, the Senate advanced S.768, the bill would expand the current $50,000 homestead exemption.
After a round of adopted and rejected amendments in committee and on the Senate floor, the bill received second and third reading, advancing the legislation to the House for consideration.
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