- Pakistan, the Iran War, and Regional Security
- The Iran War, the 14-Point Memorandum, and AIPAC
- When the Liberty Bell Found Its True Voice
- Back to Basics: Understanding Your Greenville County Property Tax Bill from Start to Finish
- Advocates for Faith & Freedom Files Election Integrity Lawsuit Seeking Answers from California Secretary of State
- The Republic of Türkiye and the Iran War
- American Independence and the Battle of Cowpens
- Turkish Naval Force Deploys in Eastern Mediterranean
- The Ukrainian Drone Attacks on Wildberries
- The $8 Billion that SC Lawmakers Don't Talk About
- Saudi Arabia’s Iran War Dilemma
- Update on the Trump Administration’s Robust and Rapid Delivery of Life-Saving U.S. Assistance to Venezuela
- Briefing Notes from the Ukraine and Persian Gulf Wars
- Greenville Republican Women's Monthly Luncheon - July 2026
- SCOTUS Ruling Allows Mail-In Ballots to Be Counted after Election Day
Going over budget: A routine practice for some S.C. agencies
- Details
- By Rick Brundrett - The Nerve
As S.C. lawmakers continue to slow-walk adopting a final state budget for the fiscal year already underway – which potentially could top $44 billion in state, federal and “other” funds – some state agencies likely are planning to seek mid-year spending hikes beyond their annual appropriations.
For the fiscal year that ended a month ago, the state Executive Budget Office (EBO), which is part of the S.C. Department of Administration, quietly approved nearly $3 billion in mid-year, federal and other fund spending-increase requests submitted by 42 agencies, The Nerve found in a review of records provided by the Department of Administration under the state Freedom of Information Act.
The collective $2.997 billion in spending requests – which included $2.35 billion in federal funds and $647 million in other funds – mostly were in addition to the $41 billion in overall approved appropriations for fiscal year 2025-26.
Richland Co. Councilman Derrek Pugh Secures Sweetheart Position with Scout Motors
- Details
- By Alaina Moore - United Patriots Alliance
Earlier this week, we asked whether Scout Motors was about to receive more government benefits and how Richland County Council Vice Chair Derrek Pugh was tied in. Two days later, Pugh answered that question himself...by announcing that he has taken a job with Scout Motors while continuing to serve as a councilman.
Let's take a close look at Pugh and his record that, in retrospect, was setting himself up to take this position all along.
Scout Motors (subsidiary of Volkswagen) has been the most expensive and most secretive economic development deal in recent South Carolina history since it was rushed into law in 2023 in under a week. This corrupt deal that we have exposed since the very beginning has become the playbook for other huge "economic development" plans revolving around electric vehicles and solar projects across the state. Of course, Richland County officials have been in the middle of this Scout mess the entire time.
‘A True American Original’: Lindsey Graham Funeral Rivets Capital
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- By Dan Hart - The Washington Stand
A solemn procession of military servicemembers carried the body of former Senator Lindsey Graham (S.C.) down the central aisle of the magnificent National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. for his funeral service on Tuesday as his beloved sister Darline, President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, the entire presidential cabinet, and dozens of dignitaries looked on. The president described the late statesman as “a giant of the United States Senate” who “gave America the full measure of his good and mighty heart.”
Over $1 million in pothole claims made against SCDOT in FY 2025-26
- Details
- By Rick Brundrett - The Nerve
In fiscal year 2025-26, at least 954 pothole damage or injury claims totaling more than $1 million were filed against the S.C. Department of Transportation, though less than half of them were approved with much smaller collective payouts, records provided to The Nerve show.
Out of the 954 claims for incidents that occurred from July 29, 2025, through April 30 of this year, 349, or about 37%, were listed as approved with $174,060 in total settlements, which represented less than 17% of the overall $1,067,016 in claims, The Nerve’s review found.
Another 374 claims, or 39% of the total, were denied, while 228 cases were pending and three were appealed, according to DOT records, which were provided in May to The Nerve under the state Freedom of Information Act.
Remembering Senator Lindsey Graham
- Details
- By Benton Blount - Chairman of Greenville County Council
This week, South Carolina lost one of its most recognizable public servants with the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham.
For more than three decades, he represented our state in Columbia and Washington, serving in the South Carolina House, the United States House of Representatives, and ultimately the United States Senate. Along the way, he also continued serving as a Colonel in the United States Air Force Reserve and as a Judge Advocate General (JAG), making him one of the few members of Congress to continue wearing the uniform while holding federal office.
Darline Graham Nordone will Become the First Woman to Represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate
- Details
- By Emmitt Barry - Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday appointed Darline Graham Nordone, the younger sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, to complete the remaining months of her brother’s Senate term.
Nordone is expected to be sworn in Wednesday and will serve until the current term expires in January. Her appointment will make her the first woman in South Carolina history to serve in the U.S. Senate.
“Lindsey has always been there for me, and now I will be there for him,” Nordone said during an emotional announcement at the South Carolina Statehouse.
Idaho Abortion Voter Initiative Qualifies for the Ballot this November
- Details
- By Stanton Public Policy Center
BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho abortion voter initiative qualifies for the ballot this November. The ballot initiative would allow abortions for the full nine months of pregnancy if passed this November and nullify the “Defense of Life Act.”
Since the “Defense of Life Act” legislation began being enforced on August 25, 2022, it is estimated nearly 6,000 innocent children have been saved from abortion in Idaho.
Also, not one woman has been arrested for having a miscarriage, no doctor has been prosecuted under the “Defense of Life Act” and not a single woman has died seeking an “illegal abortion” as pro-choice activists claimed would happen.
The “Defense of Life Act,” has protected thousands of innocent children by ending abortion violence in Idaho as well as protecting thousands of women from forced and coerced abortions.
The $8 Billion that SC Lawmakers Don't Talk About
- Details
- By Rick Brundrett - The Nerve
If history is any indication, the state budget for the new fiscal year that starts Wednesday likely won’t account for the collective billions in surplus “other” funds that S.C. agencies will have on hand.
The Nerve’s review of records obtained last month from the S.C. Department of Administration under the state Freedom of Information Act found that agencies began the current 2025-26 fiscal year, which started on July 1, 2025, with a total of at least $7.9 billion in other-fund surpluses.
The amount worked out to be about $1,400 for every man, woman and child in South Carolina.
“Farms That Grow Nothing” Served at the Republican Runoff Breakfast Table
- Details
- By James Spurck, Publisher
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.
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 forgetting how to laugh together. The jam-packed room overlooking the Greenville skyline included elected officials from all levels of government, candidates and their campaign workers, spouses, club members, and several people who have probably memorized the candidates’ speeches by now. The candidates made their cases, traded some friendly teasing, and showed that a runoff campaign can still leave room for good humor and camaraderie.
The Greenville GOP’s Candidate Kiss of Death Strikes Again
- Details
- By James Spurck, Publisher | Political Analysis
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 affairs in recent years. Fairly or unfairly, many grassroots Republicans have come to believe that candidates receiving the enthusiastic backing of this faction often struggle at the ballot box.
The SC Freedom Caucus Becomes a Target in District 10
- Details
- By James Spurck, Publisher | Political Analysis
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.
Evert's Electables
- Details
- By Evert Headley
2026 Republican Primary - June 2026
PLEASE NOTE – IMPORTANT DETAIL: Do not take this flier to the polls. By law, you may take only a list of names and offices to the polling site.
- For candidates already in office, I have been able to check voting records. My comments reflect their voting records over the course of their tenure.
- For those who have never run for office before and who claim a position, I will state their claim, but understand I have nothing by which to verify that claim.
- Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A photo ID is required to vote in South Carolina.
U.S. SENATE
Lindsey Graham (Incumbent)
He is probably the most controversial candidate in South Carolina. He is center-right, but not as conservative as the state GOP voters. He has supported President Trump on Supreme Court nominees and on many, but not all, foreign policy issues. He has a very good pro-life voting record and is a staunch defender of our military and veterans.
Since President Trump was elected, Sen. Graham has moved more to the right in his politics. He has stated and introduced support for red flag laws (confiscation of guns without due process), which, as a candidate who supports gun rights, is really odd. He still tries to make too many deals with the Democrats for my liking.
In the past, he has openly supported and led amnesty efforts for illegal aliens and has supported the immigration of foreign workers to suppress workers' wages. He is very much a hawk when it comes to military action.
He has an "A" rating from the NRA and its endorsement, and President Trump has endorsed Graham.
Meet Ralph Norman and Adam Morgan on the "Clean Up Columbia Tour"
- Details
- By Press Release
Ferrara Candy Company incentives: Sweet deal for taxpayers?
- Details
- By Rick Brundrett - The Nerve
In announcing last month that the Chicago-based Ferrara Candy Company would locate a $675 million manufacturing complex in Orangeburg County and create 1,000 jobs, Gov. Henry McMaster described the project as a “transformative moment for Orangeburg County and all of South Carolina.”
“Ferrara Candy Company’s $675 million investment in the Midlands is a powerful vote of confidence in our state that will bring many new opportunities for our people,” the Republican McMaster said in a state Department of Commerce release.
Ferrara CEO Marco Capurso said in the release that the company is “excited about the opportunity to inspire sweetness in the Palmetto State,” thanking McMaster and other state and county officials for “their partnership and effort to bring us to South Carolina.”
Ralph Norman Announces Adam Morgan as Lieutenant Governor Running Mate
- Details
- By Press Release
Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Ralph Norman announced former State Representative Adam Morgan as his choice for lieutenant governor during an event in Greenville.
Morgan, a former leader in the South Carolina Freedom Caucus, emphasized government transparency, fiscal accountability, and grassroots conservative principles. Norman said Morgan would play a major role in advancing the administration's agenda across the state and highlighted his ability to connect with voters and advocate for policy reforms.
The announcement drew support from numerous Freedom Caucus members and conservative activists from across South Carolina.
SC Attorney General’s Race: Sparks Fly at SCETV, Substance Takes Center Stage at GCRW Luncheon
- Details
- By James Spurck, Publisher
The candidates differed on corruption, judicial reform, and how the office should be led at two very different meetings.
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 SCETV’s statewide primary election coverage.
The next day, the Greenville County Republican Women’s Club hosted the same three candidates during its luncheon meeting at the Poinsett Club. Robin Duffie, a recent past president of the club, moderated the question portion of the forum.
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