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Comment by Shea Onofrey on July 23, 2009 at 8:39am

Swails entering race for mayor
Staff report
Thursday, July 23, 2009


Swails

MOUNT PLEASANT — The race to decide who will be the town's next mayor heated up Wednesday as Councilman Billy Swails revealed that he will seek the office in November.

Swails plans a formal announcement of his candidacy at 6 tonight at Alhambra Hall, where he will discuss his priorities and goals. His campaign slogan is "Common Sense Leadership." He is a State Farm insurance agent and chairman of the council water supply and finance committees.

Swails, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday, served on council from 1976 to 1984.

He returned to council after winning election to the two-year unexpired term of Joe McKeown, who was elected to County Council.

Two other councilmen, Joe Bustos and Gary Santos, also want to be mayor. Bustos said June 5 that he will campaign for the office.

Santos revealed his plans May 18.

Whoever wins the race for the town's top office will succeed two-term Mayor Harry Hallman, who resigned May 12 because of Alzheimer's disease.

Comment by Shea Onofrey on June 26, 2009 at 7:29pm

Official Statement from Lt Gov Andre Bauer
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Today at 6:59pm, 6.26.09


Clearly the events of the last week have been emotionally difficult for everyone involved.

Mark Sanford now has some painful issues to resolve with his sons and his wife. I appreciate his plea for a zone of privacy around his family. I came from a broken family. I absolutely understand the trauma and confusion his sons are feeling, because when I was 10 years old the same pain rocked my life.

I assure you that Mark’s children need their father, and especially his reassurance that they will always enjoy a special place in his heart.

Even as we give Mark some space on his family issues, we must press ahead at the problems that are vexing all the families in our state.

We must stay focused on the big picture, which is the need to produce jobs and prosperity for our people in South Carolina.

Double digit unemployment, combined with fewer job opportunities, demands the best of our government.

All of our government. All of the time.

These are real issues that require answers – answers I am committed to finding – and it is where I am urging my esteemed colleagues in the Legislature – Democrat and Republican -- to apply their focus.

As far as the issue of the Governor is concerned, we do have lots of questions – and the people are deserving of answers. We have constitutional questions – we need to ensure there is never any doubt over who is responsible for the safety of our citizens at any given time.

There are questions about how tax dollars and resources are spent and have been spent – and why. Fair and complete answers will restore confidence in our government

And finally -- there are questions – legitimate ones – about where we go from here.

However, do not look to me to be engaging or joining in calls one way or the other as they relate to Governor Sanford.

From my perspective it’s simply counterproductive. My focus is on my responsibilities, and what I can do to help our state – and our citizens -- as we struggle to revive our great state, recover our pride, and begin moving forward.

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Comment by Shea Onofrey on June 24, 2009 at 11:02am

The House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business. Following One Minute speeches, we expect to proceed with debate on today’s one scheduled suspension, H.R. 2990 - Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act of 2009. We then expect to begin up to one hour of debate on the Rule to provide consideration for H.R. 2892 - Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010. At approximately 12:00 p.m. we expect to vote on the suspension and the Rule for H.R. 2892 - Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010.



We then expect to begin up to one hour of general debate on H.R. 2892, followed up debate on the fourteen amendments made in order under the Rule. Following amendment debate, we expect another series of votes.



The House is then expected to begin up to one hour of debate on the Rule to provide consideration for H.R. 2647 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, followed by another series of votes.



After votes, we expect to begin consideration of H.R. 2647. At this time it is unclear how far we will proceed.



Last Vote: Evening.



Note: Additional votes are possible this morning. Please stay tuned to future Floor Updates for more information.

Comment by Shea Onofrey on June 24, 2009 at 8:22am

DAILY FLOOR SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2009



WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2009:

On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business. Fifteen One Minutes per side. Last Vote: Evening.



Suspension (1 Bill)

1) H.R. 2990 - Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act of 2009 (Rep. Skelton – Armed Services)



H.R. 2892 - Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010 (Rep. Price (NC) – Appropriations) (Subject to a Rule)



Begin Consideration of H.R. 2647 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Rep. Skelton – Armed Services) (Subject to a Rule)



THURSDAY, JUNE 25; FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2009:

On Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.

On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.



Complete consideration of H.R. 2647 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year, 2010 (Rep. Skelton – Armed Services) (Subject to a Rule)



H.R. 2996 - Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 (Rep. Dicks – Appropriations) (Subject to a Rule)



* Conference Reports may be brought up at any time.

* Motions to go to Conference should they become available.

* Possible Motions to Instruct Conferees.