SC Ping
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Posted on 06/21/2004 3:22:50 AM PDT by doosee
Beasley, DeMint attack each other in GOP Senate debate
JENNIFER HOLLAND
Associated Press
CONWAY, S.C. - Former Gov. David Beasley and U.S. Rep. Jim DeMint lashed out at each other's character and political records Sunday night in the final televised debate in the race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.
With voters returning to the polls Tuesday, there wasn't time to be nice.
The two seasoned politicians sat across from each other and sparred about the recent barrage of negative campaign ads and issues such as the federal deficit, health care and trade - the biggest difference between the two candidates.
Both accused each other of lobbing the first attacks since they were forced into a runoff after the primary winnowed the six-way GOP race two weeks ago. Beasley was the top voter-getter with 37 percent, followed by DeMint with 26 percent.
The race had been fairly tame, compared with runoff elections in the past, but DeMint and Beasley came out swinging on Father's Day.
DeMint said his campaign pointed out Beasley had changed his position on several critical issues, including where the Confederate flag should fly, and from being a supporter of free trade to a protectionist.
"He's criticizing me and the president for trying to keep jobs in this country, to try to do the things to make trade fair," said DeMint, who has taken heat as a strong supporter of free trade in a state that has lost thousands of manufacturing jobs in the past three years.
Beasley countered that DeMint has "this self-righteous perspective as if he's never broken his word," saying the three-term congressman vowed to never take money from political action committees but has raked in $400,000 for his Senate bid.
"Leaders change perspectives from time to time because circumstances change," Beasley said. "I took some tough issues on when I was governor."
Beasley was unapologetic for his efforts to remove the Civil War banner from atop the Statehouse and ban video gambling. The flag eventually came down and video gambling was outlawed, but only after Beasley was ousted from office.
DeMint "is trying to bring back the most divisive issue this state has ever had," Beasley said. "I think the voters in this state want that issue behind us and here we are dragging it back up for political gain - that's wrong."
When asked about the flag, DeMint did make an appeal for some of the voters who abandoned Beasley over the issue in the 1998 gubernatorial election.
"I think it should stay right where it is and I don't think the state Legislature or governor should spend anymore time on it," DeMint said of the flag, which flies on Statehouse grounds.
Beasley said DeMint has failed to do his job as a congressman, missing half of the votes so far this year in Washington.
"If you don't show up for work 50 percent of the time, you don't get a promotion," Beasley said.
DeMint said none of the those issues have hinged his vote, and he would not step down from office to campaign for Senate.
"I've been on the phone with the speaker. He knows if he needs me I'll be there," DeMint said.
Beasley said other candidates have resigned to campaign, including Sen. Bob Dole, who stepped down to run for president in 1996.
"It's how you view your responsibility and integrity for the office," Beasley said.
Beasley again had to defend the comments he in made in 1995 while talking with students at a Rock Hill high school. He had claimed that he ran the 100-yard dash in 9.5 seconds, a near world record; that he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds, faster than a prime college running back,
When asked about comments, the 47-year-old chuckled: "I've slowed down quite a bit."
Beasley said he simply wanted to grab the kids' attention, saying everyone makes mistakes in a speech.
(Excerpt) Read more at myrtlebeachonline.com ...
ping
On sort of the same subject, Greg Alan ( 730AM WSC Charleston, local talk show backing Rush ) got Inez Tenenbaum to commit to do his show. But she had one requirement. No callers. Alan said "no thanks".
FReepmail me if you want on or off this list.
Do you ever call Greg's show?
"That didn't sound like a straight answer to me," said DeMint, who added he would support Beasley if he wins the nomination.
I think DB would be justified sitting out the Nov. Senate race if JD wins. Why would JD even want a guy who he has criticized for 6 months as wishywashy, etc. I predicted a long while ago if JD gets the nomination, we have Sen INez, and I will hold on that prediction.
Have hope! Inez Timebomb will go down like the rest of them have in South Carolina so far. I do predict a Jim DeMint win in this one. Now and in November.
Why would JD even want a guy who he has criticized for 6 months as wishywashy, etc.
Mo I don't. Thought about it but many times I think up with a great point, someone has already called in with it.
In theory, you are correct. But I think DeMint has hurt himself by constantly revisiting the flag issue. The good ole boy front porch TV ad he ran was disgusting. It confirmed the stereotype of the SC redneck. He ran the ad so he has it on his shoulders. The Dems will paint him as a racist within a couple of weeks for his inaction on the Greenville MLK day. Just watch how ugly this will get. I dont expect different.
And with Bush on top of the ticket watch Sen. DeMint (or Beasley) cruise to an easy win.
DeMint 59/IT40/Lib1
Beasley 56/IT42/Lib2
Remember, IT is the Sec of Ed for a state school system that sucks.
The Dems wont go easy into the night on this -- remember they have held the seat for 30 or 40 years. If the race is close, it will be like Fla. 2000. Bet on that.
Remember, IT is the Sec of Ed for a state school system that sucks.
I would hate to see Inez in the Senate. If she gets in we will never get rid of her. I haven't seen any JD DB polls today, have you? I figured someone had to take a last day poll somewhere.
The problem is that JD is from the upstate, and in Charleston the Republicans my vote for Demint, but the moderates and the Dems will not. Down there Greenville is a four letter word. Remember this seat "Belongs" to the lowcountry and if someone from greenville is the nominee they will vote against him/her. I do not agree with the mentality, but it is a reality. Sometimes I wish that Charleston would just do us a favor and succede and creat their own state, then they would be happy, since they would be back in control.
Let us hope that kerry does not pick Kerry as the VP candidate, if he does and DeMint is the nominee, Inez will win 52 to 46.
The problem for DeMint also is that he has gone so negative, not on the airwaves, but through the mail and on the phones, many of the Beasley supporters may just stay home in Nov if DeMint gets the nomination. the imtimidation tactics they have employed have really shocked some people in Greenville. Having staff and volenteers sending letters and making phone calls questioning their ethics and judgement for supporting such a "Dishonorable" man for senate. These tactis may win him the nomination, but these people who worked for Beasley will just go home than work for a campaign thet plays that way.
Opps I meant to say
Let us hope that Kerry does not pick Edwards as the VP Candidate.
Where is IT from? ;-)
I missed the news, but Jive 5 has these results (from surveyusa)
I have been in SC for about 9 years but I don't get the regional rivalries. In the state offices I could understand it, where they are fighting over the funding of local projects, but it doesn't make any sense in a race for U.S. Senator.
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