“‘WE NEED TO STOP THE REVOLVING DOOR OF ELECTED OFFICIALS …”- Vince Sheheen

With Three Weeks Left In Session, Sheheen Has His Chance

This weekend, Senator Vince Sheheen appropriately made the statement that it was time to stop the practice of legislators quickly becoming lobbyists, a necessary change that is included in the ethics reform legislation currently in the South Carolina Senate.  In response, Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party Chad Connelly released the following statement:

“We’re thrilled that Vince Sheheen has recognized the importance of passing ethics reform this year, but talk is just talk, and it’s time for him to finally step up and help deliver for the people of South Carolina,” Connelly said.  “The Republican Governor kicked off this conversation with the bi-partisan McMaster-Medlock Commission.  The Republican House has passed a strong reform bill.  The Leadership of the Republican Senate has committed to passing this bill this year.  The only missing piece is Vince Sheheen and the Senate Democrats – the truth is everyone else is on board, and this bill will live or die based on his commitment to reform.”

BACKGROUND

Sheheen: We Need To Stop The Revolving Door Of Elected Officials. “‘We need to stop the revolving door of elected officials, from the governor down to the legislators,’ said state Sen. Vincent Sheheen, a Camden Democrat who will run again for governor in 2014. ‘What I’ve seen is elected officials often retire, then they go to work very quickly for large economic interests. Then, they have the ability to quickly influence the outcome of decisions in state government.’” (Sammy Fretwell, “SC State House For Sale,” The State, 5/18/13)

The House of Representatives Passed Ethics Reform This Year, A Package Praised By Both Democrats And Republicans. “The South Carolina House on Tuesday passed an ethics reform package that lawmakers of both parties hailed as substantially improving the oversight of politicians and allowing voters to see where candidates get their money.” (Seanna Adcox, “S.C. House Approves Ethics Reform Package,” Associated Press, 5/1/13)

• Chairman Of House Caucus Ethics Reform Committee Murrell Smith: “I’m proud of my colleagues for coming together approve these major reforms.  This is conservative legislation to its core: It strengthens the law, streamlines the complaint process, and makes public officials more accountable to the public.” (Rep. Murrell Smith, Press Release, “House Approves Sweeping Reform Package,” 4/30/13)

• House Ethics Committee Chairman Kenny Bingham: “It was past time for a change to our ethics laws. It was time for our state to take the lead, raise the bar, and hold our public officials to a higher standard. My colleagues in the House took a big step forward this week.” (Rep. Kenny Bingham, Press Release, “House Approves Sweeping Reform Package,” 4/30/13)

• House Majority Leader Bruce Bannister: “[T]oday we took another major step forward.” (Rep. Bruce Bannister, Press Release, “House Approves Sweeping Reform Package,” 4/30/13)
• Democrat Representative James Smith: “It’s the most significant reform bill since Lost Trust.” (Seanna Adcox, “S.C. House Approves Ethics Reform Package,” Associated Press, 5/1/13
• Democrat Representative Beth Bernstein: “It’s tough and fair. I think it’s a victory for the people of South Carolina.” (Seanna Adcox, “S.C. House Approves Ethics Reform Package,” Associated Press, 5/1/13)

Republican Senate Leadership Commits To Ethics Reform. 

• Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler: “Time is of the essence, and we appreciate the House’s passage of the bill so that we can consider it and get it passed before the end of the session.” (Senator Harvey Peeler, Press Release, “Senate Leaders Issue Statement On Ethics Reform Bill,” 5/2/13)

• Senate Judiciary Chairman Larry Martin: “We plan to move quickly on this bill in order to get it on the floor for consideration.  Addressing ethics reform is something that we have to get right when the opportunity arises, because we won’t get another bite at this apple.” (Senator Larry Martin, Press Release, “Senate Leaders Issue Statement On Ethics Reform Bill,” 5/2/13)

• Senator Wes Hayes: “We need to make sure this bill is as strong as possible and has the teeth it needs to give our citizens confidence in the system.” (Senator Wes Hayes, Press Release, “Senate Leaders Issue Statement On Ethics Reform Bill,” 5/2/13