IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Personality is Key in South Carolina House race

With special Election Day approaching in South Carolina, personality has come to play a key role in the standoff between former Republican South Carolina Gov.

With special Election Day approaching in South Carolina, personality has come to play a key role in the standoff between former Republican South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford and first-time candidate, Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch, for a seat in the House.

Sanford  left his last post as governor disgraced after admitting to using public funds to visit his mistress, now fiance, in Argentina. The affair and misuse of funds were revealed when he disappeared to Argentina for six days without telling anyone where he was going. He admitted to the affair shortly after. A motion to impeach him never came to fruition and he soon termed out of his position.

Recently his campaign suffered a setback when he lost the backing of the state GOP after being charged with trespassing at his ex-wife’s home, but later gained the support of the state’s top Republican’s when Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott, and Governor Nikki Haley endorsed him this week. His latest endorser is Hustler Magazine Publisher, Larry Flynt.

Colbert Busch, sister of comedian Stephen Colbert, is a newcommer to politics, but is more than just holding her own in race, matching Sanford in the race and making it a tough call so far. Colbert Busch kept quiet publicly about Sanford’s past until this week’s debate, "When we talk about fiscal spending, and we talk about protecting taxpayers, it doesn't mean you take that money we saved and leave the country for personal purpose."  Sanford asked his opponent to repeat herself then answered by comparing himself to President Clinton, asking if he should be punished forever for his mistakes.

South Carolina Democratic Chair Dick Harpootlian and former Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party Katon Dawson joined Mara Schiavocampo to discuss the congressional race between Mark Sanford and Elizabeth Colbert Busch.  "They’ve made it all about Marks personal indiscretions the mistakes he’s made and not about public policy," Dawson said about the Colbert Busch's campaign.

The election, taking place on May 7th, is expected to be very close, opening up the opportunity for a democrat to take a House seat in South arolina for the first time in 30 years.