WORD---Petition-Drive

For the first time in this county, before the Republican primary election, approximately 280 candidates were stripped from the ballot by a minor technicality. This case went all the way to the South Carolina Supreme Court in an effort for the candidates to remain eligible. In the end the result remained the same and those candidates were classified as de-certified. There was even a movement within the House of Representative and the Senate to have the candidates placed back on the ballot, but it was unsuccessful and blocked.

“These are discouraging times,” said Russ Cassell, WORD news radio host, as he broadcast from the sidewalk outside of Greenville County Square. “We are in a state of chaos.”

Even though these hopeful candidates have had failure in their attempt to have an opportunity to let the people decide if they are worthy of the position they are running for, the fight is not over. WORD hosted a “Petition Party” on June 27, 2012, on the steps of County Square for one reason.

“The purpose of our petition drive here today is to ensure that those persons who were removed from the ballot through a legal technicality have the opportunity to be on the ballot when it really counts, in the general election in November,” said Bob McLain, WORD news radio host.

Even those defeated in the Primary race can still participate in a petition vote but they have to give up any leadership positions in the party. If candidates can get enough signatures they will be put back on the ballot. Candidate hopefuls like Rex Rice, a 16-year legislative veteran running for State Senate district two, have to get 2800 signatures. Other hopefuls like Tommie Reece who is running for State Senate Six needs 5 percent of the vote which comes out to 3,000 signatures. The cut-off for petition signatures is July 16, 2012.

Harry Kibbler, R.I.N.O and Operation Lost Vote founder, said, “I’m excited about the turnout. People are mad and they are showing up. This isn’t how politics are supposed to be run. This affects us all and is a very important issue. This effort is truly making a difference.”

A steady crowd was maintained during the “Petition Party” at County Square. For three hours WORD conducted interviews and held their broadcast in the heart of their cause. It was a non-partisan event that brought various candidates from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs together for one cause.

“The over-arching concern here is right and wrong,” said McLain.

“This is about giving the voters a choice,” said Cassell.

When asked about his take on the situation Rice said, “Well, I thought it was just good ol’ boy politics.”

When there are candidates who become successful with achieving their signature quota they will still be fighting as there are plans for the petition ballots to be challenged in court. These candidates have to fight and each one of them is showing that they will not be treated unfairly and walk away. All of them are making a stand and need for voters to show up and sign a petition. It doesn’t even matter if you want to vote for that person, signing it sends a message to the heart of the problem.

“And I tell you, if some of these petition candidates win, and mark my words, some of them are going to, it will send a message to Columbia that will shake them to their roots,” said McLain.

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