Tea party mulls GOP challenge By CHarles Sowell | staff
Harry Kibler, leader of the RINO (Republican in Name Only) Hunt wing of the South Carolina tea party, has tentative plans to challenge state Republican Party leader Chad Connelly for leadership of the state party. Kibler has not made up his mind whether to personally challenge Connelly, or find a suitable substitute within tea party ranks. “If we see we have the votes to do it, there’s a real chance we’ll challenge,” he said. “If not, then we will most likely pull back with an eye toward starting our own party within the state.” The brewing controversy started with some incendiary comments by GOP strategist Karl Rove earlier this month. After disappointing defeats in 2012, Rove and other GOP tacticians are brainstorming ways to block unpredictable candidates like Todd Aiken of Missouri, whose controversial comments on rape lost the party a seat many had previously considered an easy Republican win. Kibler sees actions by state party lead-
Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Community Laurens, South Carolina
"I'm Glad My Mom Is Secure!"
ers as dovetailing with Rove’s efforts to make the GOP over into a more mainstream party. “There was a high-level conference call held last night where a strategy was formed to block Tea Party-minded people from upcoming GOP precinct reorganization efforts,” Kibler said in an email message to RINO Hunt faithful. “Under the guise of keeping ‘Ron Paul Libertarians’ out of the SCGOP, many very powerful people conspired to prevent real conservatives from gaining access as delegates to county and state conventions.” Alex Stroman, executive director of the SCGOP, said he is “unsure of the claim that ‘the state party is planning to take over a nominating process to exclude ‘true conservatives.’ I’m not quite sure what this is talking about. This sensationalized, outlandish and conspiratorial statement can’t be answered because it is so out of the realm of reality.” This war of words has reached outside the state’s borders, with National Public Radio emailing Kibler to find out if he plans to help lead a push to unseat U.S. Sen. Lindsay Graham, R-S.C.
Kibler admits it would be tough to defeat a sitting U.S. senator, but he also likes the conservative bona fides of state Sen. Lee Bright, R-Spartanburg. Speaking to the political website “The Hill” earlier this month, Bright said he was considering a challenge to Graham, but that there were many arguments against it. “For one thing, there’s money,” Kibler said. It takes a minimum of $1 million to mount a statewide campaign.” For now, Kibler said, he is far more concerned with plans within the national and state GOP that would push out the “common man” from the electoral process. “There is just so much money floating around in politics today that it is nearly impossible for a person of modest means to get involved,” Kibler said. Currently the tea party is pushing a plan to reorganize local precincts in the tea party’s favor, said tea party activist Bill Rhodes. “We’d like to force the GOP into a more conservative-friendly stance,” he said. “The way to do that is to start at the precinct level.” Contact Charles Sowell at csowell@communityjournals.com.
All your cleaning needs
Don’t let cataracts slow you down! The surgeons of Palmetto Eye & Laser Center are excited to introduce the state-of-art, FDA approved, LenSX laser to Spartanburg for precise, customized, and BLADELESS cataract surgery! If you are ready to put your cataracts behind you, now is the time to see one of our highly skilled surgeons to discuss BLADELESS LASER OPTIMIZED CATARACT SURGERY!
✔ Tablecloths & Napkins ✔ Shoe Service ✔ Shirt Service
Robert J. Haas, M.D. Michael W. Holmes, M.D. Billy J. Haguewood, Jr., M.D. David W. Nicholson, M.D. Brice B. Dille, M.D. K. Leanne Wickliffe, M.D.
✔ Suede and Leather ✔ Wash-Dry-Fold ✔ Expert Alterations ✔ Button Replacement Reggie and Mary Ellen Hill enjoy security, friendships, activities and services at Martha Franks. Tim Mahon with his mother, Lydie Mahon, who enjoys residential, independent living at Martha Franks
CALL NOW TO TOUR
* Cottages * Patio Homes * Apartments AVAILABLE PATIO HOMES * Residential and Assisted Living * Rehab * Skilled Nursing Care
AND COTTAGES Ask About Our Summer Gift Offer! 1-800-849-3307
journal news
✔ Wedding Gowns & Storage
479 Heywood Avenue, Spartanburg www.palmettoeyeandlaser.com 864.583.6381
✔ Adjust-a-Drape ✔ Blankets & Comforters
Free Pickup & Delivery! Serving Greenville & Spartanburg
Tour Now and Receive a FREE COFFEE MUG CALL LISA YARBER FOR A FREE SAVE UP TOTODAY $20,000 INBROCHURE! 2013!
864-984-4541 or toll free 1-800-849-3307 See www.marthafranks.com
Main Store and Production Facility 448 Marion Ave., Spartanburg • 864-583-8668 Branch Location 1752 E Main St., Spartanburg • 864-573-6649
www.bellcleaners.com
M72A
864-984-4541 1-800-849-3307 For more informationorortolltofree confirm a tour, See www.marthafranks.com call Lisa Yarber, Marketing Director, at 681-8224 (office) or 923-5324 (cell). See you soon!
FEBRUARY 22, 2013 | the Journal 5