So what is this I hear about SC suddenly being the new swing state?

[wildeyed]

What is the inside scoop, SC DUers? Is it true? Is it possible SC will go blue on Nov 2?

[napi21]

1. I'm not sure this is all of it, but I think it's at least part!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=177x292

This was posted yesterday, I think. There's a lot of military in SC, and I sure don't think this kind of treatment would be well received at all!

[SCantiGOP]

2. the story ran

It was in the Sunday State paper.
As far as the election, a recent poll showed 50-44 for Bush, moving SC from a lock to a lean for Bush. I think the best we could hope for would be a single digit win for the thugs. If SC goes Democratic, expect Kerry to carry about 45 states.

[wildeyed]

4. What is the story on the senate race?

Dems have a chance there?

[Dzimbowicz]

3. I do not think so

I have lived here my entire life, excepting military service and university study abroad. SC has gone republican every time since 1964 with the exception of 1976 (Carter rocks!!!). I do work to help spread the word among those who will listen. I have convinced (and converted) one Naderite of her mistake in 2000 and I have one former chimp supporter now declaring himself as "undecided"; he does not care for either and as yet will not make up his mind. As much as I would love to see SC go blue in November, I can't see it happening.

I do think that the lock-down of the SCARNG troops at Ft. Dix will anger many soldiers and family members, however they will still vote republican.


www.veteransforpeace.org

[Faun Otter]

5. The sales tax trial balloon

Jimmie DeMint is running for Senate (Hollings is retiring) and since Sc is a "Safe" Republiklan state, his GOP buddies have decided to try out the next stage in their 'fleece the middle class' tax policy. DeMint is running on a platform that he will abolish income tax and replace it with a sales tax. This will be in addition to any state tax on an item which means there would be tax on everything; food, gas, kid's clothing, houses, the whole kittenkaboodle.

The draw back is that this taxes the middle class and poor far more than a gradated income tax - imagine those living in poverty and currently paying no tax (no income means no tax) and they suddenly get a sales tax. Not only is this guy a staunch and close ally of George Wanker Bush, he is dumb enough to have admitted how much a sales tax would have to be in order to replace income tax....

23%.

That is not popular, except with the ultra wealthy who are trying to sell via masses of TV ads as a tax CUT for the average person! This has brought Inez Tenenbaum (sp? Sorry Inez, I can manage your first name and loved your work to peal us off the bottom of the state education leagues) back into contention. Latest polls show her at 45% to DeMint's 47%.

In my opinion, the key question is CAN we tie Bush to DeMint? If this went national, Bush would be forced to admit he wants a 23% sales tax OR to to say DeMint is DeMented. Either we hurt Bush or we gain a shot at holding a very unlikely senate seat.

Just my view of the world.

Faun

[Dzimbowicz]

6. I agree with you Faun...

DeMint's tax plan is a load of crap! In my opinion, we need to expose his tax plan as much as possible and how it will impact the voters and their wallets; that's how people make their decision to vote most often. I may be wrong on this versus ideology, but it is still what I think. Yes, many people here will vote for him just because he is a repuke, but I think we can give them a good fight.

My hometown is Columbia, but I currently reside in Rock Hill and I have not seen one campaign poster for Inez Tenenbaum as of yet around here (I'll take that back, I've seen one). However, DeMint has his all over the place around here. I am going to the local Democratic HQ this weekend to get some and put them out. I hope that may have an impact; and, that none of these good-ol'boys takes a pot shot at me.

[wildeyed]

7. Tear 'em up Inez!

I am close by, but in Charlotte, so I only get bits and pieces of the SC story.

23% sales tax! You would have to be outta your mind to vote for that one.

[SCDem]

8. Where are you in Rock Hill

The Inez posters are all over and where you see an Inez and Spratt sign you don't see a Kerry Edwards sign because the Republicans are so spooked in this supposedly solidly red state that they are self-destructing to the point where they wait till late at night and steal peoples K/E signs.

I agree with you that SC will not go blue for K/E but I think it will be the closest race since 1976.

[Dzimbowicz]

10. I think this part of town is referred to as "Northwest"

I take Celanese Rd. to work, then on into Ft. Mill. I also frequently ride my bike around Winthrop. Recently I have seen more Democratic signs, maybe I've been paying more attention. I did stop by the Democratic HQ on Oakland St. and was told that there were no yard signs for me to have at that point (last Monday 18 Oct). They also told me that many were being stolen and people were returning to the HQ to replace them, hence the lack of signs.

I'm just hoping that SC will be "too close to call" for several minutes on election day.

PS. I have noticed a "sign war" in the Heathwood neighborhood. However, for every one Kerry sign, there seems to be a bush sign. In my neighborhood, the Ragin Lane area, there don't seem to be any signs, one way or the other.
Also, I do not spend much time here, I usually spend most of my time in Columbia or my second home in Litchfield.

[China_cat]

9. The problem with a 23% sales tax

is simply that it would not produce enough revenue to meet the expenses of government at TODAY'S level. It would have to be at least 40% and more likely closer to 60% if troops are committed to the war policies of the present administration.

And, as someone else said, besides being IN ADDITION to whatever state sales tax you already pay, it does nothing about state income tax. Which you'd still have to pay.