With the Democratic frontrunner for South Carolina’s new congressional district quitting the race today, Republican candidate André “poor people are like stray animals” Bauer’s path to the U.S. House just got a lot easier. The former GOP lieutenant governor and gubernatorial candidate released a new TV ad on Friday, and let’s just say it’s a little heavy on the imagery:
In case you weren’t keeping track, that was a total of nine pairs of scissors flashing across the screen during the 30-second spot. Bauer’s scissor-happy imagery is meant to emphasize (ad nauseum) his opposition to tax increases, but it also says much more about his approach to governing.
Of course, it’s worth noting that Bauer did propose a $90 million cigarette tax hike during his failed run for governor, but that’s beside the point. Hypocrisy and politics go together like Myrtle Beach and air-brushed T-shirts, so nobody should be surprised that Bauer is no different.
Bauer also says he’ll fight against raising the debt ceiling, joining the obstructionist no-compromise movement to torpedo the economy’s fledgling recovery led by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC). Of course, with Republicans banking on Mitt Romney being elected president, it would be entertaining to see how Bauer sticks to his promises once President Romney inevitably raises the debt ceiling — as pretty much every modern president has done, including Reagan.
Regardless of who’s in the White House next year, most economic experts almost universally agree that letting the United States default on its debts would cause nothing short of economic collapse. But if Bauer gets his way and the economy does take another George W. Bush-style nose dive, Bauer says he’ll also oppose any stimulus spending designed to get the country back on track — double whammy!
Bauer’s ad is clearly meant to shore up his tea party credentials, something he utterly failed to do during the race for governor. While he currently appears to be leading as the Republican candidate, there’s still plenty of campaigning left before André gets to head to Washington — especially if he decides to go off-script again.
I think this story is a sham. Andre Baure is the only one running for this seat who railed against his own party when they wanted to raise 2 billion dollers in taxes on the good people of SC. Thats right, 2 billion. Let’s get the facts straight. Andre Baure is a Conservative Champion who has ALWAYS been a voice of and for the people. His voting record shows he NEVER voted for a tax increase. Tom Rice very first vote ever was to raise taxes on the people of Horry County in one of the worst economy’s ever. Chad Prosser raised taxes on the people of Horry County 6 times when he was on Councel. I am sick and tired of you Democrats going after good, hard working Conservative men and woman who love this County and want to restore the power back to the people. I am a Proud Conservative and I am honored to stand with and support Andre Baure for Congress.
-Keith VanWinkle
“His voting record shows he NEVER voted for a tax increase. ”
Why is this a good thing? Not all taxes are good, but not all taxes are bad, either, and they are necessary to maintain a functioning society. Anyone who thinks you never need to raise taxes is not serious about governing. Sadly, Grover Norquist has gotten most of the GOP to promise not to be serious.