SC Senate 44 - Final Thoughts

Well, the final say for the race between Paul Campbell and John West for SC Senate Seat 44 is just a few days away. I've followed this one pretty close, mainly because it's close to home - and it's definitely been interesting. I have been very pleased that both men have run campaigns with a level of positivity that has been far too uncommon in recent elections. I can't help but believe both men would bring positive leadership to Berkeley County. But, here are my final thoughts on both candidates as they wrap up their campaigns. . .

Perhaps Paul Campbell's greatest strength - he proved his character and poise for positive leadership in a "trial by fire" republican runoff. Campbell kept it positive in a tough time, and won a great deal of respect for it. We haven't heard much from Campbell in recent weeks. I am sure that the capital expended to wage the runoff has certainly effected his ability to campaign against West. Will that effect momentum? In truth, given the margin of his win over Shirley Hinson in the runoff, he can afford to lose a little momentum. And, Campbell is making his push now in this final few days with new mailings. A healthy shove is just what Campbell needs.

Campbell's campaign remains pledged to things like lower taxes, economic prosperity for Berkeley County, positive leadership, and commitment to Santee Cooper. His message is pretty simple. Quite honestly Campbell and West seem to be speaking the same language. The whole "democrat/republican" thing has probably gotten out of hand - both represent good values and can serve well. Yet, party affiliation is a living reality when lawmakers get to Columbia - like it or not. So in this race, the difference maker may well be the candidate's side of the aisle. We know who holds the keys in Columbia. Campbell being a republican could, in fact, carry more weight in Columbia at the moment.

On that same note, democratic challenger John West has gone to great lengths to de-emphasize the partisanship of the election. Certainly West realizes that being a democrat in District 44 puts him at a disadvantage. Blogs have already noted that West's ads shy away from his party affiliation. To my knowledge, the only advertisement highlighting West as a democrat is a radio ad that seems to target some of the district's traditional "democrat" voters. The remainder of his campaigning has virtually ignored West's status as a democrat. This is particularly true in West's mailings. They make no direct statement that he is a democrat - at least not that I have seen.

What no one can deny - the effectiveness and just plain "wow" factor in John West's mailings. West's mailings are crisp and vibrant. Quite frankly, they are some of the sharpest political mailings that I have ever seen. Some voters may equate West's possible effectiveness as a legislator with the energy of his mailings, and respond in kind at the polls. They've highlighted West's pledged commitment to crack down on illegal immigration across South Carolina and his unwavering support of public education.

Final analysis - I'm supporting Paul Campbell. The way he carried himself last month did nothing but impress me. I am also still predicting Paul Campbell for the win. Campbell's momentum in the republican runoff is hard to ignore. West has certainly done everything conceivable to make hay while the sun was shining in the last few weeks - that means he will keep it close. I predict that West does exceedingly well in Moncks Corner, so there is a chance he could upset. Regardless of who wins - I still believe that with either man, Senate 44 is a "win-win" for the public. And I applaud them both for running truly positive campaigns.