SCGOP: Democratic Mailer Against Sen. Courson 'Gutter Politics'

A mailing by the S.C. Democratic Party showing Republican state Sen. John Courson (District 20) asleep in the Statehouse chamber is being called "gutter politics at their worst" tonight.

Courson, who is facing a Democratic challenger in Robert Rikard for the first time in 12 years, missed several big votes, according to the back of the mailer.

But it's the photo on the front, taken by outgoing Democratic state Rep. Boyd Brown of Fairfield County, of Courson asleep that's getting the most reaction.

"This recent mailer is gutter politics at their worst," said SCGOP executive director Matt Moore in a statement. "Voters in Senate District 20 know better. Robert Rikard and Dick Harpootlian have made careers out of suing small businesses. John Courson has spent his Senate career working across party lines to get things done. He's Senate President for a reason.

"Democrats and Republicans alike respect his leadership and service to both our state and nation."

Amanda Loveday, executive director of the S.C. Democratic Party, said it's "ironic" that Republicans are claiming questionable political practices. She said the Courson campaign has leaked plenty of information to the media about Rikard.

She said when Courson was elected against an imcumbent nearly three decades ago, he said it was "time for a change." Now, Loveday said, it's time for Courson to take his own advice.