Who Was Helped More in Primary, Sanford or Colbert Busch?

The paths to the general election in the First Congressional District for Republican Mark Sanford and Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch were quite different.

Colbert Busch had token opposition in the Democrat primary while Sanford had to survive against 15 other Republicans and then Curtis Bostic in the runoff.

For a time. it appeared Colbert Busch might have tougher opposition. Bobbie Rose, who had run for the SC1 seat previously, declared her interest but then withdrew, opting to support Colbert Busch. Businessman Martin Skelly withdrew before votes were cast and also endorsed Colbert Busch. The only remaining obstacle for Colbert Busch was Ben Frasier, who some suspected wasn’t even a real Democrat.

Lachlan McIntosh, who ran Skelly’s campaign, said clearing the field was helpful for Colbert Busch.

“Considering it wasn’t even a real primary, turnout was pretty good,” he said. “It showed people are excited about her.”

The primary also showed that Colbert Busch could raise money.

But Michael Mule’, who ran Peter McCoy’s campaign in the Republican primary, was not impressed by what Colbert Busch did with that money.

“Sanford got more votes than she and did it while running against 15 candidates,” Mule’ said.

Mule’ said that Colbert Busch needed to show some less conservative Republicans she was viable. He doesn’t think she did that.

"(Colbert Busch) didn't do anything during the primary to make people believe she won't be in lockstep with President Obama and (Nancy) Pelosi,” he said. “Even people living under a rock know that Obama lost this district by 18 points last November.”

McIntosh doesn’t think Sanford was helped by the large field of Republicans.

“None of the other candidates put forth a coherent message,” McIntosh said. “They just attacked Obama and sent out nasty emails about each other. Sanford had the right tone and didn’t offend people. The bar was pretty low.”

Still, McIntosh wasn’t sure Sanford cleared it.

“(Sanford) didn’t do anything to repair his image,” he said. “His message of less government spending is the height of hypocrisy. He’s been living off the government teat for the last 20 years but wants to put a hammer to it.”

Well aware of SC1’s demographics, Mule’ wouldn’t be surprised if Colbert Busch brought in some big guns to improve her chances, but he thinks that could backfire.

"I strongly encourage the Democrats to bring Obama or (Joe) Biden down here to campaign,” Mule’ said. “It would all but insure a Sanford victory.”

McIntosh couldn’t speak to Colbert Busch’s plans, but he expects the Sanford team to pull out all the stops.

“I fear (his campaign) will run one of the most disgusting campaigns we’ve ever seen. I wouldn’t put anything the past him,” he said.

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