Poll: Hefty Cost for McConnell Security

A four-man state security detail for new Lt. Gov. Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, could cost taxpayers roughly $442,000 annually, according to media reports out today.

The funding for four new SLED agents is included in the senate budget under debate now.

McConnell isn't the first lieutenant governor to ask for the security detail, but his  request for the protection has raised questions.

"It's insane to spend half a million dollars on security for a part-time Lieutenant Governor who is only in charge of the Office on Aging," said Tyler Jones, a Democratic political consultant. "Who is he afraid of, the nursing home mafia? This is just more evidence that Republicans aren't who they say they are when it comes to being good stewards of the taxpayers' dollars."

There might be some need, but the price tag seems high, according to one budget hawk.

“Even if they feel they need to do something, do they have to spend a half-million dollars?”, John Crangle, executive director of S.C. Common Cause, told the newspaper. “Some of these people have an imperial mentality like they have to have the Praetorian Guard accompanying them."

Former Lt. Gov. Ken Ard, who left office earlier this year amid a criminal campaign finance indictment, did not use the security detail. His predecessor Andre Bauer did opt for the protection. It has been used off an on by lieutenant governors since 1978, the newspaper reports.

Read full coverage on the security detail on PostandCourier.com.