Just how important are the statewide elections in S.C.?

Monday marks Election Eve. To some, it's already over. Absentee voters can just sit back and watch the results. Plenty of others, though, will be heading to their polls to vote yet again on the direction of this state. Either to continue in the decades of failure and misery by giving the GOP a clean sweep or redirecting the ship by electing Dems to statewide offices.

So, why should it be so important? You live with your decision that make in the voting booth for four years. A lot can happen during that time. A lot has to be dealt with from the previous four. In our state's case, a helluva lot has to be diverted from failure to prosperity. It is the GOP who has controlled this state for decades.

Democratic candidate Vincent Sheheen showed he had zing with his verbal punches in the debates. He had facts on side, too. This is why a majority of newspapers are endorsing him for governor. He has what it takes to deal with a potential GOP-controlled legislature. Haley, well, follows after Sanford. We've seen what that produces. The result these so-called teabaggers don't want: stalemate.

I also don't get why these seniors flock to the GOP by busloads when it is the same Party who wants to end entitlements they've paid into. I can't fathom how so many have fallen for such brainwashing while the GOP suckers them out of what they've earned in this state.

When it comes to the attorney general position, do you really want Joe Wilson's son? Really? As if you haven't had enough of Letterman, Leno and Jon Stewart running this state down due to careless elected officials? Why take such a chance when you have a dedicated and determined lawyer who will put this state and its people first over rhetoric and politics. Matthew Richardson knows what he is doing. How about elect the man qualified for the position this time, OK?

Frank Holleman is needed for public education. If Mike Zais gets into office, you can pretty much kiss public education goodbye. It's be so easy for GOP Chair Karen Floyd, Tom Swatzel and all the private-school voucher supporters to kill off what has already be decimated by Republicans for years. Fall for the rhetoric if you want, facts are hard to disguise. Walk into public schools and ask teachers. They'll tell you, and they'll tell you how afraid they are to speak up as well. With worries about their job, it's not hard to see the lack of focus needed on students. Teachers have a lot to deal with - something Nikki Haley and Mike Zais have no clue to - besides planning lessons. According to Haley, teachers should switch up and cook the kids lunch as well since we have too many of those around. Maybe during lunch, the teachers can issue tests as well - just wipe off the spaghetti sauce when done.

Do you realize just how close Floyd got in 2006? People on the Right bash current Superintendent Jim Rex all the time. Hell, I suppose the more they run their mouth it's hard to see exactly what the man has had to deal with.

The GOP in this state want to end government. Period. What they don't tell you is the are not willing to end their salary with it. No, they need to get paid demolishing what holds together this state and its people. But, when it comes crumbling down they'll still be in power, so whatcha gonna do!

Either vote to continue our demise or vote to start something brand new. Sure, it'll take time to turn the ship 180 degrees. But, are you all willing to invest?

Let's hope so. Vote Dem in all statewide races!