Laurin --

I don't like mudslinging any more than you do.

It's not the kind of person I am, and it's not the kind of campaign I'm running. I'm tired of the bickering and name-calling in South Carolina politics, but I can't let negative attacks go unanswered. You deserve to know the truth, and others do too. That's why I'm stepping up to address the mudslinging coming from my opponent in the Democratic primary, Dwight Drake.

And I need your help. Join me as a member of our Truth Squad. Mr. Drake's attack today may be the first, but it certainly won't be the last. The Truth Squad will get the latest information to push back on mudslinging and dirty tricks from our opponents.

Government reform is an issue about which I care deeply. I've fought for increased accountability and transparency in government as long as I've served in the General Assembly -- including structural changes that would provide true transparency and accountability at the Employment Security Commission. A year ago, I joined 18 of my Senate colleagues, Republican and Democrat, in requesting an immediate and detailed audit of the Commission’s assets, procedures and management controls. (That report was finally made public earlier this week.) In February of 2009, I authored an op-ed in The State citing my concerns about the Employment Security Commission and arguing for fundamental structural changes that would provide true transparency and accountability.

Mr. Drake's accusations today are baseless and desperate, and, like you, I am disheartened that the mudslinging has begun in this race. You deserve better, and our state deserves better. In order for us to move forward and fulfill South Carolina's promise, we have to be honest with each other and work together -- not attack one another.

Will you join the Truth Squad?

Our current governor drew international attention and ridicule for his lies. We can't afford another four years of a governor who plays fast and loose with the truth.

Thank you,


Vincent


PS - The best way to combat mudslinging is to let our opponents know it won't be tolerated. I hope you'll join the Truth Squad and help set the record straight.