Richland County, SC — I thought Gov. Nikki Haley was the queen of cronyism, but the Richland County legislative delegation has set a new standard. The stereotypical movie portrayal of politicians as bungling bureaucrats or hacks protecting ineffective appointees is being played in real life with the Lillian McBride saga.

Why is this woman being protected? Why is the delegation trying to deflect the issue of her incompetence by defaming the person who successfully managed Richland County elections for years? Sen. Darrell Jackson’s misplaced patronage is not surprising, but I am very disappointed in the rest of the delegation. Using the excuse that this was a “mistake” is an unacceptable explanation. How big a mistake does a government employee have to make to get fired? Oh. Never mind. I know the answer.

Bob Robinson

Columbia