Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009

Drake joins quest for governorship

Dwight Drake, a lobbyist and former staffer for Gov. Dick Riley, Tuesday joined the race for the Democratic nomination for governor.

Drake, 64, is a fixture in Columbia politics. Earlier this year, he helped lead the lawsuit that forced Republican Gov. Mark Sanford to accept $700 million in federal stimulus money.

Drake also comes with large questions about his lobbying clients — tobacco companies, payday lenders, toxic waste companies, video poker and others.

Lobbyists have garnered mixed results as candidates. Mississippi voters elected Republican lobbyist Haley Barbour governor in 2003 and 2007. However, Virginia Democrats rejected Terry McAuliffe for their party’s nomination earlier this year.

Drake said he will focus on jobs and education.

“A governor ought to wake up in the morning thinking about jobs,” Drake said, adding he played a role in bringing German automaker BMW to South Carolina. “And progress runs by the schoolhouse door.”

South Carolina has a 12.1 percent jobless rate, fourth-highest in the nation. The state also is struggling to improve its inconsistent schools.

Drake’s candidacy adds a veteran of the give-and-take of State Housedeal-making to the Democratic field. The other candidates are state Sen. Robert Ford and attorney Mullins McLeod, both of Charleston; State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex, of Columbia; and state Sen. Vincent Sheheen, of Kershaw County. House Minority Leader Harry Ott, of Calhoun County, also might run.

Trav Robertson, a veteran Democratic campaign adviser currently unaligned with any of the candidates, said Drake’s lobbying history is a gift to embattled S.C. Republicans. Drake’s clients include Altria, parent of tobacco giant Philip Morris, video poker interests and garbage companies that bring toxic waste to South Carolina.

“Republicans have to be jumping for joy,” Robertson said. “Drake will take the pressure and scrutiny off of Governor Mark Sanford and his problems.”

Robertson noted Drake’s efforts to kill an increase in the state’s cigarette tax, the nation’s lowest.

Democrats have a unique opportunity in this election, said state Rep. Laurie Slade Funderburk, D-Kershaw, but Drake “is not the one to lead that charge.”

“Drake cannot allay legitimate concerns about his ability to fairly represent the best interests of the citizens of this state in any issues that involve his controversial clients,” Funderburk said in a statement.

Drake defended his lobbying work, saying it has given him the experience needed to get things done as governor.

“I’m proud of the work that I’ve done representing clients in the courtroom and the Legislature,” Drake said. “I have the kind of experience that none of them (the other Democratic candidates) have. None of them have the ability to get things done that I have.”

Columbia attorney Dick Harpootlian, a former S.C. Democratic Party chairman and Drake ally, said Drake — a Vietnam veteran — brings muscle to the race.

“They’re (other Democrats) not the kind of tough people we need for these tough times,” Harpootlian said. “Dwight is.”

Drake is also bringing in D.C.-based New Partners Consulting, the political team that helped President Barack Obama win the S.C. primary and Democratic nomination.

Former Gov. Riley declined to endorse his former aide, as did former Gov. Jim Hodges; both are Democrats. However, Hodges said he thinks S.C. voters will look for the “adult” in the race.

“People are making a mistake if they discount someone because of what they do for a living,” Hodges said.

Democratic operative Robertson predicted Drake will be a tough candidate, adding he is known around the state.

“Dwight is extremely intelligent,” Robertson said. “He’s got a lot of ties to a lot of people.”

Reach O’Connor at (803) 771-8358.

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