McMaster leads in cash race; Templeton to return 'Irish Traveler' contribution
Banking an additional $740,910 from January through March, S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster is leading his Republican rivals in fundraising as he heads into the last stretch before the June 12 primaries with almost $3 million left to spend.
McMaster's chief rival, trailing not far behind with $2.5 million in the bank, is giving back cash from a group with a criminal history, after The State raised questions about the contribution.
The details are part of the gubernatorial candidates' latest campaign finance disclosures with the State Ethics Commission.
"This latest show of support further underscores that the momentum is on our side as Gov. McMaster's message of cutting taxes, instituting Medicaid work requirements, preventing sanctuary cities and growing our economy resonates with voters," said McMaster campaign spokesperson Caroline Anderegg.
McMaster fared better than his chief rival Catherine Templeton, who remains on the heels of the incumbent. The Mount Pleasant attorney and former state agency chief reported raising almost $558,000 for the quarter, leaving her with $2.5 million to spend.
GOP political newcomer John Warren, whose business lends money to real-estate investors, raised almost $660,000, most — about $500,000 — coming from the candidate himself.
Lt. Gov. Kevin Bryant, R-Anderson, reported raising $21,756 during the quarter and said he had $182,519 on hand to spend.
Former Lt. Gov. Yancey McGill, R-Willliamsburg, reported raising $8,720, finishing the quarter with only $423 to spend.
Fundraising reports for the three Democratic candidates for governor — Charleston businessman Phil Noble, state Rep. James Smith of Columbia and Florence attorney Marguerite Willis — were not available Wednesday. Some of the campaigns reported technical difficulties in uploading their reports to the State Ethics Commission's website.
Templeton gets 'Irish Traveler' boost
Republican Templeton got a campaign contribution from a group that has been in the news, most recently, for some of its members pleading guilty to federal conspiracy and financial fraud charges.
In its campaign finance report filed Tuesday, Templeton's campaign reported receiving $1,500 from the "Irish Travelers of North Augusta."
About 50 defendants, identified as Irish Travelers, have entered guilty pleas in a federal conspiracy and financial fraud case since 2016. North Augusta is home to one of the largest communities of the group, said to be descended from immigrants who came to the area in the 1850s. Over the years, some Travelers have been the target of criminal investigations into scams.
The address provided for the campaign contribution to Templeton is the same as a credit union located about 3 miles from Murphy Village, where many Travelers live.
Asked Wednesday about the contribution, Templeton spokesperson Mark Powell said the campaign is sending the money back.
“Like many candidates before, including (former S.C.) Gov. Carroll Campbell, (late U.S.) Sen. Strom Thurmond and Congressman Jeff Duncan, Catherine listened to the Irish Travelers about important issues facing South Carolinians," Powell said.
"Our campaign, upon filing our most recent fundraising report, learned that a donation from them contained reporting errors, including a proper address and contributor's name. In keeping with Catherine’s commitment to restoring trust in government, we will be returning that contribution in the spirit of transparency and openness.”
This story was originally published April 11, 2018 at 9:25 AM with the headline "McMaster leads in cash race; Templeton to return 'Irish Traveler' contribution."