STATEWIDE TOUR CONTINUES …

South Carolina Senator Tom Davis will travel to Myrtle Beach, S.C. next week to address a gathering of GOP women – an appearance that has prompted additional speculation about his 2018 plans.

Davis will speak to the Myrtle Beach Republican Women’s club this coming Tuesday (July 11). The gathering – which convenes at 11:30 a.m. EDT – will be held at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club (9000 North Ocean Boulevard).

The leading fiscal conservative in state government, Davis has made multiple appearances at local GOP gatherings across the state in recent weeks – fueling speculation that he may jump into the 2018 race for governor.

So far there are three announced GOP candidates in that election: Incumbent Henry McMaster, labor attorney Catherine Templeton and former lieutenant governor Yancey McGill.

Davis and another fiscal conservative candidate – current lieutenant governor Kevin Bryant – are frequently mentioned as possible GOP entries into the race.

Democrats? LOL … they’re nowhere.

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As noted in prior posts, Davis’ principled advocacy on behalf of taxpayers singlehandedly blocked an unnecessary gasoline tax hike in 2015 and 2016 – and nearly did so again this year.

Unfortunately for dirt poor Palmetto State motorists, the skids were greased against Davis this go-round – which we suspect will lead to predictable results for taxpayers.

Especially the poorer ones …

In addition to opposing this unneeded (and potentially unconstitutional) tax hike, Davis has argued passionately on behalf of structural and spending reforms at the S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT) – and has proposed abolishing the corrupt transportation infrastructure bank (STIB).

Davis has represented S.C. Senate district 46 (map) since 2008. Having been reelected to a third four-year term last fall, he could run for governor next year without having to give up his seat in the State Senate. Prior to being elected to the Senate, Davis was chief of staff to former South Carolina governor Mark Sanford.

Our guess? We don’t think Davis will run for governor …

First of all, he’s amassed considerable seniority in the State Senate in recent years – and stands to gain even more seniority in the years (maybe months) to come. Given that power in the Palmetto State is wielded almost exclusively by the legislative branch of government, Davis could soon find himself in a position where becoming governor would make him less influential.

Also, Davis has proved he doesn’t need statewide office to exercise the power of the bully pulpit – which is really the only useful thing about being governor (aside from the veto pen).

Having said all of that, who knows … maybe Davis will jump into the fray, especially seeing as he doesn’t have to give up his powerful Senate seat to do so.

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