S.C. Lawmakers Consider Abolishing Near Useless Lt. Governor Position
- Posted on July 24, 2011 at 11:09pm by
Christopher Santarelli
- Print »
- Email »
As current South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Ken Ard is in the midst of an ethics investigation, a pair of lawmakers from each side of the aisle are advocating that the palmetto state rid itself of the position, saying it would save taxpayers up to $1 million a year. The State reports:
“‘I see no reason to continue that office at all,’ said Land, leader of the Senate’s minority party Democrats.
At one time, Land said, the lieutenant governor had political power. The lieutenant governor appointed Senate members of conference committees, which hash out differences in House and Senate bills. But the Senate took that power away from the lieutenant governor.
Now, the lieutenant governor holds a part-time job that pays $45,000 a year. He presides over the Senate and is in charge of the state Office on Aging and its $35 million-a-year budget.
‘That alone is proof that we don’t think it’s a necessary office, and the man does not have enough to do,’ Land said.”
Along With Republican Larry Martin, Land introduced a bill last session that would have abolished the office to save money while designating the head of the Senate as the emergency governor to ensure the gubernatorial line of succession.
As of the now the National Lieutenant Governors Association, which among other activities gathers at least two times a year to recognize the importance of the arts to the United States economy and organize trips to embassies so lieutenant governors can meet international diplomats, reports that all but seven states have specific lieutenant governor positions. Three — Arizona, Oregon and Wyoming — designate the secretary of state as their state’s No. 2 constitutional officer. The remaining four — Maine, New Hampshire, Tennessee and West Virginia — designate the president of the Senate as the successor-in-waiting to the governor if needed.
If you live in one of the 43 states with a lieutenant governor on the payroll do you know what he or she actually does? And if it’s something your state really needs?
Comments (36)
Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 583 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 413 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 410 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 374 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 366 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 410 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 413 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 366 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 151 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 410 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
gevan
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 10:28amIn NJ we just established the position having lost two governors to resignation in the last decade. She was appointed Secretary of State so she has some useful duties while waiting for Chris Christie to move on.
Report Post »ropati
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 12:02pmIt’s a good start. How many other useless positions do we have from the US Vice-President and First Lady to the local city hall? And how many useless AGENCIES do we have in the US? Cleaning house could potentially solve our financial problems.
Report Post »Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 2:50pmWe can also save lots of time and money by having states adopt unicameral legislatures. There’s no reason to have one house of a state legislature based on regional populations and another house of the legislature based on… populations. Does any state of the Union have a Senate or Senate-like chamber based on one or two representatives from each county (or parish if you’re a Louisianan)?
I live in Indiana. The Indiana House is pinned at 100 members. The Indiana Senate is pinned at 50 members. At our current population, each Representative represents about 65,000 Hoosiers, each Senator, twice that. What’s the point? Why not have a unicameral legislature with representation pinned at 50k per legislator with a population of 130 members. Less offices to support, quicker legislation, less time in session. If the population of the state ever grows to the point we get 150 legislators again (7.5 Mill Hoosiers), readjust the representational ratio to 60k Hoosiers per legislator and drop the legislature back down to 125 legislators.
All of the “specialized” functions of the Senate can be handled by committees.
Report Post »the hawk
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 7:08pmI hear ya man ! That makes to much sense!
Report Post »NEAF
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 11:51amWashington should go part-time pay, they already are doing part-time job. Let be fair and give them 60k at year. And for this president 80k, and that is because today I am in a good mood.
Report Post »Harvey
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 4:58amWhat does any of our politicans do to earn their money each day,most of them do nothing but try to convince the taxpayers how smart they are while showing us how dumb they are by opening their mouth.
Report Post »Fina Biscotti
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 3:14amReublican Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana – tried to abolish the Lt. Governor’s position – when Mitch Landrieu decided to run for Mayor of New Orleans.
Mitch is the brother of US Senator Mary Landrieu.
Report Post »EP46
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 6:26amI really respect Bobby Jindal. He has faced real problems and tackled them for his state. What I do NOT understand is that since his parents came here from India and were not citizens at the time of his birth, he is not eligible to run for president. But…obama who’s father was a British citizen (Kenya was not yet independent) at the time of his birth has been considered a NATURAL born citizen….he is NOT….he is a NATIVE born citizen, and NOT ELIGIBLE for potus under the Constitution.
Report Post »sissykatz
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 3:00amI have never known what the job of any VP is. It has always been just a title it looks to me. I know we have to have someone in line in case of emergency but it seems they have that taken care of. I for getting rid of all VP’s in states and the Biden Position.I mean really what does he do???? He could not possibly do enough to justify the cost of the house, salary, pension,security,plane, etc. Anybody can sit behind the Pres. and clap during speeches or sit elsewhere and sleep during speeches.
I ran an was elected as VP or the Beta Club in High school, simply because it had a title and no responsibility.lol I had too many other activities that were fun.Just wanted the recognition and it looked good on College Apps.
Report Post »Brasil2520
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:43amIN MEMORY AND MEMORIAL
John Milton – April 20, 1807 / April 1, 1865. Fifth governor of Florida
Rest In Peace, my friend.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu_iZJn5iKM&feature=related
Report Post »pwatkins
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:04amIf we got rid of Biden, the 400 zillion czars and all the hopeless beauty experts for Michele, Pelosi and McConnell(bc one leader for each is enough) we could probably be saving SS for our grandchildren to retire when they reach 55, feed all the hungry and send every child to college.. Of course we would have to get rid of Obama by impeachment bc he would only realize he more money to spend.
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 4:10amI can live with that.
http://www.allenwestforpresident.us
Report Post »Time for a real Leader!
Brasil2520
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 12:56amThe position of Lt. Governor, like the VP have another agenda, it helps win votes like when John Kennedy wanted to win the south, he had to have the help of Johnson to carry to south, secretly Kennedy hated Johnson.
When Rick Scott ran for Governor of Florida he spent, I think it was $80 Million of his own money, but still couldn’t win without the colored vote, so he picked a colored woman as Lt. Governor, it worked.
Rick Scott became Governor, and Florida had its first colored Lt. Governor.
On that same day, John Milton Governor of Florida 1861-1865 rolled over in his grave !!!
Report Post »After America lost the Civil war, John gave his final message to the state legislature, he said that yankees “have developed a charactor so odious that death would be preferable to reunion with them”
On April 1, 1865 he committed suicide.
RIP
spreadcommonsensenot pc
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 12:13amObiviously it was the 3rd “power-hungry in line who started this……
Report Post »4X4in
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 11:30pmGreat idea, here in California it is needed!
Report Post »Gavin Newsom, look him up!
Patrick in AZ
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 11:47pmIf I recall correctly, there was a movement to eliminate Lt Governors in favor of making the Secretary of State the # 2 slot for state leadership. I think it was a Soros funded movement. Maybe I am confusing it with something else
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:09am@Patrick in AZ — at least for AZ you are correct; the legislation would have invested the Sec State for AZ with the authority of a Lt Governor, and was pulled at the last minute when it was figured out that the Sec State also is the one who certifies the votes during the elections.
And that is something Soros has stated — (his own words) “You do not have to control the voters, just the ones who certify the votes.”
Soros has organizations seeking to get fourteen Sec States that have interests aligning with Soros and Obama in position for the certifications of the ‘12 elections. This sight should give you a start on finding out more.. http://spectator.org/archives/2009/12/04/soros-eyes-secretaries/#
Report Post »Zer0
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 11:30pmBrilliant!
Report Post »Mr. Oshawott
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 11:25pmA smaller, more limited government is more efficient and stable than a dominating government wielding excessive power.
Report Post »hersey10
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 11:35pmThe Lt. Governor title is the equivalent of having Joe Biden as VP , it’s non-essential , Biden uses the money to buy more failed hair plugs anyway .
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 11:47pmOur Founding Fathers set up the “Chain of Command” in Government. When JFK was killed there was the VP to take his place. The currunt administration rules are the “Command of the Chains”.
Report Post »Don’t lose the basic structure of Government or Cass will write a bunch of new regs and BHO will Executive Order them into law. Imagine if BHO writes into law that he is killed in an accident or whatever that Harry Reed is the new Pres. or Nancy P? Let the voters decide and the Consttution rule.
mwhaley
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 11:21pmAdd your comments
Report Post »Exrepublisheep
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 11:14pmGood idea.
Report Post »bikerr
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 11:11pmLess government is a good idea.
Report Post »drattastic
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 11:16pmBeat me to it BIKERR . Same here . BTW I Ride a FLHTCU Got to taxi the wife around.
Report Post »randy
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 11:18pmThat’s one sweet bike DRATTASTIC
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 11:29pmLess Government is always a good idea. But, if the Gov is killed in an accident we need a Lt. Gov to fill the spot immediately. BTW, I ride a 1983 Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans III.
Report Post »drattastic
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 11:43pm@RANDY
Report Post »Thanks my friend . It don’t matter what your riding as long as your out there with the wind in your face and all your cares somewhere way back there behind you .
drattastic
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 11:45pm@ THEMONK
Report Post »I have to admit I’m not familiar with your bike but it sounds like a classic.
randy
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 12:02am@DRATTASTIC I totally agree…….
I’m riding a 2006 Yamaha Road King Warrior
Report Post »http://www.holgamods.com/warrior1.jpg
The-Monk
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 12:05am@DRATTASTIC
Here’s some links with photos I bought the first one to enter the US from Italy.It sounds like a 1970′s Chevy V8 muscle car and rides like a *** crouch-rocket. 8K red-line, 0 to 60 in 3.9 sec in first gear (6 speed) 6 gal gas tank, 60 MPG @ 90 MPH. Front and rear air-adjustable shocks. 153 MPH top end but mine has some modifacations. Not too good for long rides on straight highways but very fun cruzin through the mountains of Va.
http://throttleyard.com/2010/12/17/elegant-brute-1983-moto-guzzi-850-le-mans-iii/
http://chasingmotorcycles.com/2010/07/12/1983-moto-guzzi-le-mans-iii-6500/
Report Post »drattastic
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 12:09am@ RANDY
Report Post »I Like It ,sweet paint.
drattastic
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 12:13am@ THEMONK
Report Post »Dude an 83 ,that bike looks fresh off the showroom floor . I’m getting a little long in the tooth for too much speed though ,LOL
The-Monk
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 12:44am@ DRATTASTIC
Report Post »That’s not my Guzzi. I didn’t know how to attach a photo in this post so I copied 2 links from the Internet. I’m also a bit long in the tooth for too much speed. Funny thing is that I bought mine for $4000 brand new and now used one’s are going for $6500. Not as good as Gold prices have gone but you can‘t can’t take gold for such a sweet ride around the block. If you can tell me how to attach a photo to this post I‘ll send one to you with me on my 83’ 850 LeMans III..Most bikes like this are kept in the living room or a nice garage. I don’t have a nice garage.
drattastic
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:07am@MONK
Report Post »I feel your pain my friend ,I’ve been trying in vain to upload my bike too. Think it needs to be at a web site or something. I’m no computer guru and neither of my computer savvy sons are answering my text messages at the moment ,so I‘m afraid we’re in the same boat. What I do know is an appreciating asset and it sounds like you have one . You got that right gold can’t take you around the block .
The-Monk
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:59am@DRATTASTIC
Report Post »Thanks. I am a computer guru type person and can fix most any problem with computers or Microsoft operating systems. I just can‘t do the web site stuff and I’m new to posting online. I don’t Twitter or Facebook or MySpace because of the security issues. So, here we are, I’d like to talk with you and the only way is for one of us to post personal info into the (WWW) Wild Wild Web. I don‘t want to do that and I don’t want you to do that either. This posting-chating stuff sucks. Can’t get to know you unless everyone knows you. Sucks. What ever happened to writing letters? My Grandmother is spinning in her grave. And Cass Sunstein is writing regulations to capture anything that is said on Glenn Becks websites. It’s late and I have to look for a job tomorrow. Good night my friend.