A simple bill to discontinue recognizing common law marriage is being filibustered by Sen. Rankin (R-Horry). A common law marriage is when the state recognizes a marriage when 2 people are “shacking up” for a certain period of time. I really don’t understand. Last year we voted almost unanimously to define marriage between 1 man and 1 woman. Now we are second guessing God’s most sacred institution. On a related issue, below is a draft of the bumper sticker that will be used to help gain support for the marriage amendment that you will be able to vote on in November. The SC Constitution will define marriage and voter approval is required. Do ya’ll like the design?

Taxpayer’s Association straw poll results
Gov: Sanford 77.60%, Lovelace 22.40%
Lt Gov: Jordan 36.80%, Bauer 36.80%, Campbell 26.40%
Treas: Ryberg 54.60%, Quinn 21.00%, Willis 14.30%, Ravenel 10.10%
Sec of St: Hammond 71.00%, McKown 29.00%
Sup of Edu: Floyd 71.10%, Staton 12.20%, Moffly 6.30%, Wood 3.10%, Ryan 2.30%
Ag Comm: Bell 65.30%, Weathers 34.70%
House 7: Harvell 86.90%, Gambrell 13.10%
House 8: Bowen 66.40%, Martin 33.60%
Council 1: Crowder 54.10%, Waldrep 45.90%
Council 3: Hilley 85.10%, Greer 14.90%Council 4: McAbee 49.50%, Renna 34.00%, Price 16.50%
Council 5: Gilmer 44.10%, Cothran 27.10%, Thompson 15.90%, Holden 9.90%,
Council 6: Wilson 76.10%, Dees 15.40%, Freemantle 8.50%, Council 7: Wilson 85.00%, Ashley-Barnes 15.00%

The Anderson County Republican Party will be hosting an old fashioned stump meeting at the Anderson County Farmers Market on Monday Night. Meet and greet at 5PM, the speeches will start at 6PM. Most state-wide and local candidates plan on attending.

I could not say it any better myself! Greg Ryberg on gas tax relief:
“This week I proudly supported Governor Sanford’s call to suspend the state gas tax over the next several months. It is estimated that this tax suspension will bring $134 million in relief to South Carolina taxpayers while encouraging tourism in our state. With gas prices on the rise and many of us paying nearly $3 a gallon, this tax relief is welcomed with open arms.

Additionally, this relief will help businesses as well as consumers. As gas prices rise, businesses are forced to pass along that absorbed cost to consumers. So not only are consumers feeling the pain at the pump, but they are also seeing rising costs at the checkout line. Suspending the gas tax will give our economy a boost and keep us all moving through the summer months.

This year our state government ran a $425 million surplus. I believe South Carolinians are overtaxed and I am committed to fighting for tax relief at all levels. It’s time we return more tax dollars to hard-working South Carolinians. After all, it’s your money.”

Senator Greg Ryberg