6 Stories In SC Politics This Week: Texting, Haley v. Obama & Graham Looking Good

A texting and driving bill might have wheels in the state.

1. Graham has poll numbers, can he keep them?

Despite a growing opposition and a field of primary challengers, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham still has the support of many, according to a new poll. He earned 48 percent support of likely GOP voters in the poll, but not quite that from the Tea Party crowd.

The poll also gauged the support of Graham’s challengers, which ranges from 2.9 to 8.5 percent for State Sen. Lee Bright of Spartanburg, Easley businessman Richard Cash, Orangeburg attorney Bill Connor and Charleston public relations executive Nancy Mace.

But the race ain't over and it's no time to rest on any laurels. Otherwise, something like this could happen:

2. Lawmakers look to ban texting while driving in the state

As dozens of towns across South Carolina mull or implement their own bans on texting while driving, S.C. lawmakers are starting their own push to curb the potentially dangerous activity. Supporters of a ban have made the statewide push for over 5 years now. But opponents have successfully blocked it in the past, concerned about its effectiveness and potential overreach.

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3. Champion of bill removing all state regulations says that's not what he wanted

An amendment that would have eliminated any state regulation more than five years old was the result of "inartful" language, according to the amendment's champion State Rep. Todd Atwater, R-Lexington.

He said the clause was only supposed to apply to new regulations, which he wanted to have expire after five years if lawmakers did not vote to renew them. But instead the language was written so it would affect all existing S.C. regulations -- most of which are more than five years old.

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4. Haley v. Obama: Round 26? 27? We've lost count ...

Gov. Nikki Haley went to the White House and did not like what she heard about coming cuts to the National Guard, a service close to home. Haley's husband just returned from a National Guard year-long deployment.

Haley and other officials worry additional cuts could hurt the Guard's effectiveness, although hopefully not to this extent...

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5. Disclose income? Lawmakers balk but barge forward

A bill that requires more transparency from lawmakers, lobbyists and state officials is not transparent enough, according to its original backers -- now its biggest critics.

Gov. Nikki Haley wanted a higher tribunal to look after lawmakers' violations. Her likely opponent for governor, state Sen. Vincent Sheheen, wanted all income amounts to be disclosed. Neither got their wish.

We overheard one lawmaker say, "You want to see our bill? Hold up a mirror to the old law."

Are the changes that were made merely cosmetic? We'll have to wait and see.

6. Lucky number seven? Seventh Republican announces for education chief

The Republican field running for SC Superintendent of Education is getting crowded with the addition of a seventh candidate this week, Molly Spearman.

We like to think they are adding candidates to show that math skills really do matter.

7. BONUS: Legislators insult each other

Two lawmakers went above and beyond the typical, dull rhetoric while debating a minor bill that would make it harder for outside groups to sue over pollution permits.

Yes, this actually happened.