Bauer endorses Dale Moore for First Lady

Endorsement not actually an endorsement except it is, says Lt. Governor

B & P News - Columbia

In a surprise move yesterday, South Carolina Lt. Governor and recent primary runoff victor Andre Bauer endorsed Dale Moore, wife of Senator Tommy Moore (D-Clearwater) for the office of First Lady of South Carolina.

“She’s the right person for the job,” said Bauer in an interview Tuesday evening at his victory celebration at an Irmo restaurant. “I don’t do endorsements, so don’t take this as an endorsement, but I endorse Dale Moore for First Lady of South Carolina.”

Bauer was pulled over – but not ticketed – for driving 101 mph on Interstate 77 in February.

As the news of Bauer’s endorsement spread throughout the state’s political circles, not everyone was pleased. Some think the Lt. Governor overstepped his bounds by endorsing Mrs. Moore.

“It’s just tacky is all it is,” said Jenny Sanford, the incumbent First Lady of South Carolina. “What business does the Lt. Governor have chiming in on who should be First Lady?”

Bauer was pulled over – but not ticketed – for driving 101 mph on Interstate 77 in February.

Some political analysts agree that the endorsement of Dale Moore was inappropriate.

“Popularly elected public servants should hold their tongues rather than meddling with the ceremonial positions in South Carolina’s not-really-government,” said USC political science professor Savannah Rivers. “Plus, you never know when endorsements like this can backfire.”

Governor Sanford said he had no comment on the Dale Moore endorsement, but will contact reporters with his opinion “as soon as it is given to [him].”

The State Newspaper contributed portions of this report.