The 2025 South Carolina State Senate freshman class has completed its first year, and it’s worth reflecting on their performance. The late Senator Hugh Leatherman, known for his long tenure and influence, once famously said that “freshman should be seen and not heard.” The idea was that new legislators should take time to learn the intricacies of the process, understand the importance of decorum, and realize that honesty and respect are crucial. It seems some of these new members missed the memo.
The Republican Caucus, in particular, has seen a shift. The “pesky women” who were sometimes a check on bad behavior have been largely replaced. The new class includes members who have already been the subject of several unflattering headlines. To paraphrase the popular Cher song, one might describe them as “liars, tramps, and thieves.” It’s a sad state of affairs when it’s difficult for a legislator to express pride in their service.
It’s noteworthy that if a woman had been accused of even a fraction of the misdeeds attributed to some of the new male senators, she likely would have been censured by her own county party. Women in the legislature have historically focused on issues such as child and family welfare, care for the disabled and veterans, and assistance for the elderly. They simply didn’t have time for the kind of “foolishness” that has dominated recent news cycles. While some women have faced unfair accusations, they were often replaced by men who seem to prioritize their own interests over the needs of their constituents.
For some, the best decision was to leave the General Assembly before this “circus” began. We pray for the good legislators who remain and continue to serve with integrity. However, this situation is also a wake-up call for voters. When less than 5% of the constituency votes, it’s not a victory but a sign of apathy and despair.
It’s time to take a hard look at who is running our state and who is responsible for the well-being of our families. It may not be who you think.
References:
- Carlisle Kennedy Sells Out to Trial Lawyers: This article from FITSNews alleges that Senator Carlisle Kennedy has been “bought and paid for” by trial lawyers. https://www.fitsnews.com/2025/04/16/bought-and-paid-for-carlisle-kennedy-sells-out-to-trial-lawyers/
- Matt Leber’s “Mistress Gate” and Fallout: FITSNews reports on the fallout from a political sex scandal involving Senator Matt Leber. https://www.fitsnews.com/2025/08/03/matt-lebers-mistress-gate-the-fallout/
- Lowcountry GOP Sex Scandal: A separate FITSNews article details a political sex scandal that has “rocked” the Lowcountry Republican Party. https://www.fitsnews.com/2025/08/02/political-sex-scandal-rocks-lowcountry-gop/
Senator Accused of Violent Threats: This article from FITSNews outlines accusations that a South Carolina Senator, who has had “previous temper issues,” made violent threats. https://www.fitsnews.com/2025/07/25/s-c-senator-accused-of-violent-threats-had-previous-temper-issues/
Drunken Threats at Radio Host: Another FITSNews report alleges that a South Carolina Senator lobbied “drunken threats” at a conservative radio host. https://www.fitsnews.com/2025/07/22/s-c-senator-accused-of-lobbing-drunken-threats-at-conservative-radio-host/
Senator “Boobs” Flips Off Protesters: A FITSNews article recounts an incident where a South Carolina Senator, referred to by a derogatory nickname, “flips off” liberal protesters. https://www.fitsnews.com/2025/06/16/south-carolinas-senator-boobs-flips-off-liberal-protesters/
But then, we get – and deserve – who and what we vote for, don’t we?
WHILE I BREATHE 