Thoughts on my Anniversary

June 16th, 2010

Susan and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary last night.
Over our romantic dinner, we talked about meeting as college sweethearts, when I was at the Citadel and she was at Clemson, and getting married at Summerall Chapel, just days before I headed to Ranger School.
We’ve been through good times and tough times, particularly the 15 months of recent wartime separation, but our love has never been stronger.
Susan and I also talked about our three children, and our concerns for their future.
Our children have an uncertain future, one where our country is in the balance. Will we turn down the road [...]

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What They’re Saying About Bill Connor

June 1st, 2010

“Bill Connor is the kind of man heroes are made of.”

— Rita Cosby

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Connor statement on passing of John Finn

May 27th, 2010

WEST COLUMBIA, SC – In response to the news of the death of John Finn, the Navy veteran whose heroic actions at Pearl Harbor earned him the Medal of Honor, Bill Connor released the following statement:
“John Finn’s heroism, standing by his guns as the Japanese planes continued their strafing attack, is legendary.  John Finn and other heroes like him were examples to me growing up in a military family, and a major reason why I chose a military career.
“It seems fitting that as we head into the Memorial Day weekend, we pay special tribute to this member of [...]

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Memorial Day Thoughts

May 27th, 2010

With Memorial Day approaching, I am thinking about those I served with in Southern Afghanistan who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. In Particular, SSG James Bullard and SGT Ed Philpot. Both men were the first of our unit to make the ultimate sacrifice. Pray for Stephanie, Holly, Lily, and Ella Philpot. Pray for Amber and Hayden Bullard.

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Memorial Day Schedule

May 26th, 2010

As the first post-9/11 combat veteran to run for SC statewide office, this is a pretty big weekend.

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Time to beat the system

May 20th, 2010

Quote from a SCGOP insider:
“The SC Republican ‘establishment’ wants Ken Ard to be the next Lt. Governor.”
Great news! True conservatives are sick and tired of the so-called “establishment”. I will proudly continue to run as the anti-establishment reformer, dedicated to bringing our party back to core conservative principles.
Before we can reclaim our country we need to take back our party from the Establishment. Help me do that with your vote on June 8.

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Quote of the Day

May 14th, 2010

“Bill Connor is the kind of man heroes are made of.” — Rita Cosby, three-time Emmy winner, New York Times bestselling author, and author of the new book, QUIET HERO, a story about her father’s service in the Polish Resistance

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A Desperate Battle Pitting Pistols Against RPGs

May 11th, 2010

“We had to use our [Beretta 9mm] pistols because the M4 carbine was not practical to use out of the five-ton, … The cramped crew situation and firing outside of the windows was just not going to work. Thank goodness my holster allowed for a quick draw and I was able to reach out of the window, and aim my pistol to fire.”

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National Day of Prayer

May 6th, 2010

Friends,
I want to take this time to honor our National Day of Prayer and ask everyone to pray for our Nation, State, and troops overseas.  We, as a nation, rose to greatness because (as Alexis de Touqueville wrote in the 1830s) “America is the most Christian Nation on the face of the Earth”.  Our first President, George Washington, extolled the need for national prayer and thanksgiving to God.  He immediately signed off on a Congressional resolution for a national “Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving to God”.  Historic note:  Congress overwhelmingly passed this [...]

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Selfless Service

May 5th, 2010

I attended a moving memorial service this morning for CPT Jonathan Shively, who gave his life this weekend serving his nation and state in the SC National Guard. The service involved “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes and brought tears to the eyes of the hundreds present. CPT Shively’s example of selfless service is so desperately needed right now.

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Building the house

May 4th, 2010

I want to thank God for “building the house”. By the new (objective/scientific) Lexington Co. Poll: I have over 50% of the GOP vote there. This comes on the heels of an overwhelming victory in the Berkeley Co. Straw poll, 96% in the Greeville TEA party, and 80% of the Myrtle Beach Patriots (& M. Beach TEA Party endorsement).

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Polls, Polls, Polls

May 4th, 2010

Great to get some straw poll success in the past few days. We won the Berkeley County GOP Breakfast straw poll, the Greenville Tea Party straw poll, the first iteration of the WORD straw poll, and the Carolina Patriots straw poll. Also, a poll was done in Lexington over the weekend, and I won that one as well.
We have great momentum now – and we’re surging towards victory!

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Beginning the surge!

May 3rd, 2010

Though I miss being around those serving our nation in uniform, it’s nice to be back campaigning. The “surge” has begun! Started with an interview by staff of the Spartanburg H-T. Then off to “First Monday” in Greenville, before a number of meetings with business leaders. Will be speaking to a conservative group in Pickens Co. tonight.

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Back in SC, Ready to Sprint to the Finish

May 2nd, 2010

Tomorrow I will be campaigning hard in the upstate, and will step up the pace of my schedule. I see this as the time to “surge” all efforts, as we are only about a month away from the primary. I would like to ask all supporters to consider joining our “surge to victory”. This means phone bank calls, continued e-mails, letters to newspapers, etc. There is no time to lose in getting out the word. We will soon begin our statewide TV and radio efforts (in addition to other media sources). Any money contributed to the campaign at this point will go directly into advertizing to win. In many parts of the state, a $100 donation will mean two extra TV ads. All of this will directly contribute to our victory.

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Recharged for the road ahead!

May 2nd, 2010

I’ve just arrived back home from the 5-day military deployment/exercise. Taking to kids to church soon and so happy to be back home with the family. I’m “recharged” to get back on the campaign trail tomorrow. About a month to go in the race and I’m in the “sprint” mode now!

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Note from GA

April 29th, 2010

Great PT Test this morning. The fast last lap reminds me of the sprint to the finish we’re about to do on the campaign trail. Stirring to be able to salute the flag in uniform while the Anthem is played. Class prep work for the rest of the day. God Bless.

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Ad shoots and fundraising before military training

April 27th, 2010

In addition to a TV ad shoot and fundraising calls, I’m preparing for my military deployment out of the state. Susan and I will go on a date tonight, then off tomorrow morning until Sunday night. The campaign is going so well due to the overwhelming support of those who want a qualified “outsider” to fight career politicians/politics.

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Upstate support and military training

April 26th, 2010

Wonderful time speaking to a senior citizens group in Greenville. Heading soon to speak to the Spartanburg YRs. On Wed. morning, I will be heading to South Georgia for five days of military training. I could have requested to miss this due to the campaign, but it wouldn’t be right. Duty, Honor, Country.
Friends,
On Wed. morning I will be heading to South Georgia for five days of military training (starting wth a physical fitness test).  I will return on Sunday.  My fellow Lt. Colonels and I will be in our train [...]

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SCGOP “Silver Elephant” Banquet

April 26th, 2010

Susan and I had a wonderful time at the SCGOP “Silver Elephant” Banquet last night. Despite buying no tables to bring in voters, we did quite well on the straw poll. This evening I was honored to be invited (only Lt. Gov. candidate) by Milton Moore to an event featuring former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card.

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Visiting the various Offices on Aging around the state

April 23rd, 2010

Before my trip to Myrtle Beach, I’m beginning my statewide tour of the County Office on Aging HQs. Soon, we will be announcing a focused plan to visit all area offices on aging and the county offices on aging. When elected, I will work to form a partnership between the offices on aging and local churches and give focused help to vets.

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Campaign full steam ahead

April 23rd, 2010

Many calls and visits this morning as the campaign just continues to gain steam. Heading out soon to Myrtle Beach to be the keynote speaker to a GOP awards banquet. Can’t wait for Susan and I to attend the Silver Elephant Banquet tomorrow night in Columbia.

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Greenwood Team Party and fundraiser

April 22nd, 2010

Great evening in Greenwood with the Greenwood TEA Party then a fundraiser on my behalf. Massive support at the fundraiser by Greenwood business and political leaders. Heading to Myrtle Beach tomorrow.

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Heading to the upstate

April 22nd, 2010

Heading to Greenwood to speak to Business Leaders, then the Greenwood TEA Party. All friends are invited to a fundraiser on my behalf at the Greenwood County Bank, starting at 6pm. Hosted by Senators Danny Verdin and Billy O’Dell, as well as a number of business leaders from the surrounding area.
This morning, I thought of our troops fighting for our freedom as we enjoy the benefits of that sacrifice. As our Lord tells us: “Greater Love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his [...]

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on WLTX tonight

April 22nd, 2010

For those of you in the Columbia area, I will be on WLTX tonight around 7:15 (right after the weather segment). We taped the “Newsmaker” segment with Darci Strickland yesterday – great time!
I’ll be in Greenwood tonight – first at the Lakelands Tea Party organizational meeting, and then at a meet and greet at CountyBank on Main Street – hope to see you there!

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Great article

April 13th, 2010

I had a great chat the other day with W. Thomas Smith, a journalist with the Midlands Biz newsletter. The article is now up on their website and you can click here to read all of it. I’m proud to be the first post-9/11 combat veteran to announce for statewide office in South Carolina, and proud to be a part of the first wave of post-9/11 vets running as Republicans.

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ICYMI: What they’re saying about Bill Connor

March 25th, 2010

Bill Connor has all the traits – all the values – to make a great Lieutenant Governor.

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What a great week already!

March 17th, 2010

Saturday, I started the “Combat Boots” phase of my campaign. That morning, I put on the same boots I wore in Afghanistan and walked the Columbia St. Patty’s Day Parade (shaking hands with thousands). Those worn boots will go with me throughout the rest of this campaign. Then I was off to the SC National Guard Convention, and met with leaders from around our state.
Tuesday, I became the first candidate to file for statewide office.  Then, I drove to Summerville for a “Fair Tax” candidates forum. I was the only statewide candidate to attend and speak at this forum involving [...]

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One Year in.

March 4th, 2010

It has been exactly one year since the announcement! Another great day in the upstate. I started going door to door today and had a great discussion about aging issues with 84 yo Ms. Lois Maret (in her living room). Productive ($) meetings with donors in Anderson and great interview with the Newspaper in Seneca. Momentum continues to build.

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SCGOP over the weekend

March 1st, 2010

Great speaking to the SC GOP executive committee meeting Saturday. What incredible support from the GOP County Chairmen and Ex. Com. Afterwards, I drove upstate to spend time with Susan and the kids “away from it all”. Good time to catch up on kids homework and take Susan on a date.

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Greenville Tea Party, One Year Later

February 22nd, 2010

About this time last year, I spoke at the very first TEA Party in the history of South Carolina. I was just back from Afghanistan and spoke to thousands in Greenville. I was so motivated by the movement to bring our state and nation back to the Constitution and the GOP back to true conservative values.

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Spears and the Guard

February 16th, 2010

Great visit with the South Carolina National Guard today. The senior leadership gave me a good update about Guard issues to consider as Lt. Governor.

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New TV Ad

February 14th, 2010

I am really proud of the new ad.  Thanks to the guys who put it together.  Check it out – it’s on the Multimedia page!

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For the good of South Carolina

February 12th, 2010

Have some supporters and staff working up a very interesting addition to the LT. Governor’s office that relates to my military background training law enforcement. I’m looking forward to making that proposal as we get closer to the election. It’s clear that the next Lt. Governor will need to work as a team with the Governor in all aspects for the good of our state. I’m looking forward to doing just that.

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Midlands Day

February 11th, 2010

Great day visiting with Midlands senior citizen groups. In particular, wonderful Bible Study luncheon with Kay Mac and a number of Pastors and senior Citizens in Columbia. Much work to be done to help streamline the office on aging and make it even better.
Finished up with the Cedar Creek precinct organization in Aiken, talking about economic development (not just industrial development) and the importance of not raising taxes.
Big news tomorrow – check back!

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Point of sale reform and a Midlands Meet

February 10th, 2010

Good news for the SC economy. Legislature has passed a bill offering relief from the unfair “Point of Sale” tax on real estate. In 2010, 2nd homebuyers will be completely excepted from POS taxes. After 2010, they receive a 20% tax exemption. I believe we should end POS permanently, but this is a good start.
Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Bob Murray and Midlands Business leader Bill Dukes are two of my honored guests for tonight’s Columbia Fundraiser (5:30-7:30pm, 1021 Briargate Circle, Col). Ralph Taylor, Pres/CEO of SC 1st Choice Mortgage, is putting on this event and I am looking [...]

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Greenville Monday

February 2nd, 2010

Spent a great day in Greenville. Started with meetings, then attended the “First Monday” luncheon. Had a wonderful time speaking to the many Republicans attending (support for the campaign is overwhelming). Finished the day at the Greenville GOP Executive Committee meeting. Again, chance to speak with dedidated GOP and Tea Party activists.

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SCACS and Sun City

January 29th, 2010

I believe tax hikes are never the right answer (whether voted in by council/legislature or pushed onto voters by referendum). As President Reagan used to say “More government is not the answer to the problem, more government is the problem.”

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God Bless Tim Tebow

January 27th, 2010

God bless Tim Tebow and his family for standing up for the unborn. A pro-life commercial during the Super Bowl seen by untold millions!! Predictably, the ultra-Liberal National Organization for Women is attempting to squelch the ad. Everyone say a prayer that this commercial runs and that many babies might be saved as a result.

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Radio, meetings, Richland GOP

January 26th, 2010

Had various meetings, a radio interview with The Citadel Broadcasting Network, and many fundraising calls. Stopped in to the Richland GOP meeting this evening before heading to lead a Bible study at the Asbury Church.

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Weekend Review

January 25th, 2010

Saturday, I had a great time speaking to a “standing room only” crowd of Conservatives in North Myrtle Beach. This was mostly Republicans of the North Myrtle Beach GOP club, but many from other various conservative groups like Fair Tax and TEA Party. Then I went on a date with Susan upon our return to Orangeburg.
On Sunday, we heard a message on John 12:24,25: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and [...]

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