June 22nd, 2010
“First, I want to congratulate Ken on a race well run and wish him well in the Fall. He ran a strong race and outlasted no less than seven competitors before it was all said and done.
“I want to thank the tens of thousands of South Carolinians who cast their ballots for me this past month. We worked hard, and we left it all out on the field. I especially want to thank the veterans and Tea Party folks who offered their support as volunteers and donors over the past sixteen months. The Tea Party movement may have suffered a setback tonight, but it is a strong movement that will continue into the future. I’m particularly grateful for the hundreds of friends we have made on the campaign trail these past months.
I also want to congratulate two of my fellow combat veterans on their victories tonight, Alan Wilson and Mick Zais. It is my profound hope that these are the first of a generation of combat veteran leaders to take office in South Carolina. We need that generation of leaders to get involved for the future health of our state moving forward.
Most importantly I want to thank my family, who has gone through 15 months of wartime separation and 16 months of a difficult campaign. I look forward to spending much more time with them in the coming days.
Finally, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for calling me to this great adventure. While we were not successful in this particular endeavor, I know that He holds my future, and the future of my family in His hands.”
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June 17th, 2010
I am proud that folks from around the state have joined up as our grassroots army. I thank them for their support and I look forward to serving as their reform minded, core conservative Lt. Governor.
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June 16th, 2010
WEST COLUMBIA, SC – In light of recent events on the Gulf Coast, [...]
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June 16th, 2010
WEST COLUMBIA, SC – As his campaign momentum crescendos to the runoff, Bill [...]
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June 14th, 2010
Spartanburg Tea Party, Sheriff Jimmy Metts, Congressional candidates Jeffrey, Grimaud endorse Connor
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June 13th, 2010
WEST COLUMBIA, SC – The Bill Connor campaign today released the following statement [...]
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June 10th, 2010
“Bill Connor is the kind of leader that South Carolina needs. He’s committed to the reform movement and will control wasteful spending, fight for government accountability and stand up for taxpayers. As we saw on Tuesday night, South Carolinians are supporting a new generation of conservative reformers. Bill Connor will join them with a victory on June 22.”
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June 10th, 2010
I am pleased that these candidates who are my fellow outsiders (and in some cases also my fellow veterans) have seen my commitment on the campaign trail day in and day out.
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June 8th, 2010
WEST COLUMBIA, SC – Bill Connor released the following statement after finishing a [...]
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June 7th, 2010
One day before the polls open, and we feel like we have all of the momentum and energy in this race
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June 4th, 2010
“For a non-veteran to make slanderous statements about a combat veteran’s service is unconscionable, yet typical of the slimy South Carolina politics we have seen so evident this week. Today’s attack was similar in form and fashion to last night’s racist outburst from Senator Jake Knotts, only without the alcohol excuse.
“I don’t believe that it is a coincidence that Senator Knotts has endorsed Larry Richter in this race. I also don’t believe that it’s a coincidence that a desperate Larry Richter would choose to make these attacks only four days before the Republican primary.
“This kind of behavior has become sadly typical of members of the political class desperately trying to hold on to their power. We have reached a point where losing Establishment candidates will say or do anything to smear their opponents. This must stop if we are to move our state forward.
“I call on the leadership of the Republican Party to join me in condemning these scurrilous negative attacks in no uncertain terms, and end the cycle of the politics of personal destruction in this state. Lee Atwater repented of his style of politics before he died; his followers need to do the same.”
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June 3rd, 2010
As the son of a wounded Vietnam veteran, I am particularly proud of the endorsement of the commander of the Vietnam veterans association in our state. As the head of the Office on Aging, I will endeavor to reach out to veterans and ensure that they, and all of our seniors, get the care they need.
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June 2nd, 2010
“I am proud to have the support of this terrific conservative organization. This is a group I have spoken to on numerous occasions over the past fifteen months, and I am truly grateful that they agree with my message of limited government and greater freedom. Thanks to all of the Board for their consideration and support.
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June 1st, 2010
Connor showing Upstate momentum
WEST COLUMBIA, SC – As the race for South [...]
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May 27th, 2010
Ericksen endorses Connor, who also wins Florence GOP Straw Poll
WEST COLUMBIA, SC [...]
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May 25th, 2010
WEST COLUMBIA, SC – Less than a week after picking up the first [...]
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May 24th, 2010
Once again, I am pleased to be endorsed by folks who understand that the Republican establishment has lost its way. These folks know that until we get back to the message of our Founders that our problems are not solved by government programs but by individual freedom, we will not see a turnaround in our society or our economy.
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May 20th, 2010
“I am very pleased to pick up the endorsement of one of South Carolina’s most reliably conservative newspapers,” Connor said. “I am pleased that my message of limited government, my running battle with the political Establishment, and my service as the first post-9/11 combat veteran running statewide in South Carolina has so thoroughly resonated with voters around the state. I look forward to finishing this campaign strong and working to lower taxes, limit government and stimulate economic growth, not government growth, as the next Republican Lt. Governor.”
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May 19th, 2010
Tuesday night’s election results show that voters are tired of career politicians and are demanding a return to our conservative, free market roots. I am proud to be the candidate running on that platform for South Carolina Lt. Governor, the first 9/11 combat veteran to announce for statewide office in South Carolina, and the only Republican candidate for Lt. Governor who is a true outsider. I am pleased to receive the support of folks who understand that message and agree that I am the right choice for Lt. Governor.
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May 17th, 2010
“As we enter the final three weeks of the campaign, I am confident that our message of limited government and a return to core, conservative, Constitutional principles will continue to resonate with South Carolina voters.”
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May 12th, 2010
As we get within four weeks to the primary, it is so encouraging to have this incredible surge of support from around the state,” Connor said. “I am pleased to be taking a lead into the final month, and that so many people have joined our campaign to regain control of state government.”
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May 10th, 2010
“As we wind down the final month of this campaign, I believe South Carolina’s Republican primary voters will choose proven leadership and our message of lower taxes and restrained government. I am proud to be able to run advertisements that highlight that quality and that messag.”
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May 6th, 2010
“National organizations like the National Republican Trust PAC and bloggers like Cory Truax understand that if the Republican Party is to regain power, it must regain it’s bearings first as a free market party, dedicated to conservative principles.”
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May 3rd, 2010
Lt. Governor front runner back to campaign trail after military duties, endorsed by [...]
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April 27th, 2010
“While I will miss being on the campaign trail for these five days, I look forward to my return on Monday, and to the final five week campaign sprint to the primary finish line,” Connor concluded.
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April 19th, 2010
“I am so pleased to have this surging momentum late in the campaign,” Bill Connor said. “This support, taken with the endorsements of Tea Party organizations around our state, makes it clear that my message of freedom and a return to Founding principles is resonating with the voters of South Carolina. We will continue to work hard over the last 50 days of this primary campaign to get that message out and work towards victory.”
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April 16th, 2010
Connor was presented a plaque commemorating the endorsement by Myrtle Beach Tea Party President Luke Towery at the event in Chapin Park. Towery noted that the vote to endorse Connor was unanimous. The crowd for the event was estimated at 1000.
Later Thursday, Connor was the only Lt. Governor candidate to speak at the Florence Patriotic Tax Day Tea Party, which drew a crowd around 500.
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April 14th, 2010
“During my time as Senior US Advisor in Helmand Province, there was one captain who showed more leadership and more tenacity than any other person under my command. Dylan Goff was a consummate combat leader in one of the toughest environments imaginable. I am so proud that Dylan has gone on to continued success back home, and I am extremely pleased that he was elected to the Board of Visitors of my alma mater The Citadel today.
Congratulations and Godspeed, Dylan.”
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April 12th, 2010
“I am so pleased to have these leaders join our campaign,” Connor said. “These are men who raised their right hands to protect our Constitution as I did twenty years ago. I am grateful that they see in me that same dedication to serving our country as I see in them. I am privileged to have their support.”
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April 5th, 2010
“As someone who came to Christ as an adult, it is very humbling to have this strong group of Christian leaders rallying to my campaign.”
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March 29th, 2010
I am truly blessed to have the support of these fine American heroes in this endeavor
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March 23rd, 2010
In response to the news that President Obama had signed the health care [...]
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March 22nd, 2010
WEST COLUMBIA, SC – As early polls, including most recently from Glen Bolger, [...]
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March 17th, 2010
Henry Jordan, the former President of the South Carolina Policy Council who ran for Lt. Governor in 2006, has endorsed Bill Connor… Kay McLanahan, the state’s first female SLED agent, joins the Law Enforcement Professionals for Connor coalition… General John Shuler, the Deputy Adjutant General and General Nelson Lacy, Commander of the State Guard join “Bill’s Brigade.”
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March 17th, 2010
Voting to use taxpayer funds for abortions is never appropriate. It is even more egregious when this same budget is severely cutting legitimate government functions like the State Guard, law enforcement, the prison system, and our state universities. It’s no wonder that a vote like this was taken in the dead of night, designed to remain hidden from the eyes of the voters.
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March 16th, 2010
“In generations past, many of our leaders have been proven on the battlefield before achieving political leadership,” Connor said. “From the Revolution through the Korean War, veterans played an integral role in our political leadership. It is truly an honor to be the first of what I expect will be a new wave of conservative post-9/11 veterans running for office in South Carolina.
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March 1st, 2010
“It is important in this race to have strong support from folks with a wide range of backgrounds. I am grateful to have that from law enforcement professionals to business leaders to legislators and GOP grassroots leaders. These folks know that proven leadership matters, and that I have the leadership experience and training to get the job done. I am particularly proud of the support of a groundbreaking Sheriff like Bruce Bryant, who was among the first in the nation to certify his department to directly handle illegal immigration cases. Sheriff Bryant has become a legend in the law enforcement community, and I am pleased to have him on the team.”
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February 23rd, 2010
Certain Senators are playing politics with the lives of children by delaying and filibustering this bill. I call on the Senate to end the delays and pass this important piece of legislation.
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February 22nd, 2010
At a time when unemployment in Florence County is up to 12.7%, spending $30,000 in tax money for a sculpture is an insult to the taxpayers.
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February 16th, 2010
“Bill Connor has all the traits – all the values – to make a great Lieutenant Governor. I am pleased to support Bill Connor now, in the Primary and in the General Election.”
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