SCORECARD: Up on election, recs; Down on Haley, McKnight

Thumbs up

Bright, Hodges in runoff. A packed slate of Democratic candidates who wanted to fill the seat left vacant after the murder of S.C. Clementa Pinckney is down to two people — Walterboro attorney and newcomer Margie Bright Matthews, who polled the most votes, and state Rep. Kenneth Hodges. The runoff is Sept. 15, which will be followed by a general election with the winner versus GOP candidate Alberto Fernandez on Oct. 20.

Domestic violence recommendations. A special gubernatorial task force has made more than four dozen recommendations to help the state combat domestic violence, including more 911 operators, better training, more shelters and better police documentation. Good work — now let’s just follow up and make it happen. More.

Thumbs down

Haley. While Gov. Nikki Haley’s team pulled out the stops to get national attention at a Washington press club event, it’s fairly obvious (even to non-cynics) that the real purpose was to launch the uber-ambitious Haley as a possible vice presidential candidate. While the governor has an economic record many may find compelling, people need to look deeper. There are so many other deficiencies in the Haley record that being on the presidential ticket would be a train wreck of tremendous proportions.

McKnight. Thumbs down to state Rep. Cezar McKnight (D-Williamsburg), fined $54,000 on Thursday by the Senate Ethics Committee for 31 unreported campaign expenditures and 23 unreported campaign contributions during a 2014 special Senate election. The committee, which also publicly reprimanded McKnight, also ordered him to pay $6,190 in previous fines by Sept. 30.

Harrell. The news just keeps getting worse for former House Speaker Bobby Harrell, who has been ordered by a legislative committee to repay $113,000 to the state general fund following his guilty plea on corruption charges.

Drought. Fingers are crossed that two thirds of the state — the part not along the humid, wet coast — gets some rain soon to protect crops and ameliorate the effects of a moderate drought.