No, I haven’t switched parties. I still support every Republican candidate for office on the 2010 ballot except for this one, and hope to see many of you at future party events.
However, I have known Ed Clements for many years and know his character, his qualifications, his positions on the issues, and his accomplishments in the office of 12th Judicial Circuit Solicitor. I gladly endorse Ed Clements for reelection as Solicitor.
Please check out Ed’s website, www.reelectedclements.com and read about his viewpoints and his record as 12th Judicial Circuit Solicitor.
Recently I was privileged to sign a letter of support as one of the coordinators of Republicans for Clements. This letter was addressed to many Republican voters in Florence and Marion Counties. Excerpts are posted here: Republicans for Clements letter.
From the letter: “It is also important to note that Ed Clements has always tried to set the right example for our community by running a totally positive campaign. In this age of negative campaigns and attack media, Ed’s positive approach is refreshing.”
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FYI: Because of my public support for a candidate of another party in a contested election, in accordance with the South Carolina GOP Rules I have had to resign from office as Secretary of the Florence County Republican Party and as Committeeman for Delmae I Precinct.
Mrs. Cox, I would offer up some effusive praise for you, but I don’t want to sully your name by extending praise from a commie, criminal defense lawyer. Suffice it to say, I will simply state that if there is anything in this country that should go beyond personal political beliefs, it is our criminal justice system. For that alone, you are to be commended.
I have been shocked at the things that have been said to slanderize Ed. He is such a good person and he comes from a great family. The smear campaign that was talked so much about in the Obama election has made it to Florence. I am a republican because I have republican or conservative values. I also know better than to let a party make that determination for me. It is called being your own person and obviously there are alot of conservatives that have been pulled in on the great Florence County train that Ms. Parham is the best one for the job when she is not. Use common sense and vote for the right person and not the party. Thank you Ms. Coxe for taking a stand when there are so many that are afraid to do so themselves. As I have said earlier this week. It is much easier to put one down and than it is to raise yourself up in this situation. I was hoping that the local conservatives would have been above that. Ed is a great person and has done an outstanding job. I greatly appreciate all he has done for our community!
Ms. Cox,
Just when I struggle to find anything redeemable about politics and the way in which people seem to abandon their own personal beliefs for blind party affiliation, I found your blog. This country, state and county would be a far better place if more people exhibited the kind of courage demonstrated by you. I regret that you had to resign from your position within the Republican party because in my opinion, we could use more people like you, not fewer. Thank you for your inspiration.
I have known Ed Clements for about three years now. I have seen in the capacity of a father, friend, and councillor. He is a man of charactor and integrity, he also holds to strong Christian values. In those three years I have never seen him be anything but honorable. There is no doubt in my mind that he has done an outstanding job in his 12 years. I believe the right thing to do is vote for the person best suited for the job, and put party politics aside.
Chris Archondous
Bette, Although I have known you for a relative short time, I have considered you “one of the good guys”. More than once I have commented that “I wish we had more people like Bette Cox”. I have made the statement Bette Cox is a good Republican, a wonderful writer, a tireless worker and a true leader. I’m sorry to say, I was absolutely right! I’m sorry because your loyalty, your friendship, your ethics and your willingness to have your own beliefs (and the nerve to exercise those beliefs) have costs FCGOP a person that we need on the Executive Committee. I’m proud to know that there are people that still belief in doing what they feel is right, regardless of the costs. While we may not always take the same political position or support the same candidates (as in this case), I support you in exercising your right of choice. I know you are a true Republican. I thank you for all you have done for the party. I look forward to working with you for the party, for this county, for South Carolina, for America.
I have known Ed most of my life. Even as young boys together he ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS, held himself to a higher moral standard. I too am more aligned with a different political party, but the party does not serve us. Men do. I give my support to Ed Clements without reservation. And on a more common sense pragmatic note, we are all better off with Ed prosecuting criminals than defending them! I never would have thought that the smear merchants would attack Ed. It is foolish. He is above reproach. I do not believe he will not stoop to dignify the attacks by responding. Do not mistake his acquiescence as an inability to fight. Sometimes right is better served through patience.