who's your candidate for prez?

Here's a pretty cool candidate picker for president. By the wording of the questions, I think a liberal put this test together. What do you think?

To take the test

McConnell: Immigration Constitution Convention

COLUMBIA — Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell is calling for a national constitutional convention that would give states the right to deny benefits to illegal immigrants and have them forced out of the country.

It is an unprecedented move that would first require approval by the S.C. Legislature, then 33 other states would have to sign on, and 38 would be needed to approve a constitutional amendment.

"I don't know where else to go," McConnell, R-Charleston, said Thursday. "It's really an act of frustration. The state is bearing the burden because of the power failure in Washington.

"The constitutional amendment would say that if Congress continues to refuse to act, then states would have the ability to act in order to protect themselves and their pocketbooks."

Read to full article: Post & Courier

Speaking during a recent news conference at the National Press Club, a past economic advisor to former California Governor Pete Wilson says the five million illegal aliens living in California are having a devastating fiscal impact on the state. Dr. Philip Romero, a professor of business administration at the University of Oregon, found that for every dollar an illegal alien in California pays in taxes, they are absorbing $8 to $12 in taxpayer-funded services.
"When you multiply that per immigrant number by the number of illegal immigrants -- which as I said has tripled at least in the last dozen years -- you get numbers on the order $10 to $40 billion costs to state taxpayers," stated Romero. "To put that in [a] national perspective, if you did that same estimate at the national level, you'd probably be talking between $100 and $150 billion."
According to Romero, the current federal deficit is "on the same order of magnitude."
The economist also estimates that one out of every seven Californians is an illegal alien with an average skill level of only three years of education. He says this "underground" population consumes about 20 percent of the entire state budget.
"So as a result, through three main programs -- through healthcare for the indigent, Medicaid; through education; and through the criminal justice system -- [state taxpayers] are paying very substantially more for the services provided to those immigrants than the taxes the immigrants pay," he explains.
Romero is one of four contributors to a new report titled, "The Illegal Population Explosion." The report estimates that between 20 and 38 million illegal aliens are currently residing in the U.S.

Pendleton gets a new bridge Central Rd (SC 140) over 18 mile creek

The South Carolina Department of Transportation plans to replace a bridge over 18 mile creek on SC 140 (Central Road)/S-93 (Nettles Road). The bidding process began in September with construction to follow in early 2008.

congratulations Massey!

Congratulations to Shane Massey in his resounding win in Aiken for SC Senate in the Republican Primary. Now let's not count our chickens before they hatch, he's got to win the General election, but I wonder if he'll join us in the William Wallace Caucus? The "Shake up Columbia" message may get disemboweled on the Senate Floor, which would qualify.

to read the article in the Aiken Standard

weathered "Bryant" window stickers everywhere

My good friend, Pete Landis, owner of the Corner Bagel Shop (corner of Boulevard & Greenville) placed a “Bryant” window sticker on his van 4 years ago. Knowing Pete to be a conservative, I’m sure he wanted to allow the sticker to complete its full lifetime until replacement. These are the types of supporters I have; hard working, frugal businesspeople. Folks that hate to see wasteful spending of any kind. A Christian family man, Pete's an elder in our church and a real asset to our community. I really appreciate Pete’s support, but I think he needs an upgrade. Anyone else that wants free window sticker replacement, please give me a call. I do onsite service!!

visit to HIV clinic

With the recent breakthroughs in treatment and research in HIV, it continues to spread at a staggering national rate of over 40,000 new infections per year. Even more shocking is that South Carolina ranks 9th in the nation in new infectious discoveries. Although there is controversy over the pandemic’s causes, HIV is a multifaceted issue with moral, educational, religious, and behavioral factors. On Tuesday I visited ANMED’s HIV clinic with several social workers, doctors, counselors and patients which gave me a better understanding of the disease. One encouraging statistic is that in 2005 only one child was born with HIV.

visit to TL Hanna Physics Class

I enjoyed a visit to Ms. Jane Allen’s Physics class today at my alma mater T.L. Hanna High School. The lesson and lab on static & kinetic friction was a tad over my head, but I followed anyway. Ms. Allen gave me a clue that may challenge these bright young minds. Does the stretchiness in the fishing line factor in the equation?

This experience was reminiscent of my physics class back in ‘89 with the late Mr. Phaille (the name fits).

Tim Tebow and Tony Joiner

I was watcing this last Saturday while working at the drug store. Does this kiss mean anything?

A pastor praying for me, How cool is this?

Got this e-mail recently from a pastor expressing his support in praying for me.
Dear Senator Bryant, As one of your constituents from the Powdersville area, I pray for you on a regular basis. However, today, God impressed me to let you know that someone was praying for you particularly. I am able to keep up with you on a personal basis through Dr. Steve Ellis who is a part of the church here at GCC where I pastor. We are proud of the effort you invest in our state and community. Thank you for serving us well. In the church, I know that it is very easy to get distracted by good things, as well as the challenges of the day. I pray that God will help you to focus on the best things where He could use you to have the most effective Kingdom impact. May He protect your family and guard your mind. May your grow in favor in His sight and the sight of men. May He give you discernment and courage to stay on the wall for a His great purpose (Nehemiah 6:3).

Art Fulks Pastor - Greenville Community Church

pink jump suits

The SC Department of Corrections evidently has a problem with inmates publicly exposing themselves in manners not appropriate. There is a court challenge to the 2 year old policy that punishes these offenders by making them wear pink jump suits. Naturally, a few nuts are clamoring to defend these inmates. I don't get it. Seems like to me the inmate has a choice. Follow the rules and choose your color.