So maybe I missed the big time, but I’ve still got my old sidekick Andy Gobeil, and he’s no slouch, as evidenced by this scoop he’s touting:
For Immediate Release
July 10, 2007During Exclusive Interview
With ETV’s "The Big Picture"
Former Sen. Tommy Moore Says He Understands New Job May Raise Questions
But That "I Came in With Credibility and I Am Going Out With Credibility"Show Airs Thursday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Columbia SC…During the taping of an interview at ETV studios Tuesday, in response to a question from "The Big Picture" host Andrew Gobeil, former Senator Tommy Moore (D-Aiken) said he understands how some might question the new position he has accepted, as executive vice president of the Community Financial Services Association of America, since legislation to ban payday lending never came to pass. Nonetheless, Moore said that he is guilty of no ethical violations by accepting a job with a national payday lending trade association ."The bill came before (the) judiciary committee because it had a criminal penalty and it went back to banking and insurance. I voted to bring it out of committee, it was not in my subcommittee. In fact, in ’99 I believe it was, I voted to regulate the payday lending, so obviously, it has to look right and be right. But I did not entertain any written offer from the association till after we adjourned, and even after I resigned, to make sure that there was no ethical violations. So, I know that sometimes folks want to think what they want to, but I came in with credibility and I am going out with credibility."
Still later, during the interview that will air during the Thursday, July 12 episode of "The Big Picture" at 7:30 p.m., the onetime candidate for governor said, "I don’t blame anyone for having their antenna raised-that’s fine, but it’s an offer…I did not even receive a written offer until after I had adjourned. "
In response to another question by Gobeil, Moore said that some accounts that say he is going to be a lobbyist have gotten things wrong.
"I am not going to be a lobbyist, as some folks have reported. And even in that, I will not be involved in anything as far as SC is concerned for a year, even though I am not going to be a registered lobbyist."
Moore says his new job offers a great new opportunity for him and his family: "My wife and I have always wanted to broaden our horizons, shall we say, and Alexandria (VA) is such a beautiful city…I’m looking forward to another part of life."
As he leaves office, Moore cited two crowning achievements: "…I tried my best to make sure that I understood issues..You depend on other legislators to carry the ball a lot of times, but anything I was involved in (was) something I wanted to make sure that I understood the best I could."
And secondly Moore pointed to his record on constituent services. "Being there to answer questions. To be responsive. To channel people through the process…Folks back home would say ‘This guy cared about us. He was there. He was responsive. When we needed an answer, he was there to give it.’ "
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He is missing the point. It never crossed my mind that there might have been an ethics violation (although it does seem an obvious question to ask).
How does he not see that the problem is in working for the payday lending in any capacity, even a fully legal one? If he truly cared about his constituents, he never would have considered the offer.
I forgot to add my two bits on the “newest first” sorting of comments. I think it was much easier to read the way it was before. If I’m just starting to read a post and there are already fifteen or twenty comments, it’s much easier to just be able to go down the page, rather than starting at the bottom and going up.
Anybody agree with Wally (below)? Let me know; I can change it back.
Of course, the fact that I think I have to say “below” in parentheses sort of argues in favor of what he’s saying…
I love how he says he never accepted a written offer. what about a wink/handshake offer? I’m sure he spoke to someone regarding his new position prior to leaving office. Also, why not finish a commitment to your voters and finish your term? Good thing he isn’t gov!
I agree with Wally — and anyone else who says you’re all backwards now and need to straighten yourself out.
Yeah, it’s a good thing he’s not the governor. And it’s too bad the other guy is. Oh, the choices these parties give us…
Regarding the "written offer" thing: I like the way the announcement said they were hiring a "former" senator, like he wasn’t pretty sure he was to be hired before he quit. Technically, legally correct, but…
Hey, y’all remember back when ol’ Tommy Moore was in the Senate, way back when? When was that? Let’s see, this is 2007, so it must have, uh… Saturday?
The whole thing is a little greasy, as they say. I expected more from Moore.
I like it the old way — oldest comments on the top, and you read down for the newest ones.
OK, three votes — that’s enough for me. I’m switching it back, right now. Or, at least, as fast as the blog can “republish.” See you in the a.m.
I worked for the Moore campaign as the Senator’s driver. He is a class act, “Miss Dale” is as fine a person as they come, and their sons share their parents best traits. While I disagree with the payday industry, I do not fault Senator Moore for taking that job. After losing the gubernatorial bid, why not try something else? That loss was as high as his political career was ever going to go.
Now, in his early fifties, he gets a new start in Virginia making a good living for his family.
Instead of criticizing him for leaving, thank him for all he has done for the people of South Carolina, especially those (majority poor) in his district.
Remember where he came from, or go visit Clearwater, Burnettown, or Bath and then tell me you wouldn’t take that job. With the Graniteville Mills closing, half his boiler business is going out the door (so I’ve been told).
As the old saying goes, don’t judge another man until you have walked in his shoes. Y’all should be ashamed of yourselves. There is more to life than just politics.
Not that big a loss. The guy never really impressed myself.
Boyd….i don’t feel anyone is knocking the guy for taking another job its just the timing of which he took it. Why not finish the job that the people voted you to do? Its one thing to quit/resign from a job but it is another to quit from an elected position during your term. I just think it shows a since of selfishness.