June 3rd, 2010

“In a lackluster field, McMaster stands out because of his record.”
To read the entire editorial board endorsement, click here.

“Of the four GOP candidates running for governor this year, Attorney General Henry McMaster is the one who seems most likely to be able to bridge the current gap between the governor’s office and the Legislature, and to make some real inroads in addressing the state’s serious problems. McMaster also is running on a solid record of achievement during his eight years as the state’s top lawyer.

“Notably, McMaster has been out front in the effort to resolve the dispute between North and South Carolina about upstream withdrawals of millions of gallons of water per day from the Catawba River. That case, which McMaster could argue before the U.S. Supreme Court, has broad implications not only for Upstate South Carolina, which relies on the Catawba as its main water source, but also for the entire region.

“McMaster also has been a fierce advocate for abused women and for prosecuting those who batter them. McMaster recognized that South Carolina has a particularly virulent problem with violence against women, and he stepped up to do something about it.

“But McMaster undoubtedly would be an enthusiastic cheerleader for the state, a talent that should not be underestimated. He is convincing in touting the state’s many assets, including its tech college system, tourist attractions, research universities and agricultural potential, including the possibility of growing crops suitable for use in producing biofuels.

He favors comprehensive tax reform — although he says the end result must result in no net increase in taxes. And he has interesting ideas about developing so-called “middle courts” and alternative sentencing for nonviolent offenders. …

To some extent, the choice of McMaster in this race was a process of elimination. Two opponents, state Rep. Nikki Haley and U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, offer generic ideas and no real evidence that they could overcome the current governor’s difficulties in working with the Legislature. …