THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS

To call what struck Steve Sawyer on the night of May 24 an “epiphany” might be overstating the moment.

Mostly what struck him, he said, were the fists and knees of Brandon Gaines, his opponent in their mixed martial arts bout in Alexandria, La. “He’s the best I’ve fought to date,” Sawyer said, drawing on his 18-month, five-fight (4-1 record) experience as a professional.

Amid the flurries of punches, kicks and other moves, Sawyer, 34, said he sensed a mutual respect, the recognition of two fighters who take seriously the “art” part of martial arts. (more…)

“People are ready for change,” challenger says amid contentious race in LexingtonSenate District 23

The GOP primary race for a Lexington Senate seat:
35 of 35 precincts — 100%
Jake Knotts (i) — 4,858, 45%
Katrina Shealy — 4,395, 41%
Michael Sturkie — 1,521, 14%

JAKE KNOTTS
- Age: 63
- Education: Midlands Technical College, 1975
- Occupation: Retired law enforcement officer
- Elected political experience: 13 years in the S.C. House and Senate (more…)

COLUMBIA — Senators questioned Thursday whether the state Highway Patrol has exceeded its mission by creating drug-interdiction squads and a SWAT team and allowing troopers to accompany college coaches as security during games.

“That’s not the scope of the Highway Patrol,” said Sen. Jake Knotts, a West Columbia Republican and former law enforcement officer. “Their duty is to patrol the highways and make the highways safe.”

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Remarks by Senator KNOTTS

Thank you Mr. PRESIDENT.

I’m not going to be very long on the podium today; however, I was sitting back there at my seat and I heard something that I felt very strongly needs to be addressed to this body. As you know we are accused of spending money in this body on all types of things—some things foolish, some things necessary. Sometimes we don’t spend money on things that money needs to be spent on. Today we’re debating the question of spending money to defend potential lawsuits on this prayer Bill, which budget the money will come from, what agencies will be responsible for defending this Bill. I don’t care how much money is going to be spent or what we have to do to defend this Bill or who is going to defend this prayer Bill.
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