Dirty politics didn’t originate in South Carolina nor has the Palmetto State perfected the art.  Still, politicians in the state have subscribed to its use with an almost religious fervor.

The machinations of filth have shaped elections for generations and it isn’t gonna stop anytime soon.  And as much as pundits say the public doesn’t like negative ads and other low shots, they really do.  This is a culture that swarms to watch the first episodes of American Idol to see wanna-be’s crash and burn.  Speaking of “crashing,” it’s the potential for cars doing just that that makes NASCAR so popular.  So, yeah, folks like negative ads.

Of course, the problem is that in politics, the necessary debate on the issues is lost, especially when the negatives are unrelated to philosophy and address some personal foible.

Sarah Palin’s teen daughter’s pregnancy was used against the governor in last year’s presidential race.

Reports about South Carolina Lt. Governor Andre Bauer’s personal life have been publicized in an attempt to marginalize his campaign for governor (or Congress).

Oh, the argument is that it’s good to know about someone’s character because that tells you how they would govern.

As I’ve said before, not all manure is fertilizer – sometimes it’s just … manure.

There IS more to come.  It’s the political way.  There is certain to be reports about a candidate for some office involved in some scandal or scandalous activitiy or associated with nefarious persons.

Don’t believe it.  Better yet, ignore it.

And pay attention to those who DON’T engage in dirty tactics.  They’re the ones truly showing character.