Stephen Colbert denied S. Carolina presidential ballot :: Culture News :: Articles

When this story was initially being written, Stephen Colbert had announced that though he had declined entrance in the South Carolina GOP primary, he had sent in the money necessary for the Democrats and was well on his way to the White House. What a difference six hours makes in the world of politics. Or entertainment. Or some weird mix of the two that doesn't quite have a word yet. Politainment?

In any case, since then, the Colbert campaign has taken some serious body blows. State party chairwoman Caren Fowler said that the executive committee voted to keep Colbert off the ballot: "I think this committee that votes took their responsibilities seriously. Our rules are pretty specific about what makes a legitimate candidate." Those rules being that that each candidate be acknowledged or recognized by the media as a viable nationwide candidate and that the candidate is actively campaigning in the state."I think they thought maybe that you're not quite ready to be president," Fowler said to Colbert. This has struck the talk-show pundit out of the running for the state's primaries as he'd announced on Wednesday that he wouldn't be spending $35,000 to enter to race for the GOP. "Thirty-five thousand, guys? I understand you have to keep a club exclusive, but I paid less for my black market liver," he quipped on his show.

Ever since Colbert announced his candidacy, he has seen a wellspring of support back his campaign. The facebook group "1,000,000 Strong for Stephen T. Colbert" currently has 1,354,707 members. Unfortunately, this doesn't translate over to votes on the Democratic committee, though. As a council, it voted 13-3 not to certify Colbert. This past weekend Colbert even headed out to South Carolina in order to convert voters from the local constituency, saying, "I believe in South Carolina, I believe in the people of the state, I'm gonna tell it. Strong, bold, bam I put it out there. Deal with me or get out of the way." Personally, this reporter believes that Colbert fulfills both requirements at least as well as Bill Richardson does, but that's not for the people to decide...silly two-party system.

Colbert's money is being returned to him, and since nothing's stopping him from running in South Carolina as an independent, perhaps the campaign will keep marching on.

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