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Jump to full article: Columbia (SC) State, 2009-08-12
Author: JOHN O'CONNOR
Intro: Dwight Drake, a lobbyist and former staffer for Gov. Dick Riley, Tuesday joined the race for the Democratic nomination for governor.
Drake, 64, is a fixture in Columbia politics. Earlier this year, he helped lead the lawsuit that forced Republican Gov. Mark Sanford to accept $700 million in federal stimulus money.
Drake also comes with large questions about his lobbying clients -- tobacco companies, payday lenders, toxic waste companies, video poker and others. . . .
Trav Robertson, a veteran Democratic campaign adviser currently unaligned with any of the candidates, said Drake's lobbying history is a gift to embattled S.C. Republicans. Drake's clients include Altria, parent of tobacco giant Philip Morris, video poker interests and garbage companies that bring toxic waste to South Carolina.
"Republicans have to be jumping for joy," Robertson said. "Drake will take the pressure and scrutiny off of Governor Mark Sanford and his problems."
Robertson noted Drake's efforts to kill an increase in the state's cigarette tax, the nation's lowest.
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