YOUR COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO THE POLLS

    Though the November 4 general election has historical implications that reach far beyond the backwater of South Carolina politics, one shouldn’t let the glare of the presidential race distract from the melodrama on the local ballot. Thus, in keeping with the tradition of the City Paper “Cast of Clowns” election guide, we have assembled a team of crack political analysts to break down key races in our readership area. Godspeed voters!

Presidential hopefuls who aren’t Obama or McCain

Most South Carolinians have been so preoccupied with winking “hockey mom” candidates and opinionated plumbers that many voters don’t realize there are other presidential candidates on the ballot here. In fact, one independent and three third-party candidates—the fourth, a Nazi party candidate, dropped out—will all be keyed into your voting machine. Before you hit ‘vote’ read up on them below. 

From the moment you wake up and brush your teeth, wash your hair, and shave your face with products packaged in non-recyclable containers, you’re contributing to the waste stream. Need to buy something at a big box retailer or grocery store? Good luck finding anything in recyclable packaging. Going out to eat can be especially wasteful, as restaurants continue to use Styrofoam and other disposals, simply because it’s deemed cheaper or easier than having to wash dishes.  

Trying to live without generating trash is next to impossible. But we decided it was worth a shot.

As Republicans and Democrats lock horns on the congressional floor over the national energy crisis, few Republicans are as adamant or outspoken as South Carolina 2nd District Congressman Joe Wilson. Like many in the GOP, Wilson decries what he sees as Democratic stonewalling of the proposed “all-of-the-above” energy plan. He speaks ardently about the threats to national security from hostile regions and the need to address the economic suffering of the American people.