South Carolina’s lieutenant governor, Pamela Evette, is under scrutiny following the revelation that her campaign accepted contributions from two registered lobbyists, as reported in her latest filing with the South Carolina State Ethics Commission (SCSEC). This situation raises concerns due to the state law, specifically the S.C. Code of Laws (§ 2-17-80), which prohibits lobbyists from making campaign contributions to elected officials.
Details of the Contributions
The contributions in question were modest, with Brandon Dermody contributing $94 and Kathryn Wylie contributing $47. Despite their small size, these donations have sparked controversy because Evette’s campaign listed the lobbyists’ occupations as “retired,” although both are currently registered to lobby, according to SCSEC records.
While these contributions represent a tiny fraction of Evette’s $4.58 million campaign fund, her political opponents have seized upon the issue, suggesting potential deception in the reporting process. An operative from a rival campaign described the situation as “a crime and a cover-up,” though this characterization may be exaggerated, given that the contributions were likely in the form of event tickets sponsored by Evette’s campaign.
Potential Impact on the Campaign
Dermody’s connections to gambling interests could become a focal point for Evette’s opponents, particularly as she seeks support from evangelical voters in the Palmetto Upstate. This development comes amidst other challenges for Evette’s campaign, including a recent Internal Revenue Service (IRS) complaint against Patriots for South Carolina, a political action committee backing her candidacy.
Although it is expected that these lobbyist contributions will be refunded, if they have not been already, the issue may continue to resonate as the 2026 gubernatorial campaign progresses. The situation underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to ethical guidelines in political campaigns.
Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.
