General
Lexington Update … SCGOP State EC Meeting TODAY!
Will Drew McKissick act today?
The 4th Quarter SCGOP State Executive Committee meeting is usually a “sleepy” affair followed by a “Christmas Party” at the Governor’s Mansion.
Having only four meetings a year of the 46 County Republican State Executive Committee (and one being a “no business” holiday affair) is one problem … but today the SCGOP State Executive Committee faces another problem …
Why are there TWO Lexington County Republican Parties???
Well, there really isn’t two … but there is a “splinter group” in Lexington purporting to be the LCRP. This “faux” LCRP is actually out there raising donations under the auspices of being the actual LCRP … their leader is showing up at GOP events and holding himself out as the LCGP “Chairman” … and they have actually been endorsing candidates for office using the official LCRP branding.
It is absolute bizzarro world … and many believe it to be CRIMINAL.
Wouldn’t it be “criminal fraud” to go out there raising money saying you were the “Make A Wish Foundation” … and you really were not the “Make A Wish Foundation”? Can you go out there and gather “Toys for Tots” … and then take the toys to your kids at home? YES, it is a real problem and it should be discussed at today’s SCGOP State Executive Committee meeting in Columbia.
We have reported on this Lexington GOP issue several times HERE & HERE … but it is now appears to be coming to a head.
WHERE THIS ALL BEGAN
“It will fall into a state of disrepair, become a complete dumpster fire and essentially be a leper colony for the next year and a half,” McKissick said.
In its place, McKissick suggested that “sane Republicans” might end up creating separate GOP clubs in the Greenville area for people who want to stay focused on the core party functions of supporting Republican candidates.
“We will help them do that in every way,” McKissick said.
Post & Courier, July 8, 2021 (HERE)
Remember in 2021 when America FIRST Patriots – otherwise known as platform Republicans – voted out the RINOs in Greenville County and SCGOP Chairman Drew McKissick called them all “lepers” and vowed to establish “GOP clubs” to work around the duly elected leadership in Greenville and several other counties? (HERE, HERE & HERE)
Well, two and a half years later the “absolutely insane” Greenville mySCGOP group has been re-elected … and other America FIRST counties like Lexington have followed suit … but it appears Drew McKissick is still at it with his splinter group “GOP clubs”.
This time however, one Drew McKissick aligned “GOP club” in Lexington has taken it to a new level … they actually call themselves the “Lexington County Republican Party”. Like they are the real LCRP.
YES … WOW!
RULES ARE RULES
The “splinter group” GOP club in Lexington is basing their claim by saying that the duly elected Chair, Pamela Godwin, has been “recalled”.
[NOTE: This news outlet has requested a copy of the rules and applicable supporting documentation from the “splinter group” on several occasions with no response.]
The real problem however … the SCGOP Rules do not allow for “recall” of an elected party official … and this has been a longstanding position of Drew McKissick himself since being elected chair in 2016 … and there are no records of anyone ever being “recalled” in SCGOP history that we can find.
So, it appears no precinct Executive Committeeman (EC), no precinct President … and most assuredly no county convention (or state convention) elected official has ever been “recalled” despite numerous attempts to do so over the past few years. And each time it was attempted … Drew McKissick himself stopped it as a violation of SCGOP Party Rules … but that was for his supporters, and this time it is different. Rules for thee, but not for me? We shall see.
[NOTE: For example, it has been reported that several years ago the Chairwoman in Anderson County, Cheryl Teague-Cuthrell, was voted out UNANIMOUSLY by the Anderson Executive Committee … and Drew personally overruled the ousting stating that the SCGOP does not have any recall provisions for an elected chairman.]
WILL DREW ACT TODAY?
This has been an ongoing issue for months now … since August … and reportedly Drew McKissick (as well as several party and elected officials) have confirmed privately that Pamela Godwin is still the Chair of the Lexington County Republican Party … and the “splinter group” is only a GOP club.
But the statement that Pamela Godwin remains the official Chair has not been made publicly by Drew since this mess was started by his “splinter group” … and you just can’t have a 2nd group calling themselves the official LCRP … can you? Not if you want to protect the GOP brand.
So the big question is will Drew McKissick act today at the SCGOP State Executive Committee meeting … or will Drew continue to kick this can down the road?
Numerous GOP leaders from across South Carolina are asking if we cannot protect the “brand” of the SCGOP … what good is the brand? If we are not a party of rule followers … what are we? If we don’t protect the election integrity of GOP party officials from our bi-annual ReOrg and County Conventions … have we abandoned all efforts for real Election Integrity?
OPENING A MASSIVE CAN OF WORMS: And if Drew flipflops and now allows for “recall” … can you imagine all the precincts, counties, and state delegates that may have buyer’s remorse and want to recall their current GOP party officials? It will become a full-time job of the SCGOP to handle recall efforts from top to bottom … in all 2,261 precincts and all 46 counties.
So, as the Governor and First Lady await the arrival tonight of the SCGOP State Executive Committee leaders from 46 counties … will any work be done to address this issue … or will there be faux precinct, county and state officials popping up all over South Carolina tomorrow … claiming to be the real deal?
Maybe even a new self-proclaimed SCGOP Chairman … wouldn’t that create turmoil in the SCGOP!!!
What a massive can of worms inaction could open up.
Stay tuned … an update tomorrow for sure.
Business
Coffee & Politics – Greenville Edition – October 16th, 2026
JOIN US every Friday (11am-1pm)
Coffee & Politics – October 16th, 2026 – YouTube (HERE), RUMBLE (HERE) & X (HERE)
Friends, we have been running a weekly Coffee & Politics Meeting out of our Greenville Headquarters for nearly 5 years now … and it has been a huge hit. It is how we communicate our vision and #Mission to or local Volunteers and Community … and it one way we RECRUIT more people to the MAGA America First movement.
THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Coffee & Politics Greenville | Trump’s Upcoming Visit, the Penny Tax & Election Day
Your weekly roundup of Greenville County and South Carolina politics
Good Saturday morning, Patriots!
It’s been another busy week in Greenville County politics. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Upstate, the fight over the proposed $1.1 billion Greenville County Penny Tax, the November elections, and efforts to unite pro-life advocates were all on the agenda for this week’s Coffee & Politics Greenville.
We also discuss voter research tools, election integrity, conservative grassroots organizing, and why local elections deserve more attention than they often receive.
Featured Segments
00:00 – President Trump Is Coming to the Upstate!
The hosts discuss the announcement of President Trump’s expected October 21 visit, the plans for the event, and how supporters can get involved.
03:00 – Pro-Life Groups: Finding Common Ground and Moving Forward
A discussion of cooperation among pro-life organizations, the Equal Protection movement, legislative strategy, and the urgency of protecting unborn life.
14:00 – The South Carolina Senate Race and Campaign Season
The conversation turns to campaign signs, candidate outreach, and the political competition between Annie Andrews and Darlene Graham.
22:00 – Election Integrity and Voter Confidence
Discussion of questionable voter registrations, concerns about election administration, and the importance of addressing voters’ questions with transparency.
30:00 – Researching Candidates Before You Vote
The hosts highlight iVoterGuide.com as one resource for researching candidates, endorsements, campaign contributions, and local races.
36:00 – School Board Elections and the Moms for Liberty Movement
Reflections on a recent school board candidate forum and the broader effort to address education, parental rights, and conservative priorities.
44:00 – Why Conservative Candidates Should Talk to Voters
A discussion of candidate accessibility, endorsements, media appearances, and the value of engaging with people who may ask difficult questions.
52:00 – Biblical Principles, Self-Government and Civic Responsibility
The conversation explores biblicalvoter.com, self-government, and the responsibility of citizens to participate in the political process.
56:00 – Grassroots Organizing: Getting More People to the Polls
The hosts discuss voter turnout, precinct-level engagement, and how conversations with voters can help identify concerns and motivate participation.
1:04:00 – Pro-Life Update: Legislative Action and Upcoming Events
An update on pro-life advocacy, legislative possibilities, and the importance of continued grassroots involvement.
1:12:00 – Upcoming Penny Tax Forum in Simpsonville
Details about the upcoming public forum at Carolina Fine Foods, where residents can hear more about the proposed county sales tax and its potential impact.
1:16:00 – The $1.1 Billion Penny Tax: Follow the Money
The hosts examine the proposed tax, the public messaging surrounding it, and questions about how the money would be allocated and spent.
1:20:00 – What Would the Penny Tax Cost You?
Using a household purchase as an example, the discussion explains how additional sales taxes can affect everyday purchases and business costs that may ultimately be passed on to consumers.
1:28:00 – Sales Taxes, Property Taxes and Government Spending
A broader discussion of tax policy, the possibility of exchanging one type of tax for another, and concerns about adding another tax without reducing existing burdens.
1:32:00 – School Choice, Limited Government and Accountability
The hosts discuss competing approaches to education policy and the importance of holding public officials accountable for their decisions.
1:36:00 – Where Would the Penny Tax Money Go?
A closer look at the proposed allocation of funds, including transportation, Greenlink, and Greenbelt-related spending.
1:41:00 – The Final Push: Make Your Vote Count
The discussion returns to political endorsements, voter engagement, the Penny Tax debate, and the importance of showing up to vote.
Top 5 Takeaways
1. The Upstate is preparing for a major political event.
The hosts discuss President Trump’s expected October 21 visit and encourage supporters to follow event announcements and make plans to attend.
2. Pro-life advocates need a strategy that produces results.
The conversation emphasizes cooperation among organizations, strong legislative proposals, and keeping the protection of unborn life at the center of the effort.
3. Local elections deserve your attention.
From school board races to county government, voters should research candidates, compare their positions, and make informed decisions.
4. The Penny Tax deserves serious scrutiny.
The hosts challenge claims about who ultimately pays sales taxes and question whether the proposed spending justifies adding another tax burden to Greenville County residents.
5. Grassroots participation matters.
Researching candidates, talking with neighbors, working precincts, and turning out to vote are all essential parts of building an effective political movement.
Quotes & Themes of the Week
A few memorable lines and themes from this week’s discussion:
- On grassroots politics: “We need to get people to the polls” and encourage greater participation in local elections.
- On candidate accountability: Voters deserve candidates who are willing to answer questions and explain their positions.
- On the Penny Tax: “Is hot water discretionary?” — a pointed question during the discussion of how sales taxes affect ordinary household purchases.
- On political strategy: The hosts argue that conservatives must remain engaged even after a particular issue appears to have been resolved.
- On civic responsibility: The episode closes with a direct challenge to bring others into the voting process: “Get ten friends and go vote on Monday.”
Stay Informed. Get Involved. Make Your Voice Heard.
Thank you for watching and supporting Coffee & Politics Greenville. Please share this episode with friends, family, and fellow conservatives who want to stay informed about the issues affecting Greenville County and South Carolina.
Research the candidates. Ask questions. Attend local meetings. And make sure you vote.
Have a great weekend!
Join us again next Friday morning for another edition of Coffee & Politics Greenville.
Enjoy … and get ready for #ReOrg2027!!!
HAPPY 250th America!!!
Countdowns (as of 10/17/2026):
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 – 17 days (Election Day)
Monday, March 1, 2027 – 135 days (ReOrg 2027)
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2028 – 497 days (est. ’28 Republican PPP)
Tuesday, June 13, 2028 – 605 days (’28 PRIMARIES)
WHEN: Every Friday from 11am – 1pm
JOIN US!!!
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Coffee & Politics – October 9th, 2026 – YouTube (HERE), RUMBLE (HERE) & X (HERE)
Friends, we have been running a weekly Coffee & Politics Meeting out of our Greenville Headquarters for nearly 5 years now … and it has been a huge hit. It is how we communicate our vision and #Mission to or local Volunteers and Community … and it one way we RECRUIT more people to the MAGA America First movement.
THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Coffee & Politics – Greenville Edition Highlights
Good Saturday morning, Patriots!
This week on Coffee & Politics Greenville, we take a closer look at the proposed $1.1 billion Greenville County Penny Tax and the question every taxpayer should be asking: Who ultimately pays for it?
We also recap Monday’s packed Greenville County Republican Party quarterly meeting, discuss the censure vote involving County Councilman Curt McGahee, examine South Carolina’s political landscape ahead of November 3, and explore pro-life issues, driverless vehicles, artificial intelligence and the importance of civic engagement.
Grab your coffee and catch up on this week’s conversation!
Featured Segments:
00:00 – Greenville GOP Quarterly Meeting & Censure Vote
03:00 – The $1.1 Billion Penny Tax: Who Really Pays?
04:00 – The Cost to Greenville County Families
30:00 – South Carolina Politics, Write-In Campaigns & the November Election
1:08:00 – Driverless Vehicles, GPS & Artificial Intelligence
1:18:00 – Pro-Life Issues, Legislative Action & Education Freedom
1:30:00 – Penny Tax, Taxpayer Burdens & Government Accountability
1:50:00 – Freedom, Communism & Civic Responsibility
Top 5 Takeaways:
1. The Penny Tax means a major new tax burden
The proposed $1.1 billion tax deserves serious scrutiny. Dividing that total by Greenville County’s approximately 550,000 residents illustrates the scale of the proposal: about $2,000 per resident over the life of the tax.
2. Businesses don’t simply absorb new taxes.
When businesses face higher costs, those costs can be passed along to consumers through higher prices. The discussion challenges the idea that a tax on business is somehow separate from the burden borne by individuals and families.
3. The Greenville GOP meeting sent a strong message.
The October discussion revisits the party’s quarterly meeting, including the censure vote involving County Councilman Kurt McGahee and the party’s opposition to the Penny Tax.
4. November 3 is approaching.
The conversation explores South Carolina’s political environment, write-in campaigns, candidate dynamics and the importance of staying engaged rather than allowing political noise to distract voters.
5. Civic engagement matters beyond Election Day.
From pro-life advocacy and education freedom to local tax accountability, citizens have a role in influencing public policy, communicating their convictions and encouraging others to vote.
Quotes of the Week:
“One point one billion is coming from somewhere. Where do you think it’s coming from?”
“Businesses don’t pay taxes, individual do. Businesses pass along that cost.”
“We have to get everybody to vote.”
——-
The Bottom Line
A $1.1 billion tax proposal deserves more than a slogan. Taxpayers should understand what is being proposed, examine who benefits, and ask who ultimately bears the cost.
The same principle applies to every issue discussed this week: informed citizens, engaged communities and active voters make a difference.
Please share this episode with friends, family and fellow Greenville County residents who want to stay informed about local government and South Carolina politics.
Thank you for watching and listening to Coffee & Politics Greenville.
Stay informed. Stay engaged. Keep America free!
Join us again next Friday morning for another edition of Coffee & Politics Greenville.
Enjoy … and get ready for #ReOrg2027!!!
HAPPY 250th America!!!
Countdowns (as of 10/10/2026):
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 – 24 days (Election Day)
Monday, March 1, 2027 – 142 days (ReOrg 2027)
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2028 – 504 days (est. ’28 Republican PPP)
Tuesday, June 13, 2028 – 612 days (’28 PRIMARIES)
WHEN: Every Friday from 11am – 1pm
JOIN US!!!
ON YouTube!!! (HERE)
ON RUMBLE!!! (HERE)
ON X!!! (HERE)
Subscribe to our YouTube Page:
Subscribe: HERE
mySCGOP.shop
ONLINE SHOPPING: mySCGOP.shop
SUSTAINING & INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS:
Make a Charitable Donation TODAY: HERE
GCRP Quarterly Meeting – October 5th, 2026 – YouTube (HERE), RUMBLE (HERE) & X (HERE)
The Greenville County Republican Party (GCRP) welcomed a packed house to Greenville Tech on Monday, October 5th, for its quarterly meeting, bringing together Republican leaders, elected officials, candidates, grassroots activists, and community organizations ahead of the November 3rd election.
The evening featured remarks from Congressman William Timmons, Congresswoman Sheri Biggs, State Representative Paul Wickensimer, Greenville County Council Chairman Benton Blount, and other special guests. Speakers addressed issues important to South Carolina families and taxpayers, including the proposed $1.1 Billion Greenville County Penny Tax, education, pro-life advocacy, grassroots engagement, and the importance of electing conservative leaders.
The meeting also included a report from GCRP Chairman Jeff Davis on the party’s activities and priorities, followed by party business and consideration of a proposed censure related to County Councilman Curt McGahee and the Penny Tax.
Watch the full meeting below, and use the featured speakers and timestamps to jump directly to the discussions that matter most to you.
Featured Speakers & Segments
- 0:00 – Opening Prayer, Pledge of Allegiance & Republican Creed – Valerie Baronkin, Daniel Rumfelt and Terri Richards
- 4:40 – Welcome, Veterans, Candidates & Upcoming GCRP Events – Chairman Jeff Davis
- 9:00 – The $1.1 Billion Penny Tax: Cost, Accountability & Upcoming Town Halls
- 10:40 – Congressman William Timmons – Congressional priorities and the November election
- 21:00 – Congresswoman Sheri Biggs – Congressional updates and South Carolina’s military and economic opportunities
- 25:50 – Video Message from Attorney General Alan Wilson
- 26:18 – Video Message from Mike Burkhold
- 30:00 – SC House Representative Paul Wickensimer – State legislative priorities and tax reform
- 37:25 – Greenville County Council Chairman Benton Blount – County leadership and the November election
- 44:20 – Greenville County Council District 26 Nominee Daniel Rumfelt
- 48:45 – Becky McLaughlin – Greenville County School Board candidacy and local education
- 58:20 – Ethan Balkum, Representing Cody Simpson – Agriculture and the Commissioner of Agriculture race
- 1:05:05 – Brady Bowyer, Americans for Prosperity South Carolina – Grassroots activism and voter engagement
- 1:11:55 – Valerie Baronkin, St. Clare’s Home – Supporting mothers and families
- 1:23:45 – Ray Mulholland, GCRP Pro-Life Committee – Pro-life priorities, legislative engagement and bioethics
- 1:28:45 – GCRP Business Meeting – Agenda approval, Treasurer’s Report, meeting minutes and Chairman’s Report
- 1:38:50 – Proposed Censure of County Councilman Curt McGahee – Discussion and vote
- 1:45:50 – Adjournment
YouTube: HERE
Subscribe to our YouTube Page:
Subscribe: HERE
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