Update: Gowdy trounced Inglis 71%-29% on June 22. The following column was published June. 21.<\p>
When GOP Rep. Bob Inglis of South Carolina was first elected in 1992, he was the darling of the Christian Right. And when Republicans won control of the House two years later, he seemed to be a man on the fast track to success. Never one to play it safe, he took a chance in 1998 by leaving the House to challenge Democratic Sen. Fritz Hollings and narrowly lost. He returned to the House in 2004 and seemed likely to finish out his career there.
But in Tuesday’s round of primaries and runoffs, Inglis is the most likely incumbent to be knocked off. His biggest sin is his 2008 vote for TARP, the big bank bailout, but he’s also on the outs for for voting against President Bush's Iraq surge, for backing climate change legislation and for being one of only a handful of Republicans to vote in favor of reprimanding Joe “You Lie!” Wilson, a fellow S.C. Republican who famously interrupted President Obama’s address to Congress. His opponents say the conservative Inglis just isn't conservative enough.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Four Republicans ran against Inglis in the South Carolina primary two weeks ago, and one, Trey Gowdy, won the backing of the Tea Party and bested Inglis, 39% to 28%. Because Gowdy, a former federal prosecutor, got less than 50%, there’ll be a runoff today. Hardly anyone thinks Inglis can pull off an upset.
Inglis will likely be the fifth incumbent to lose this primary season, following Sens. Arlen Specter (D-PA) and Bob Bennett (R-UT) and Reps. Alan Mollohan (D-WV) and Parker Griffith (R-AL). Griffith and Specter were party switchers whose loyalty was questioned by core voters. Inglis has a similar problem of sorts: Though he didn’t switch parties, too many South Carolina Republicans think he can’t be counted upon.
-
Think You Know How to Be Happy in Retirement? These 9 Stats May Surprise YouWhen it comes to your retirement happiness, don't believe everything you hear. We've turned to solid research for the facts on finding your bliss in retirement.
-
If You're Retired or Soon to Be, Don't Miss These Tax BreaksThe OBBB offers some tax advantages that are particularly beneficial for retirees and near-retirees. But they're available for only a limited time.
-
Waiting to Retire to Give to Charity? 3 Reasons to Do It NowYou could wait until retirement, but making charitable giving part of your financial plan now could be far more beneficial for you and the causes you support.
-
Kiplinger's 2020 Election ForecastPolitics For nearly a century, The Kiplinger Letter has forecasted the outcome of presidential elections to keep readers informed of what's coming and what it means for them. Here's our call for 2020.
-
How the GOP Tax Bill May Affect BusinessesBusiness Costs & Regulation Corporations would enjoy a lower flat tax rate while individual owners of pass-throughs would also see a lower rate, but with more complex terms.
-
The Long Slog in Congress After Comey
Politics Trump's firing of the FBI director ruffled congressional feathers, but not enough to spur an independent investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election.
-
Trump’s Tax Reform Plan Faces Tough ChallengesPolitics A one-page outline isn't enough to satisfy a Congress interested in the details — and protecting constituents.
-
Trump's Agenda and ChallengesPolitics What lies ahead for the President-Elect.
-
Clinton on Track to Win 2016 Presidential Election
Politics Trump can win the White House, but faces an uphill climb.
-
New Overtime Rules Will Hit Businesses This YearBusiness Costs & Regulation A change in salary threshold will make more workers eligible for extra pay.
-
Bumpy Road Ahead in 2016 Presidential Race
Politics Trump will get a bounce after the Republican convention, but Clinton is poised to regain ground.
