AltWeeklies Wire
Consultants Aid City Council Candidates: Winners Paid Thousands for Helpnew

In a run off for a seat on Charleston City Council, Ginger Rosenberg spent $2,146 — most of it went to stamps and FedExKinkos. Her opponent, Dean Riegel, spent $3,600 — all of it to consultants. Guess who won.
Charleston City Paper |
Greg Hambrick |
03-17-2010 |
Politics
New Symbols of Fortune and Doom in South Carolina Politicsnew

There are historical symbols of good and bad luck, from the albatross to the lucky thong, but the past year has offered a handful of new trinkets that spell either good fortune or doom for South Carolina politicians.
Charleston City Paper |
Greg Hambrick |
03-10-2010 |
Politics
Revisiting South Carolina's Political Dynastiesnew
We did a story last spring following Carroll Campbell's early challenge to Congressman Henry Brown, looking at the electoral fortunes of the sons of South Carolina's political dynasties. With Paul Thurmond now weighing a congressional run, we thought we'd revisit the piece.
Charleston City Paper |
Greg Hambrick |
01-06-2010 |
Commentary
Building a Better Decade: Step One, Turn That Frown Upside Downnew
It does no good to look back (just ask George Bush). In these pages, we're laying out a blueprint to make the Teens the best they can be. Step 1: Turn that frown upside down. Step 2: Please keep those clippers, and any recording device, away from Britney. Thanks.
Charleston City Paper |
Greg Hambrick |
12-30-2009 |
Commentary
Kathy Griffin Wins Big as a Hollywood Losernew
Many comedians have made a living by finding funny eccentricities in everyday life. But Griffin's show is less about what you did or saw yesterday and more about what you read on TMZ.
Charleston City Paper |
Greg Hambrick |
10-14-2009 |
Performance
Why Isn't the South Carolina Legislature Investigating Gov. Mark Sanford?new
Granted, the State Ethics Commission has ordered a review of Sanford's travel records. But some are still calling for legislative action, questioning the ability of a commission overseen by the governor to turn in an objective analysis.
Charleston City Paper |
Greg Hambrick |
08-19-2009 |
Politics
The Sanford Scandal: The Political Winners and Losersnew
As dust settles on the mountainous trails of metropolitan Buenos Aires, we take a look at who benefits and who loses out in the Mark Sanford scandal.
Charleston City Paper |
Greg Hambrick |
07-22-2009 |
Commentary
New Romance Novel Subgenre: Gay Love & Lust, Written by Women for Womennew
A new subgenre has emerged in the escapist realm of romance novels: stories where you have two strapping, broad chests instead of one. We take a gander at two recent offerings: False Colors by Alex Beecroft and Transgressions by Erastes.
Charleston City Paper |
Greg Hambrick |
07-22-2009 |
Books
Mark Sanford Turns to God in Sex Scandal Crisisnew

It's hard to say what part of it is a politically motivated attempt to strike a sympathetic chord with evangelical constituents and what is legitimately coming from Sanford's strong religious background. Either way, his faith is a double-edged sword, giving sincerity to his apologies, but also highlighting his hypocrisy.
Charleston City Paper |
Greg Hambrick |
07-08-2009 |
Politics
Mark Sanford's Bizarre Journey From the Trail to Argentinanew

Questions about Gov. Sanford's future linger after he abandoned the state, severing contact with his staff, state officials, and his family from June 18 until June 23. After admitting an affair, it was revealed that Sanford appears to have created a diversionary trip to spend time with his mistress during a 2008 taxpayer-funded trade mission to South America.
Charleston City Paper |
Greg Hambrick |
07-01-2009 |
Politics
'La Cage aux Folles' Is Not a Dragnew
City Paper sent two theater queens to watch the Footlight Players' production of La Cage aux Folles, and they were won over ... in Act Two.
Charleston City Paper |
Greg Hambrick and Shane Sears |
05-06-2009 |
Theater
South Carolina Governor's Race '10: Chapter Onenew
The field is far from complete, but South Carolina's first incumbent-free gubernatorial race in 16 years has led a handful of candidates to get in early. Real early.
Charleston City Paper |
Greg Hambrick |
05-06-2009 |
Politics
The Coattails and the Tall Shadows of S.C.'s Political Dynastiesnew
For more than two decades, it was hard not to find either Strom Thurmond or Carroll Campbell Jr. on a South Carolina election ballot. Voters may see those names returning — the 2010 ballot could very well have two Thurmonds and two Campbells on it.
Charleston City Paper |
Greg Hambrick |
03-25-2009 |
Politics
Tomorrow's Charleston Today: Large Developments Press Onnew
You may be second-guessing that new patio in these tough economic times, but several major Charleston developments announced in the run-up to the financial wipeout are putting the nail to hammer and pressing forward through the crisis, hoping to be on the board the moment the economic wave regains its strength.
Charleston City Paper |
Greg Hambrick |
02-11-2009 |
Housing & Development
S.C. Officials are Giddy Over Obama's Promise of Infrastructure Aidnew
Obama's proposal for more than $750 billion in federal aid could mean a steady paycheck for the 8.4 percent of South Carolinians who are jobless. But for local and state officials, it's an opportunity to get money for dozens of projects that have been given the green light, but have been left unfunded.
Charleston City Paper |
Greg Hambrick |
01-08-2009 |
Policy Issues