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Press Release: SCGOP, SCDP jointly launch “Troops Leading Troops” project

SCGOP, SCDP jointly launch TroopsLeadingTroops.com to raise awareness on Amendment 2
Amendment 2 would require state’s Adjutant General to be appointed by future governor
South Carolina only state in nation that currently elects a military official
Current Adjutant General Bob Livingston endorses YES vote on Amendment 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Matt Orr, SCGOP Press Secretary, 803-988-8440, orr@sc.gop
Kristin Sosanie, SCDP Communications Director, 803-799-7798, ksosanie@scdp.org

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina’s two major political parties today jointly launched a project called “Troops Leading Troops.”

The project – endorsed by current Adjutant General Bob Livingston – features a new website and significant social media ad buys. “Troops Leading Troops” will raise awareness on Amendment 2 prior to the November 4th general election.

A YES vote on Amendment 2 will allow a future Governor, beginning in 2019, to appoint the Adjutant General from a pool of South Carolina National Guard officers who are qualified to hold the rank of general. A NO vote means our next Adjutant General following Major General Bob Livingston could have zero military experience.

The Adjutant General oversees South Carolina’s 11,000+ member Military Department, which includes the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, State Guard and the state’s Emergency Management Division.

Adjutant General Livingston and many other military veterans endorse a YES vote on Amendment 2, which will appear on this year’s general election ballot. The responsibilities of the Adjutant General are too important to risk electing an unqualified military amateur in a political popularity contest.

S.C. Republican Party Chairman Matt Moore and S.C. Democratic Party Chairman Jaime Harrison offered the following joint statement on “Troops Leading Troops” and Amendment 2:

“As Chairmen of our respective political parties, we don’t always agree – especially during election season. But Amendment 2 is a great exception. That’s why we’ve teamed up to let South Carolinians know about an important decision on the November 4th ballot. Whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, or independent, we all should agree that politics should not decide the leader of our state National Guard. We must ensure that only a qualified person of the highest caliber can be appointed to lead our brave men and women in uniform. Please join us in voting for Troops Leading Troops – vote YES on Amendment 2.”

Click here to visit the new website.

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Issue Background:

South Carolina voters have an important choice this coming election day (November 4th). Will South Carolina remain as the only state that elects the commanding officer of its state military?

We need qualified officers leading our armed forces. Unfortunately, South Carolina’s current system of electing the state’s Adjutant General allows almost anyone to run for the office with no military qualifications.

It’s an important job. The Adjutant General oversees South Carolina’s 11,000+ member Military Department, which includes the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, State Guard and the state’s Emergency Management Division.

Current Adjutant General Bob Livingston and many other military veterans endorse a YES vote on Amendment 2, which will appear on this year’s general election ballot. The responsibilities of the Adjutant General are too important to risk electing an unqualified military amateur in a political popularity contest.

A YES vote on Amendment 2 will allow a future Governor, beginning in 2019, to appoint the Adjutant General from a pool of South Carolina National Guard officers who are qualified to hold the rank of general. A NO vote means our next Adjutant General following Major General Livingston could have zero military experience.

We live in a dangerous world. With threats including bad weather, terrorism, and disease, South Carolina’s military deserves the most experienced and qualified officer as its leader. Please join me and many others in voting YES on Amendment 2. Our safety and security could depend on it.

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