Jackson Free Press

In what sounds like a piece of political satire worthy of Steve Holland, a group of Republicans in South Carolina wants to make GOP candidates sign a "purity pledge" to promise marital fidelity. (I'll pause a moment to let you consider how many high-profile politicians of both parties this would disqualify.)

The Laurens County Republicans aren't joking, however; the Associated Press reports that the pledge would require candidates to promise that they have not had premarital sex, will not watch pornography and will protect gun rights. The pledge also includes promises to oppose affirmative action and abortion, among other things.

The party can't keep candidates off the ballot for refusing to sign the pledge, however, and some candidates and voters say the pledge is overreaching and infringes on people's rights, FOX Carolina reports.

The county GOP chairman, Bobby Smith, said he hopes the pledge will encourage good values by Republican candidates.

Previous Comments

ID

167205

Comment

Cool, the JFP is going to start a nationwide politics blog that focuses on other regions' politicians. I look forward to reading the updates from the Washington state GOP and North Dakota Democrat party

Author

RobbieR

Date

2012-03-07T13:02:45-06:00

ID

167209

Comment

Probably not, RobbieR. But we will occasionally blog about political nonsense in other places -- because, you know, sometimes it ends up here. (Can we say personhood or Arizona immigration legislation?). We will not, however, report on episodic crime in other places. I can't find a justification for that.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2012-03-07T13:47:03-06:00

ID

167212

Comment

I know, I know. This is the essence of nonsense, too.

Author

RobbieR

Date

2012-03-07T14:35:39-06:00

ID

167213

Comment

I know, I know. This is the essence of nonsense, too.

Author

RobbieR

Date

2012-03-07T14:35:39-06:00