Lieutenant Governor Ken Ard paid a $48,400 fine to the State's Ethics Commission June 30th but South Carolina Democratic Party Chaiman, Dick Harpootlian, wants Ard to pay even more.
Harpootlian says Ard should resign from his position for his repeated lies to the people of South Carolina and the state Ethics Commission.
"The Lieutenant Governor is a position of public trust. Ken Ard has lost the trust of the public by his repeated misstatements and untruths," says Harpootlian. "He should resign from office, and allow someone who believes honesty is an important aspect in every day life to occupy the Lieutenant Governor's Office."
Along with the $48,400 fine, Ard agreed to reimburse the State Ethics Commission $12,500 for its investigation. He'll also repay his campaign about $12,000.
A recall bill for Ard's removal is authored by Representative Boyd Brown (D-Winnsboro).
"In 2009, Mark Sanford was my inspiration behind this piece of legislation, and if he wasn't bad enough, we now have Nikki Haley and Ken Ard in office," says Brown. "I guess the Republicans of South Carolina will have to elect a Casey Anthony to statewide office before we can pass strong, accountability legislation like the needed recall bill."
What do you think? Should Lt. Gov. Ard step down from office or has he already answered for his wrong-doing?
