The Democratic Party is raising literally billions of campaign donations but their members are still not listening to the American People. There’s an old cliché which says that “Money Talks & BS Walks!” While this may be true in most cases – it’s the people of South Carolina that ultimately decide our elections – when they want to that is.

I’ve often been criticized for using as an analogy a small Church I once attended many years ago when explaining how politicians operate. Simply put, the largest donors in the Church let’s just say may have occasionally inspired the sermons and from time to time influenced church policy. But when the entire congregation decides to put their foot down then things change and change fast – no sheep, no shepherd.

Well, in politics the same principle often applies, a person who donates $5 to a political campaign and believes that he or she will have even the slightest influence individually will suffer some major disappointments. Political campaigns are very expensive and in most cases it’s the size of the war chest that will decide most races.

The more popular a candidate becomes the less contact the average supporter will have; it’s just the nature of the beast. Hefty and frequent contributors are invited to most of the private functions and in some cases to the candidate’s own home for elaborate parties. There are those select few individuals who have many followers and he or she may have tremendous credibility with large numbers of constituents – this influence is often resented for several reasons. However, they too are often left out of the inner circle because most campaign managers and consultants are taught that only money matters. After all, no donations may mean no paycheck.

If you donate $3500.00 in one check to a candidate you will in most cases obtain more access to that candidate than a $100 donor!

Politicians often legislate based on contributions from large donors and lobbyists – it’s just a cold hard fact. To influence a politician’s decision, people can join an existing group or organize their own. By establishing neighborhood, county or statewide associations and groups with common agendas and objectives the people can rule. The many Tea Party Groups are prime examples of how this process works; huge voting blocks in most cases will trump the almighty dollar.

Often, Politicians achieve celebrity status and forget those insignificant people who were there at the beginning – learn to get over it.  This is why it’s so important to choose a candidate who best represents your core beliefs and demonstrates the most ethical behavior. Because one elected, many of them will wave at you, maybe they will shake your hand and in all cases will gladly deposit your checks but to most of them you’re now a peasant. Those same people who invited you to their home for a campaign meeting and made you coffee in the beginning if successful may be willing to take a picture with you for a contribution of $250 or more then it’s “see ya later!”

The intent of this commentary is not to discourage supporters from donating or volunteering, it’s to let you know that you’re not alone. If you donated your hard-earned money and hours of labor handing out literature and putting up signs and now feel ignored well – it’s just politics.

 It’s been a wild and crazy political year in South Carolina.

With all the scandals and challenges I was able to meet many wonderful & interesting people from all over this wonderful state.

One of the things I enjoy most about politics is observing the passion and energy that many real people display throughout the process, campaigning is just plain fund.

While attending dozens of campaign rallies and events I often make a few surprising discoveries. One of these jewels is Eddie McCain, Libertarian candidate for Congress who's challenging Joe Wilson for Congress. Eddie is a true Patriot!

Over the past six months I have grown to admire Eddie McCain and now gladly call him my friend even though I am committed to getting Joe re-elected. Setting political issues aside I believe people like Eddie McCain are what’s right about America. We need more people with his spirit and loyalty to the cause of freedom.

Eddie connects well with everyone he meets and is a real person, sounds goofy but most politicians don't fit this persona. He listens to the voices of the unemployed, the poor, and the disadvantaged while having meaningful dialogue with capitalists and business owners.

I like this guy and hope that more real Americans like Eddie enter the political arena regardless of their beliefs.

God Speed My New Friend!