By Carol Lucas
Recently a friend asked, “What does trust mean to you?”
I had to pause and think about that. I could have given some standard definition that includes such descriptors as honesty, reliability, safety. Somehow those seem mundane in a larger sense.
Is trust a gut feeling that should be listened to? Maybe. I know that often I am too trusting, and I pay the price later. That said, I have always erred on the side of giving someone a chance until he/she shows himself to be otherwise. And if that person has indicated such from the beginning, and you have missed the clues, then shame on you.
All of this to address the upcoming Democratic runoff for the 1st Congressional District.
Let me be clear. I have supported Mac Deford from the time he ran in 2024. I have spoken to him personally on several occasions, and I wrote about him in this newspaper after his loss. At that time I suggested that we watch this man closely because he has what it takes to lead us in South Carolina.
It is my assessment that Mac’s opponent is considerably different than he, and I feel this way for several reasons. I am going to ask you, dear reader, after you have read this, to decide who you think has the low country’s best interests at heart?
Mac is a Coast Guard veteran, attorney, and public servant who has spent years working on affordable housing, infrastructure, environmental protection, and issues that impact Lowcountry families. He has dedicated his career to service and understands the needs of the communities he hopes to represent.
I have no intention to discredit Nancy Lacore’s service reputation. She has served her country admirably, and that is to be applauded. But then let’s not forget that Mac has done so as well. Rather I choose to take a closer look at Ms. Lacore’s rationale for running for office, and who is underwriting this effort.
So, where do the differences lie? At this time, I can’t make that determination because she refuses to debate Deford. This is a red flag for me.
Lacore’s excuse is somewhat flimsy to my way of thinking when she states she will spend her time before the runoff speaking directly to her supporters. Really? Rather than clarify where you stand on issues critical to our state, at two different venues potentially reaching thousands (remember two stations have offered to televise), you will opt to “preach to your choir?”
Let me provide a bit of verifiable background on Lacore. Research says she has been a Republican most of her life and only switched her registry after she was fired by Pete Hegseth. This begs the question, “Is her candidacy motivated by concern for South Carolina or by retaliation?” That is only conjecture on my part, but if it plays a role in her decision-making to “become a Democrat,” I have no qualms posing the question.
Ms. Lacore moved to S.C. as recently as last August, which prompts the query about how well she really knows the people and their needs. She states that her daughter went to USC, and she has been vacationing here for a decade.
You will have to excuse me if what I am about to say sounds flippant. I am originally from Pennsylvania and have lived here for almost 30 years, having vacationed on Hilton Head Island every summer for an additional two decades before that. Furthermore, my daughter graduated from USC Columbia. That said, I would never presume to imply that qualifies me to run for office here.
But then, I digress.
Maybe one of the most disturbing things I found was Lacore’s support for ICE. It was Will Haynie, Mayor of Mt. Pleasant, who said this: “Nancy Lacore, Democratic candidate for Congress, told a large crowd she is absolutely for full funding of ICE.” I don’t know about you, dear reader, but I have no desire to see Beaufort or Charleston become another Minneapolis.
There have been questions raised about where Lacore’s funding is coming from. Perhaps this explains her reticence to debate, knowing she would surely be asked this question. Dark money and corporate money are a reality, folks. Never lose sight of that, and for those dollars that are dispersed, there is always the expectation of payback.
When I saw an ad for Lacore on CNN, not a local station, but CNN, any doubts I had evaporated. Majority Democrats and The Bench together have raised more than $8 million. Most of this comes from tycoons like hedge fund manager Stephen Mandel and Nvidia board member, billionaire Tench Coxe, as reported by CBS. Other corporate donors have contributed as well.
One doesn’t have to have a crystal ball to read this clearly. History tells us that carpetbaggers are nothing new to the South. For those of you who need a refresher course, carpetbagger is a pejorative term for Northerners who moved to the South after the Civil War and supported Republican politics or business opportunities.
Trust? That was my starting point, and I will conclude with this: my trust lies with the man who says he will debate. Ms. Lacore, the ball is in your court.
Carol Lucas is a retired high school teacher and a Lady’s Island resident. She is the author of the recently published “A Breath Away: One Woman’s Journey Through Widowhood.”