Treasurer Curtis Loftis Won't Run for Governor

One of the truisms in politics is that as soon as a politician wins a significant office, the talk immediately turns to the next significant office he can win.

So, from the time Curtis Loftis swept to the Treasurer's office in 2010 with a rout of incumbent Converse Chellis, he has been talked about as a possible challenger to Gov. Nikki Haley.

But Loftis put such rumors to bed on Friday afternoon. Appearing on WPDE NewsChannel 15, Loftis told anchor Tim McGinnis that he will not run for governor. The full interview will air on Sunday morning.

Loftis should have little trouble getting re-elected to Treasurer. He has broad support among Tea Party Republicans and was also Mitt Romney's State Chair in 2012.

Since taking office, Loftis has had several successes. The Palmetto Payback program helped return thousands of dollars to residents in unclaimed property money. Loftis has also saved the state nearly $50 million by restructuring its debt. In addition, he has dramatically increased participation in the state's college savings program.

With Loftis stepping aside, the likelihood that Haley will face formidable competition from within her own party is decreased.

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