I read an article today about South Carolina Treasurer Thomas Ravenel being indicted on federal drug charges: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Apparently, Ravenel’s had a drug problem for some time, has done two drug rehab programs and is currently in aftercare.

Ravenel was also the state chairman for former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s presidential campaign before his arrest.

Although Ravenel’s drug trial has been delayed, he could face 20 years in prison, a fine of $1 million, or both, if convicted.

The mystifying thing about this case is how Ravenel managed to get elected and onto Giuliani’s campaign with this going on. Don’t they check these guys out? In my books this also casts an even darker light over Giuliani – first he’s got the back of the Purdue Pharma execs that lied to the public about OxyContin, now a state chairman for his presidential campaign might be a coke dealer.

Ravenel may have done some good things as a public servant, but he’s going to have to get through a successful drug rehab program that gets down to the bottom of his drug problem if he hopes to have any kind of a future in politics. And even that might not be enough. He did way more than inhale.

Popularity: 3% [?]