Outburst has impacted congressman Wilson's campaign

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By Jaime Dailey bio | email

BEAUFORT, SC (WTOC) - South Carolina representitive Joe Wilson called the President a liar to his face in Congress. Now running for re-election, he and his opponent raised more than $4 million, proving it could be the most expensive campaign in the state, possibly the nation.

It has been weeks since Congressman Wilson's outburst during President Obama's healthcare speech to Congress, but it continues to be a hot topic of discussion and debate.

"I was horrified because I have nothing but respect for the office of the President," said Elaine Scott.

"I think it was inappropriate but I think it needed to be said," said Zachary Taylor. "I'm on Medicare and I don't know what's right or wrong, but I'm scared. I don't know what's going to happen to my plan."

Since the incident, both the Wilson's campaign and opponent Rob Miller's campaign have been raking in the dough. Scott is one of many, who is using her checkbook to make her voice heard.

"I immediately picked up the phone and made a contribution to the Democratic Party here in South Carolina," said Scott. "I'll continue to doing that, until we get Rob Miller in and Joe Wilson out."

But supporters on both sides, agree Wilson's outburst has people all over the country interested in the race.

"I've been following this quite a bit," said Bud White from Tennessee.

In fact both campaigns have received donations from people all over the nation.

"I think it's great because I think that shows that people are watching what's going on locally and in Washington D.C," said Greg Jester.

"As long as they don't buy the office," said White. "I want it to be about the issues and who is going to represent the people, not just South Carolina but the who they are, the whole south east."

"The people we elect are starting to see that 'hey we can get fired'," said Jester. "People will get fed up at some point and I might not be up here for 30 years, you know, like the good old days and I think that's a good thing."

Officials with both the Beaufort County Republican party say the outburst has really sparked the Republican Party and gotten a lot of people involved. Officials with the local Democratic Party say the same, they've received calls from people all over wanting to know how to help.

Both say they've had tremendous support. Congressman Wilson's office says they've never seen anything like this and have been recieving contributions from all over. Wilson's campaign manager said they're still compiling their campaign figures and don't have an actual figure.

Rob Miller's campaign doesn't have their figures either but had this statement from Miller: The tremendous outpouring of support for my campaign in recent weeks is a sure sign that voters are tired of antics like congressman Wilson's.

Right after the outbust, they raised $1.5 million in a week's time. Their whole 2008 campaign they raised $600,000.