South Carolinians Fret Over Image

A governor who went AWOL for love, an allegedly closeted lieutenant governor, and a congressman who called the president a liar on live national television could cause more than just embarrassment for South Carolina, some residents fear. And then there's the lesser-known case of the education board leader charged with posting erotica online under a pseudonym.

Some South Carolinians express concern that the political missteps could move beyond material for late-night comedians and into the realm of costing them tourism and other economic development opportunities, according to the Los Angeles Times.

"The jokes are bad enough," reports the Times. "Even more worrisome is the possible damage to South Carolina's national reputation. Some fear this fresh batch of humiliating headlines will only make things worse, scaring off retirees, turning away prospective college students, and, most critically, discouraging businesses from expanding or moving to South Carolina."

Read a more extensive account of the foibles in the Palmetto State here.