Payday lenders not buying lawmakers
The State
February 22, 2009
by: Jamie Fulmer
The State repeatedly writes about our company, Advance America, and the payday lending industry in South Carolina with a negative bias.
A recent column related to campaign contributions was a case in point (“Weak payday bill’s advancement: cash or coincidence?” Jan. 29). It is reckless to look at an issue narrowly and draw broad conclusions, but that is exactly what The State did when it accused our company and other lenders of “buying” lawmakers with donations.
Advance America was not even one of the top 20 campaign contributors to S.C. candidates during the 2008 election cycle — nor was any other payday lending company.
It is improper to insinuate that any donor — or any lawmaker who has ever received a campaign contribution — is, essentially, unscrupulous or acting in bad faith. We simply ask that our company, and the state’s lawmakers, be treated fairly on this matter.
JAMIE FULMER
Advance America, Cash Advance Centers
Spartanburg
