Libertarian Candidate Says Voters—Not Newsrooms or Campaign Budgets—Should Determine Who is Viable
July 14, 2026 (Blythewood, South Carolina) – Dr. Kasie Whitener, Libertarian candidate for the United States Senate, is calling on South Carolina’s news organizations to uphold the principles of fair, objective journalism by providing coverage of every legally qualified candidate appearing on the November 3 General Election ballot.
Whitener said the role of a free press in a democratic society is not to predict election outcomes or determine which campaigns are viable. Its role is to provide citizens with accurate, objective information about every legitimate candidate who has earned a place on the ballot, allowing voters—not newsrooms—to decide who deserves their support.
“Advertising budgets are not a legitimate editorial standard,” Whitener said. “Whether a campaign spends millions on television advertising or relies entirely on grassroots volunteers has no bearing on whether that candidate has earned a place on the ballot and objective news coverage.”
South Carolina election law provides multiple lawful paths to the general election ballot. Republican and Democratic nominees qualify through primary elections, while recognized political parties, including the Libertarian Party, nominate candidates through conventions as prescribed by state law. Each method results in a legally certified candidate for the November General Election. Dr. Whitener secured her place on the ballot through the South Carolina Libertarian Party’s convention process, making her one of the qualified candidates seeking to represent South Carolina in the United States Senate.
Whitener said there is an important distinction between legal legitimacy and political viability.
“South Carolina election law has already determined that I am a legitimate candidate. Whether I am a viable candidate is a decision that belongs to voters—not the media,” Whitener said. “If my name appears on the November ballot because I met every legal requirement established by South Carolina law, then I have earned the same opportunity to present my ideas to voters as every other candidate on that ballot.”
Whitener argues that when routine election coverage excludes legally qualified independent and alternative party candidates, the press is no longer simply reporting on the election—it is shaping it.
“Voters cannot evaluate candidates they never have the opportunity to hear from,” Whitener said. “When only Republican and Democratic candidates receive routine coverage, the practical effect is to reinforce the existing two-party system before voters have had the chance to make their own decisions.”
Whitener emphasized that her request is not for favorable treatment, but for consistent application of journalistic standards.
“I don’t want the media to decide whether I’m viable. I want South Carolina voters to decide whether I’m worthy. That’s how democracy is supposed to work.”
A business owner, entrepreneurship professor at the University of South Carolina, radio host, organizational management consultant, and published author, Whitener believes her qualifications to serve should be evaluated on their merits rather than her party affiliation.
“I’ve spent my career solving problems, building organizations, teaching future business leaders, and helping people navigate complexity,” Whitener said. “I welcome scrutiny of my ideas, my experience, and my qualifications. What I don’t welcome is a system where party affiliation or advertising dollars determine whether voters are even introduced to every candidate seeking to represent them.”
Whitener’s campaign is built around the slogan “One Million Know,” referencing the number of votes it will take to win the US Senate seat in a three-way race. Her campaign is focused on engaging South Carolinians directly through community events, town halls, interviews, and conversations in all 46 counties. She says many voters are frustrated with what she describes as the two-party duopoly and are looking for leaders who will put the people of South Carolina ahead of party, special interests, and personal gain.
“Our campaign is built on the belief that South Carolinians are ready for more choices, more ideas, and more voices in our political conversation,” Whitener said. “Democracy is strongest when voters hear from every qualified candidate and decide for themselves who has earned their vote.”
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About Kasie Whitener
Dr. Kasie Whitener is a writer, business owner, radio host, and educator at the University of South Carolina running as a Libertarian for the United States Senate in South Carolina.
Kasie believes in regular citizens serving their communities. Rather than preconceived positions, her approach to every issue is to evaluate stakeholder impacts, and make the best choice for South Carolina. She has a deep love for our state and a genuine passion for protecting all of our citizens from overreaching and corrupt government. Kasie puts people over party, and promises to be fully transparent, accessible, and accountable.
After moving from the Upstate to Blythewood in 2012, Kasie started Clemson Road Creative, a consultancy specializing in business processes. Kasie earned her PhD in Organization and Management in 2014, joined the Darla Moore School of Business at USC in 2017 as a Clinical Instructor teaching entrepreneurship and strategic management, and is currently a Director of the Faber Entrepreneurship Center. She is the co-host for “Mornings with Kasie and Kev” and host of WriteOnSC on 100.7 The Point and makethepointradio.com.
Kasie earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Clemson University in 1999 and a master’s in English from Winthrop in 2004. She was a two-term President of the South Carolina Writers Association, three-term chair for the Richland County Libertarian Party, state committee chair for the South Carolina Libertarian Party (SCLP), and a four-time delegate to the Libertarian National Convention. Kasie is a Florence native who grew up in Herndon, Virginia. She currently resides in Blythewood, S.C. with her husband, Charlie, an R.N., and their 18-year-old daughter who will enter Clemson University in the Fall.
Learn more about Kasie.
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