Stephen Colbert Democrat Presidential Bid Denied

Stephen Colbert paid a $2,500 filing fee just before the noon deadline to get on the Democrat ballot in South Carolina. About 40 minutes later the executive democratic council voted 13-3 to deny Colbert’s application. State Democratic Party Chairwoman Carol Fowler said:

"He’s really trying to use South Carolina Democrats as suckers so he can further a comedy routine," said Waring Howe, a member of the executive council. And Colbert "serves to detract from the serious candidates on the ballot."

Colbert was also considering running as a Republican. The GOP filing fee is $35,000, and the deadline was Thursday night, so it looks like it’s all over.

The good news is, Democrats will give back his $2,500. The Democrats could have really benefited from the positive attention Colbert would have brought.