Richard Quinn Sr., a political consultant who influenced numerous Republican campaigns, including those of the late John McCain and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) passed away on March 21.

The cause was not disclosed immediately, according to the Post and Courier.

During his lengthy career as a campaign advisor, Quinn, 79, of Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to the expanding prominence of South Carolina in presidential politics and assisted in the election of a stable of influential Statehouse candidates.

Remembering Quinn

Former clients include Governor Henry McMaster, United States Representative Joe Wilson, Attorney General Alan Wilson, Strom Thurmond, and Ronald Reagan.

"Richard Quinn was one of the finest men I’ve ever known," McMaster said in a March 21 statement. "Brilliant, generous, compassionate — and devoted to his family and friends.

"His contributions to our state’s progress are immeasurable. He was my friend. Peggy and I will never forget him. Our hearts and prayers are with his family."

Graham added "He helped me get my start in South Carolina politics and was instrumental in building the modern Republican Party."

Accusations Against Quinn

Quinn's political network, colloquially referred to as the "Quinndom," disintegrated amidst an extensive Statehouse corruption investigation that commenced in 2014.

This investigation resulted in the indictments of six Republican legislators, all of whom were clients of Quinn and included his son, the former House Majority Leader Rick Quinn.

In 2017, Richard Quinn was charged by a grand jury with criminal conspiracy and non-compliance with lobbyist registration requirements.

His son and his firm entered guilty pleas two months later, in accordance with a plea bargain that demanded the elder Quinn provide truthful testimony in front of the grand jury.

In contrast, prosecutors charged Quinn with lying during his two grand jury appearances in 2018, which resulted in the influential consultant being charged with an additional count of crimes.

The Resolution

In April 2023, the case reached its resolution with the entry of an Alford plea by Quinn, who was 78 years old at the time.

While he refrained from admitting culpability, he acknowledged that a jury was likely to find him guilty on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. After serving his 18-month home detention sentence, he was ordered to complete two years of probation.

It, according to his associates, was more crucial to bear in mind his other contributions to the state. His association with former Senate leader of South Carolina, Glenn McConnell, propelled him to the forefront of early public relations initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting the H.L. Hunley, a Confederate submarine presently on exhibition in North Charleston.

"Richard advised some of the most impactful politicians in our state and helped influence politics on the national stage," said Bill Stern, chairman of the South Carolina Ports Board of Directors, who called himself fortunate to been counted among Quinn's friends.