SC Treasurer Curtis Loftis has been called a sexist, racist pig.

His support for Gov. Henry McMaster and University of South Carolina presidential finalist Robert L. Caslen Jr., was attacked by what he calls activists.

They aim to redistribute political power and wealth, he said.

Caslen is a retired US Army 3-star general and West Point superintendent.

Loftis, a West Columbian, told the West Metro Rotary Club Friday that criticism by email has come from as far away as Rome and Australia.

Gov. Henry McMaster is doing “the right thing” in calling for the USC board to vote.

A state judge blocked the vote because not enough notice was given.

Loftis urged supporters to email support for the governor.

Activists have protested because they say Caslen has linked alcohol abuse with sexual assault, Loftis said.

Caslen’s words were taken out of context, his supporters say.

Protesters also challenged Caslen’s role in the Iraq War and support for the US-backed Contras who opposed socialist Sandinistas in Nicaragua.

Loftis criticized the soaring costs of higher education.

“They are getting rich,” said Loftis.

He said a retired USC professor can receive $300,000 annually.

The average annual salary for USC faculty is $103,000, he said.

That includes part-time adjunct instructors paid $37,500 annually.

Loftis said tenured USC faculty get paid but don’t teach classes and get lucrative contracts with state government via USC.

Loftis said the highest percentage of student families’ household income goes to pay college tuition.

The universities do not spend the peoples’ money wisely, he said.

“We need a university for us,” said Loftis.