News

Candidates appear at Democratic convention

March 9, 2010

Candidates for a variety of state and federal offices sought the support of fellow Democrats Monday night in what they said was their quest to turn things around in South Carolina and get the nation moving toward reform.

Democratic candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of education, and other state officers appeared at the Greenville County Democratic Convention to tell why they're running for the different offices.

Vincent Sheheen of Camden who is vying against state Superintendent of Education Jim Rex for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, said he has a reputation in the state Senate as someone who brings people together for the common good, something he wants to do as governor.

"Our goal as Democrats has to be to lift this state up in a positive manner and work together to realize that potential," Sheheen said.

Rex said the state needs a governor to lead change and who understands reform.

"This is a big, complicated industry called South Carolina, and if we're going to restructure it, make it more efficient and generate fair and stable revenue we're going to need someone with executive experience," he said. "I think I bring that all to the table."

Ashley Cooper, a Charleston attorney running for lieutenant governor, said that if he's elected he'll serve as a strong representative of the party.

"I'm not going to apologize for being a Democrat, and I'm going to stand up for what we believe in," Cooper said.

Victor Rawl, a former South Carolina legislator and judge officially launched his bid Monday to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint. He said if elected he would work to get legislation passed in Washington.

"We can't deal with gridlock, we can't deal with partisan politics, we have got to solve the problems in this country," he said. "I'm running quite frankly because we need a choice."

Frank Holleman, candidate for state Superintendent of Education, said he wants to be the leader of "public education," whereas his potential opponents are "dedicated" supporters of tax credits, vouchers or both "that would take money from public schools at a time of severe budget crisis."

Greenville Online