SCHotline Press Releases

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA OFFICE OF MARSHALL, LANDON, BOLTON & BLAKE SANFORD With the assistance of their mom, Jenny Sanford, and the Wachovia Foundation

Contact:                Curry Hagerty                803-737-4772                chagerty@gov.sc.gov 

Columbia, S.C. – The Sanford boys officially unveiled Mischief in the Mansion this afternoon at 12:30 pm at the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion (800 Richland Street, Columbia). 

Mischief in the Mansion is a hard-cover book that gives a short history of the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion and reveals life within, as interpreted by the sons of Governor and Mrs. Mark Sanford.  Marshall, Landon, Bolton, and Blake share their tales of growing up in a home abounding in antiques and history, and full of spaces for plenty of adventure.  Proceeds from this book benefit the Governor’s Mansion, a 501(c)3 non profit organization.

Jenny Sanford remarked, “Our family is honored to have the opportunity to live in this historic home, as have so many other SC families before us, and we are thrilled to be able to give back to this property through this book. SC is blessed with a rich cultural heritage, many historic properties, furniture, and art etc.  We believe it is important not only to preserve these but also to educate our people and our children about them too. I am particularly thankful to our boys for their great work on this project to help raise money to preserve this property for future generations.”

Through the “Reading is Fun” program, Wachovia Foundation has partnered with the Governor’s Mansion Foundation to distribute a copy of the book to each public elementary and middle school library in our state.

“Nothing is more important than helping children learn to read and to love learning,” said Kendall Alley, Wachovia’s South Carolina President. “At Wachovia, we believe a high-quality education is the foundation for a child’s lifelong success, and that’s why we dedicate our community activities to improving public education.  It’s our pleasure to partner with the Governor’s Mansion Foundation to ensure every public school library in the state has a copy of Mischief in the Mansion.  It’s a fun book that will engage our schoolchildren and teach South Carolina’s rich history.”

For more information about the Mischief in the Mansion or to purchase a copy of the book, please visit www.scgovernorsmansion.org.  For more information regarding this press announcement, please contact Curry Hagerty in the Office of the First Lady at 803-737-4772. 

House GOP Leader Kicks-off Campaign for Berkeley Senate Seat

GOOSE CREEK – Rep. Shirley Hinson, Chief Whip of the South Carolina House, today filed her official papers declaring her candidacy for S.C. Senate District 44.

“I’m excited to begin the campaign in earnest,” Rep. Hinson said.  “It has been a great privilege to serve the people of Berkeley County in the House, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of serving our community in the Senate.”

Rep. Hinson has built an unparalleled record of leadership during her 11 years in the South Carolina House of Representatives.  As a top Republican leader, Rep. Hinson has ensured the passage of a number of pieces of landmark conservative legislation, including property tax relief, government spending caps, lawsuit abuse reform, DOT reform, expansion of charter schools, and strengthening domestic violence laws.

“Too many times, the House and the Senate can’t find common ground on these important issues,” Rep. Hinson said.  “I will bridge the gap between the House and the Senate so more of these conservative reforms become law.”

For the past three years, Rep. Hinson has served as the majority’s Chief Whip, the Republican charged with lining up floor votes on key conservative legislation.  She is the first woman to hold the position.

Rep. Hinson was first elected to the South Carolina House in 1996 and is currently a member of the Ways and Means Committee, and vice chairman of the Ethics Committee.  Her colleagues have elected her chairman of both the Legislative Women’s Caucus and the House Republican Women’s Caucus.

Rep. Hinson is a graduate of Hanahan High School, Trident Technical College, and the College of Charleston.  Prior to her election to the House, she served on the Berkeley County School Board and as is a certified teacher.

“We are at a critical time in Berkeley County.  We must meet the challenges of rapid growth while preserving the quality of life that makes our community so special.”

#####

Columbia, SC -  The Clare Morris Agency, a full-service integrated marketing, communications, and governmental relations firm based in Columbia, celebrated its first anniversary in business Tuesday, April 24th with a party for clients and friends in its new expanded office space in the Vista.

“We’ve been so fortunate as a new small business to secure some wonderful clients and more importantly help them achieve their marketing and communications goals,” said Clare Morris, owner and president of the agency. “We look forward to helping even more businesses and organizations increase their competitiveness while at the same time maintain our family-friendly work environment.”

In its first year of business, the agency grossed more than a quarter of million dollars in revenue.

Led by Morris, the firm’s team includes Jessica Daly, vice president of creative strategies; Trisha Ostrowski, vice president of public relations; Amy Murray, vice president for corporate communications; and Karen Owens recently joined the agency as director of business development.

Some of the firm’s clients are the Medical University of South Carolina, South Carolina’s Council on Competitiveness, the South Carolina Centers of Economic Excellence (Endowed Chairs) Program, the Palmetto Biotech Alliance, Orangeburg County Development Commission, and the Richard W. Riley Institute at Furman University.

Among those attending the celebration were Columbia Mayor Bob Coble, George Fletcher with SC’s Council on Competitiveness, Bill Youngblood, McNair Law Firm, former Department of Revenue director Burnie Maybank, George Bunch with Ameris Bank, and Keely Fagan with Capital Consultants. The event was catered by Soigné of Santee, South Carolina.

For more information on the Clare Morris Agency, visit www.claremorrisagency.com.

 #####

Official Results of the Lexington County Convention Presidential Straw Poll

Romney 67

McCain 29

Giuliani 26

Hunter 16

Brownback 9

Thompson 9

Huckabee 7

Source: SCHotline.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kyle Kasting
843-816-1964

Governor Weighs in on GOP Senate Special Election

Today, Governor Mark Sanford endorsed Beaufort County Council Chairman Weston Newton in the Special Republican Primary election for the vacant Senate District 46 seat, sending surprise and shock through the local Republican establishment.

Immediate Past Beaufort County GOP Chairman Doug Robertson, said, “There’s not a more popular figure in Republican politics in Beaufort County right now than Mark Sanford. I’m sure this will give the Newton campaign a big shot of momentum going into the final weekend.”

Sanford sent a mailing to Republican voters on Friday in which he said, “I believe Weston Newton will work to cut government spending and bring some common-sense conservative principles to Columbia…I encourage you to vote for Weston on May 1.”

Newton was delighted by Sanford’s endorsement. “I’m grateful for the tremendous boost this gives our campaign,” Newton said. “The Governor and I see eye to eye on the importance of cutting government and giving taxpayers a break.”

The endorsement surprised those who watch politics closely in Beaufort County since two of Newton’s opponents, Catherine Ceips and Richard Chalk, both currently serve in the State House of Representatives. Kyle Kasting, Newton’s campaign manager, suggested that Sanford’s endorsement was reasoned and deliberate. “Everyone knows that Governor
Sanford’s passion is to limit government spending and save taxpayer’s money,” Kasting said. “In his most visible efforts to cut spending, the 2004 and 2005 budget vetoes, Sanford vetoes would have saved taxpayers $133 million, but Catherine Ceips voted to override him 264 of 269 items, and Chalk voted to override him 149 out of 163.”

Newton, who has also received the endorsement of State Rep. Bill Herbkesman (R-Bluffton) said, “While I am pleased to have the support of so many community leaders and elected officials, the endorsement that is most important to me is the endorsement of the voters of Beaufort County in the election next Tuesday.”

For a picture of Governor Sanford and Weston Newton please go to
http://www.westonnewton.com/images/sanfordandweston.JPG

-30-

For More Information:
Rep. Shirley Hinson
(843) 214-1722

House GOP Leader Kicks-off Campaign for Berkeley Senate Seat

GOOSE CREEK – Rep. Shirley Hinson, Chief Whip of the South Carolina House, today filed her official papers declaring her candidacy for S.C. Senate District 44.

“I’m excited to begin the campaign in earnest,” Rep. Hinson said. “It has been a great privilege to serve the people of Berkeley County in the House, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of serving our community in the Senate.”

Rep. Hinson has built an unparalleled record of leadership during her 11 years in the South Carolina House of Representatives. As a top Republican leader, Rep. Hinson has ensured the passage of a number of pieces of landmark conservative legislation, including property tax relief, government spending caps, lawsuit abuse reform, DOT reform, expansion of charter schools, and strengthening domestic violence laws.

“Too many times, the House and the Senate can’t find common ground on these important issues,” Rep. Hinson said. “I will bridge the gap between the House and the Senate so more of these conservative reforms become law.”

For the past three years, Rep. Hinson has served as the majority’s Chief Whip, the Republican charged with lining up floor votes on key conservative legislation. She is the first woman to hold the position.

Rep. Hinson was first elected to the South Carolina House in 1996 and is currently a member of the Ways and Means Committee, and vice chairman of the Ethics Committee. Her colleagues have elected her chairman of both the Legislative Women’s Caucus and the House Republican Women’s Caucus.

Rep. Hinson is a graduate of Hanahan High School, Trident Technical College, and the College of Charleston. Prior to her election to the House, she served on the Berkeley County School Board and as is a certified teacher.

“We are at a critical time in Berkeley County. We must meet the challenges of rapid growth while preserving the quality of life that makes our community so special.”

#####

Orangeburg, SC… During an interview on Thursday with ETV news and public affairs Managing Editor and Host Andrew Gobeil, on “The Big Picture” immediately following the debate, here’s what some of the candidates and political VIPs had to say:

Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson:

·         “I feel that South Carolinians are really going to look at the records (of the candidates), rather than who is the rock star or raised the most money.”

·         “This is the first real debate—you guys scored big—the hospitality was great.”

·         “This is a state that I believe shouldn’t accept nuclear waste.”

U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn:

·         “I think it went very well.  I don’t think any of the top tier candidates did themselves any harm, and I think the second tier candidates did themselves a lot of good.”

·         He identified Biden’s one-word answer, “Yes” as a key moment in the debate and he said, “There were big winners tonight.  They played off of each other very well.  You could tell in watching them interact that there was genuine affection between them, especially the top two tiers of candidates.”

Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg:

·         “Most people are on some level envious of our place in the South—first primary in the South…. I was impressed by all eight candidates—any one could step in and be president.”

Orangeburg, SC… During an interview on Thursday with ETV news and public affairs Managing Editor and Host Andrew Gobeil, on “The Big Picture” immediately following the debate, Democratic Presidential hopeful Mike Gravel had this to say about the Iraq War:

• “I wouldn’t spend a half a second fighting for my country in this false war.”

Orangeburg, SC…In an unexpected departure following the post-debate conversation with Gov. Bill Richardson, ETV’s managing editor and host Andrew Gobeil asked the one-time baseball player Richardson if he favored SC’s Shoeless Joe Jackson being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Said Richardson: “I’d put him in the Hall of Fame.  I know he made a mess of things, but he was a great player.”

Orangeburg, SC… During an interview on Thursday with ETV news and public affairs Managing Editor and Host Andrew Gobeil, on “The Big Picture” immediately following the debate, Democratic Presidential hopeful Joe  Biden reflected on today’s debate by saying:

• “I think the debate was good…My objective was to make sure the listeners understood there was one candidate who had a clear plan on how to deal with Iraq.”

• “The university did a heck of a job.  Just don’t go and beat my Delaware Hornets. We are in the same conference.”

• “I believe you have to have 14 years of education paid for by the public–not 12.”

Orangeburg, SC… During an interview on Thursday with ETV news and public affairs Managing Editor and Host Andrew Gobeil, on “The Big Picture” immediately following the debate, Democratic Presidential hopeful Senator Chris Dodd said this about energy as a major campaign issue:

• “I called for a carbon tax three weeks ago.”

• “Fifty-three percent of the resources that operate the grid come from coal.  You are going to need an alternate energy source…that you can rely on.  If you are going to be honest with people, you’ve got to have enegery sources that can do that–I am not going to take nuclear power off the table.”

Urges Congress to Pass Real War Supplemental Without Politics and Pork

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) voted against the conference report of H.R. 1591, the supplemental appropriations bill, which requires American troops to withdraw from Iraq beginning October 1^st of this year, and contains more than $20 billion in unrelated spending. The measure passed the Senate 51-46 and President Bush has promised to veto it.

“Americans don’t want to lose this war, they want to win and we can’t do that by announcing a surrender date to Al Qaeda,” said Senator DeMint.  “Our brave troops are risking their lives because they know victory in Iraq is critical to the future safety of Americans. It is insulting to the sacrifices our troops have made for Democrats to declare the war is lost and vote to surrender to terrorists.

“If Harry Reid believes the war is lost, then he should stop the war funding now and bring our troops home. Instead, he is playing a risky political game in an attempt to embarrass our Commander in Chief.”

“President Bush should and will veto this defeatist legislation that contains billions in unrelated spending. Since Democrats insisted on this pointless exercise, our troops will have to wait even longer to get the funding and equipment they need to defend themselves. I hope Congress can now work quickly to get a real war supplemental to the President that is free of politics and pork.”

The conference report contained billions of dollars in spending unrelated to the war. Examples include:

•       $60.4 million for salmon fisheries in the Klamath Basin region

•       $20 million for Dairy Production Losses

•       $1.85 billion for crop production losses

•       $1.4 billion for livestock production losses

•       $33 million for Livestock Indemnity Program

•       $21 million for emergency grants to low-income migrant and seasonal farm workers (Small Business Economic Loss Grant program)

•       $20 million for emergency conservation program

•       $115 million for the conservation security program

•       $18 million for drought assistance in upper Great Plains/South West

•       $31 million for one month extension of Milk Income Loss Contract program (MILC) – increasing farm spending by $2.4 billion over the next ten years

•       $12 million for forest service money

•       $67.5 million for Salaries and Expenses for Farm Service Agency

•       $425 million for education grants for rural areas – (Secure Rural Schools program)

•       $400 million for LIHEAP

•       $50 million for asbestos abatement at the Capitol Power Plant

•       $682.9 million for funding for backlog of old Department of Transportation projects

•       $500 million for wildland fire management

•       $13 million for mine safety technology research

•       $10 million for historic preservation fund

•       $35 million for NASA risk mitigation projects

###

(Columbia, SC) – Today, the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance announced the debut of its new public awareness campaign, Made in South Carolina. 

Similar in concept to the Made in the USA campaign of the 1990s, Made in South Carolina strives to educate South Carolinians of the importance of manufacturing for our state and at the same time showcase products produced by our friends and neighbors. 

“Manufacturing is the backbone of our state’s economy,” said Smyth McKissick, CEO of Alice Manufacturing and Chairman of the Made in South Carolina Board.  “There is no other sector of the economy that provides more for educational efforts, philanthropic activities, tax revenue, and research and innovation.  Manufacturers are not just creating products, but are also manufacturing a better South Carolina.”

“The Made in South Carolina program is a unique effort that provides better communication about the significance of the manufacturing sector, but also highlights the many products made in our back yard,” said Bobby Harrell, Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives and Honorary Chairman of the Made in South Carolina Board.  

Currently there are over 115 manufacturing companies participating in the Made in South Carolina program.  Advertising components include a television commercial and interstate billboards that are available for viewing on the website; radio commercials will be available soon.  For more information about Made in South Carolina, please visit www.madeinsc.org or www.madeinsouthcarolina.org.

 ###

Education, tax cuts, infrastructure, and healthcare are focus of the
2007-08 Budget

Columbia, SC - April 26, 2007 - The South Carolina Senate passed a new
budget for South Carolina that addresses the fundamental needs of our
citizens and puts the state on a bright path for our future.  Next
year’s state budget will include permanent tax cuts on groceries,
full funding of education, expanded access to healthcare, increased
emphasis on law enforcement and crime prevention, and substantial
investment in our state’s infrastructure.  In addition, the state’s
trust funds and “rainy day” accounts are all fully funded.

Senate Majority Whip Jim Ritchie noted, “South Carolina is growing.
This balanced budget targets the spending to address our immediate and
long term needs for strong schools, colleges and universities,
affordable healthcare, and economic and community development. Most
importantly, we were able to use the surplus to provide permanent tax
cuts and restore our rainy days funds.”

Chairman of Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Hugh Leatherman commented,
“This was a great budget.  In fact, this was one of the better
budgets that I have seen during my service in the Senate.  We were very
successful in providing our state’s most precious agencies with
increased funding, which will serve to assist many South Carolinians.
Specifically, we did a great job in fighting crime, putting a nurse in
every elementary school in the state, fully funding the Education EFA
Inflation Factor, and providing health care for our neediest citizens.
One thing that I heard about most from my constituents back home was the
grocery tax.  This reduction gives our hard working families 90 million
dollars in tax relief this year.”

The Senate’s budget will send $90 million back to the taxpayers
through a two cents permanent reduction in the grocery tax, effective
November 1, 2007.

The formula for a successful future is founded upon the children of
South Carolina, and education and healthcare are the two most critical
components in that equation.  Education makes up the largest portion of
the budget, with more than half of the total funds going to K-12 and
Higher Education programs.  The State Children’s Health Insurance
Program (CHIPS) was expanded this year to offer healthcare to even more
of our state’s uninsured children.  The budget also addresses the
critical shortage of nurses we are currently experiencing by expanding
programs and scholarships available to the students of South Carolina.

In addition, this year’s budget puts 50 new Highway Patrol officers
on the roads; funds gang prevention efforts and gives State Law
Enforcement Division (SLED) funds for GPS tracking of sexually violent
offenders.

###