From Voting Under the Influence Blog

“State Senator Larry Grooms came across as his own man”… “if forced to pick a winner, VUI would have to go with Grooms. He answered the questions posed to him and held his own with the four better known and better handled candidates.”

From Skirt! Augusta

“…tonight he [Grooms] was the clear crowd-pleaser. The man delivered his responses the way a gymnast sticks a landing.”

From South Carolina Blog

“Grooms drew a cheer when asked what type of Republican he was."

“I cling to freedom, that’s what kind of Republican I am,” Grooms said.”

From Fits News

"Grooms had heart."

Tire King Bringing 100 Jobs to the Lowcountry: from ABC News 4

One hundred jobs are rolling into the Lowcountry and thousands more are on the way. This is part of the largest economic announcement for the area in years.
 
Tire Kingdom, a part of the TBC Corporation, is moving into Berkeley County by the end of next year. Officials say that is just the beginning because with that company on board, more are sure to follow.
 
Right now the area off Dropoff Road near Jedburg does not look like much, but it is the beginning of something big.
 
“We are going to build 20 million square feet of warehousing and distribution facilities right here,” Sen. Larry Grooms says.
 
The company chose Berkeley County over several other areas.
 
“It is location, location, location,” Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis said. “It is on the interstate and near the port.”
 
TBC will soon be the port’s fourth largest customer and will pump new life into it and the Lowcountry.
 
“One competitive advantage other ports have is they have warehousing and distribution facilities that we don’t have,” Grooms added. “We’re building them now.”
 
Officials say this is the first step in battling a 10.6% unemployment rate in the county and it is paving the way for more businesses to come in.
 
“Both sides of the interstate will be a transportation hub,” said Grooms. “This area will be the place where jobs will be created.”
 
“With all the associated businesses and jobs that will come with it, there is the potential of 17,000 to 18,000 jobs to be created,” Davis added.
 
That job growth is projected to take place over the next two decades in an area that desperately needs it.Officials are now working to attract those businesses to the site and they say several companies are already eyeing the area.
 
New infrastructure will be built to make getting in and out of the area easier.

Columbia City Paper
Written by Judit Trunkos  
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Gubernatorial Candidate Larry Grooms

S.C. State Senator, Larry Grooms, recently announced his bid for Governor. Throughout his career, Grooms has demonstrated financial conservatism and commitment to small businesses.  Columbia City Paper had a chance to ask the senator a few candid questions about issues such as education, the “Tea Party” phenomenon and other issues.

CCP: Which issues would you make priorities as governor?

GROOMS: It will have to be the economy. Unless we have a vibrant economy, nothing else really matters. If we do not have enough money to fund education, to fund healthcare, to fund our highways, we have to turn the economy around.

CCP: On your Web site you talk about your plans for education. During the past decade there was a 30 percent budget cut in this state for higher education. What is your plan to support higher education?

GROOMS: I would have to see the money come in before I can dedicate money going out. I do not know where the state budget is going to be. That is why we have to turn the economy around.  When we turn the economy around, revenues will increase. I believe that we are not spending as a percentage of our state budget enough on higher education. Because that is the key also to a greater economy of South Carolina. Our research institutions. They are the ones that have the new technology to bring in the new jobs.  At the Clemson Respiration Institute, or at MUSC and USC what is happening is they work on new technologies. Those are things that we should invest in at a greater degree than we are now. Because if we do that, there are dividends to be paid off by creating a high tech, higher paid economy. When you invent you are creating a greater economic prosperity and you can take advantage of those. So as a percentage of our state budget, I think we should spend more. You cannot do it all at once. You have to gradually get there.

CCP: Have you ever visited a “Corridor of Shame” school?

GROOMS: Yes I have.

CCP: What is your plan for improving them?

GROOMS: One thing to take under consideration: the “Corridor of Shame” schools are actually the entire state. If you look at Greenville, the number of students that do not graduate is equal that of the “Corridor of Shame.” There are pockets of greatness and pockets of failure all throughout our state, not at just the “Corridor of Shame” schools.

What we have to do –and I firmly believe this is we have to decentralize education from the state to the school district—each school district would succeed or fail based on their own decision. If we trust the school districts to do what is best for their individual communities, they will do a better job than what the state is doing. We have to equalize education funding also. My partner in this is actually a Democratic candidate for Governor, Mr. Vincent Sheheen. We worked on this extensively. We put forward a plan to equalize funding, which would radically change our tax code in South Carolina to ensure that every child receives the same amount of funding, so it would not favor one county over another.

CCP: What about historically black colleges? Do you have a plan to increase admission level or grading standards?

GROOMS: I am not going to look at colleges in terms of if they are white or black colleges.  They are our state’s higher education institutions. They are all to be treated the same.  What is good for one school it is good for another.

CCP: So you disagree that in black colleges the admission and grading standards are lower?

GROOMS: All our standards for all state institutions should be the same.

CCP: They should be, but are they?

GROOMS: Their guidelines should be similar. Each college should have their own standards. Some are geared more towards their community and some are geared more towards research. Clemson and MUSC will have different admission standards than a community college. To say that one school has different standards based on the number of white or black students is wrong.

CCP: On your Web site you say you are honored to be called “The Tea Party Guy.” You attended the September 12 Tea Party in Washington DC. On your Web site you say, “ I am inspired by the passion the crowds have for our Founding Father’s vision for this great country and for their dedication for liberty.” What did you think about the signs showing Obama as Hitler? Would you have any comments on those?

GROOMS: I thought the Tea Party crowed was wonderful.  Everyone was there for somebody else, representing other people’s interest, the goals of the pursuit of life, liberty and property rights. They were patriots concerned about the direction of this party, including me. We have taken a left turn. Based on our Declaration of Independence and Constitution, our government is becoming what is has never been intended to become. Unless we stop this, unless we turn around and embrace freedom, instead of embracing government control, our nation will fail as we knew it. It will not happen today, or tomorrow. It will happen over time.

CCP: Would you say those signs were accurate?

GROOMS: It is wonderful to hold a sign. We should never be afraid of free speech. There were about a million people there. About 95 percent of them were carrying a flag or a banner. There were lots of signs.

CCP: What about specific ones that show Obama as Hitler or Obama calling him a Socialist?

GROOMS:  I believe those people were expressing their views. And yes, I think Obama intends to take the country to a Socialist agenda. That should be obvious to anybody.

CCP: By Socialist agenda what exactly do you mean?

GROOMS: Government trying to control your life. By eroding our individual freedoms. Government control instead of you.

CCP: But in the case of health care, for instance, the Obama proposal would not take away your private options, would only provide a cheaper option.

GROOMS: That is why they call him a liar.

CCP: So you think Obama is Socialist?

GROOMS: Yes. The evidence speaks for itself on where he wants to go with his policies. In order to improve the lives of citizens, he wants to improve the power of the government. That is what he wants to do.

CCP: You do not think that libraries, fire departments and the police improve the lives of the people? By your definition, those can be called Socialist institutions because the government is supporting them. Why do you draw the line there and say that in those cases it is okay to be supported by the government, but not health care?

GROOMS: Because the government is trying to impose its will on health care. The fire department is not making anybody do anything.  The citizens call the fire department when there is fire. The local fire department does not regulate the people’s lives. You choose to go to a public library to check out a book, the library does not control your life, they do not tell you what you can or cannot read.  That is the difference.

CCP: When you get sick, you don’t have a choice; you have to go to the doctor.

GROOMS: And I get to go to a doctor I choose. I do not want to go to a doctor that the government chooses for me. Or allow the government to tell me what procedures I might need.

CCP: So you think that the government option would take away your private options?

GROOMS: Yes, that is eventually what happens.

CCP: Do you know anyone in Argentina?

GROOMS: I do not know a soul in Argentina. My wife is my soul mate. I married my soul mate 21 years ago.  And there have been no other women in my life, other than my wife.  The other day The Statenewspaper called me the “Tea Party Guy,” but the title I am most proud of is “The Family Guy.”
 

From SCGOP.com

Over the weekend Barnwell County Republican Party Chairman, Ben Kinlaw, wrote an op-ed for The People Sentinel. Chairman Kinlaw voiced his support for Senator Jim DeMint in his battle against frivolous Congressional earmarks. It was written in response Representative Bakari Seller’s op-ed written last week. In case you missed the article, we have attached it below.

Dear Editor,

On Sept. 30 in a statewide newspaper, I read state Rep. Bakari Sellers’ column attacking U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint and his opposition to Congressional earmarks.

I was greatly outraged by the mentality of, “if we don’t put in for government handouts, someone else is going to get our share.” I applaud Sen. DeMint for standing by his campaign promises, holding his ground and not giving in to the special interest groups.

The vast majority of earmarks go to congressmen and senators who lead the Appropriations Committee – the so-called appropriators. They write the annual funding bills and reserve most of the earmark funding for the projects they support.

Sometimes these are projects in their home states, and sometimes the projects are supported by their campaign donors. Congressmen and senators who aren’t on the Appropriations Committees are left to fight for the table scraps.

In this system, there is no honest assessment of how these taxpayer funds could be used to best achieve our national goals. Each appropriator is left to his own discretion. This system is dangerously open to corruption and we have witnessed some of these appropriators sentenced on bribery and corruption charges.

Rep. Sellers seems to think $34 million in funding for South Carolina is worth the country funneling $17 billion into this broken system in 2008 alone. If South Carolina can only expect one fifth of one percent, shouldn’t our members of Congress be making reform their top priority?

Why should Sen. DeMint compromise his fight to save the U.S. taxpayer, because of the wastefulness of Congressional appropriators?

If they refuse to turn Sen. DeMint’s foregone earmarks into tax rebates or debt repayment, they should be the target of Rep. Sellers’ ire and not Sen. DeMint.

Sincerely,

Benny Kinlaw

Chairman

Barnwell County

Republican Party

By CAROLYN CLICK
cclick@thestate.com

Midway through Irmo's 36th annual Okra Strut parade, a misty rain began to fall on the floats and marching bands, prompting festivalgoers to pop up colorful umbrellas to shield them from the elements.

The light rain dampened attendance but not enthusiasm for the annual town festival that pays homage to the green pod.
Festivalgoers who braved the weather consumed baskets of deep-fried breaded okra at $3 a pop, not to mention hot dogs, barbecue, corn on the cob and sweets.

"I felt compelled to eat them," said Meesh Hays,who came to her first Okra Strut with her 12-year-old son, Austin. "There are the hot dogs and French fries and other delights, but this is, after all, the Okra Strut."

Hays quickly pointed out that she was familiar with the slimy green vegetable that has put the town on the food festival map.
"This is my first Okra Strut but not my first foray into okra eating," she said.

Not so for one man from Indianapolis who dropped by one of two fried okra booths operated by the group that started the festival, the Lake Murray-Irmo Woman's Club, club president Judy Soltis said.

"He said no one would believe there is an Okra Strut, fried okra and an okra 'pod,'" Soltis laughed.
That "pod" costume is usually worn by a child of one of the group's members, she said, although there have been members who have donned the costume as well.

The woman's club began the festival in 1973 as a way to raise money for a town library. The first, a small arts-and-crafts sale, was held at Seven Oaks Park and drew a few hundred people. But over the years, the festival was embraced by community businesses and supporters and now draws about 60,000 over two days.

Soltis said 20 percent of festival proceeds go to fund the library, which was built in 1980, with the remaining money going toward scholarships and other community projects.

On Saturday, they expected to fry about 1,800 pounds of okra.

Festival administrator Jim Twitty estimated there were about 40,000 in attendance over both days, down from the robust 55,000 usually predicted.

A heavy downpour Friday night shortened that evening's activities by about two hours, he said. On Saturday, he said, "we've been very lucky," despite the intermittent rain.

"I think a lot of people are getting out to play," he said.

The festival is a popular destination for politicians, and there was perhaps none more prominent Saturday than 2nd District U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson.

The Republican, who gained nationwide notoriety for hollering "You lie!" at President Obama during the president's health care speech earlier this month, said he received a "fantastic" reception from Irmo townspeople, some yelling out "Go, Joe!" as he passed.

Wilson said he has walked in every Irmo parade, the first year as a volunteer for the late Rep. Floyd Spence, who Wilson succeeded in Congress.

Gubernatorial candidates, including Andre Bauer, Henry McMaster and Larry Grooms, were also among political figures working the festival crowd, along with groups including S.C. Fair Tax and the 9/12 Project of South Carolina.

But many festivalgoers simply used the Okra Strut as a good excuse to visit with their neighbors and enjoy some community fun.

Through the intermittent drizzle, children rode on fair amusements that included the "Round-up," "Mirror Maze" and "Spinner."
There was a cornhole tournament, lots of music and dancing at the showcase stage, and plenty of arts and crafts.

Six members of the Main Street Harmonizers sang barbershop harmony in hopes of gaining more members for the group that meets at Lexington Baptist Church.

For Katelyn Busch, 6, and her cousin, Rene Busch, 9, the Okra Strut provided their first experience riding a parade float.
Sitting atop one of the floats organized by Dance World, the girls declared it "a lot of fun," with one drawback - sore wrists from greeting the crowd.

"I couldn't stop waving," Rene said.

WSPA.com
Russ Bradley and Melissa Keeney

Airplane manufacturer Boeing is coming to South Carolina, and it’s bringing up to 12,000 jobs over the next three years. That announcement was made today by the Chicago-based company. It chose North Charleston over Everett, Washington, because, according to the company, the location worked best as the company ramps up production of it’s 787 Dreamliner. The company has been embattled with union workers the past year back in Washington state, which, along with manufacturing troubles, has delayed first flight and deliveries of the aircraft. The jet is a mid-sized jet, which can carry up to 250 passengers. Boeing, and a company Boeing owns 50 percent interest in, already have a facility in North Charleston where parts for the 787 are manufactured, and sections of the plane are built. That facility will be expanded for the new production.

Fifty-five airline companies have ordered the plane since production was launched in 2003 which, according to Boeing, makes the 787 the company’s bestselling aircraft. “Establishing a second 787 assembly line in Charleston will expand our production capability to meet the market demand,“ Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing’s commercial airplane division, said in a statement. The company hopes to produce 10 planes per month by 2013.

Legislators were told to stay in session because of an “impending” announcement, which they received shortly after 5pm. The Senate chambers burst into applause when the news was announced. It didn’t take long for legislators, and Governor Mark Sanford, to pour out the accolades.

Gov. Mark Sanford said: “Boeing’s decision to expand their presence in our state with an infusion of jobs and capital investment - the largest announcement in South Carolina history - represents not only enormously good news for our state’s economy, but also a telling dividend from our state’s continued efforts to better our business climate. For us, that means lowering taxes, easing regulatory burdens in our state’s tort and workers’ compensation systems, and keeping South Carolina a right-to-work state. I’d first and foremost applaud the hardworking Boeing employees already in the Lowcountry for both their day-to-day efforts and their confidence in Boeing’s management, and in the same way I’d thank Boeing - and in particular Chairman Jim McNerney - for returning that vote of confidence in our state.

“Just as the similarly monumental BMW investment catalyzed a now extensive automotive presence across South Carolina more than 15 years ago, we believe Boeing landing decisively in North Charleston will spur on an already growing aerospace hub in our state. Also just like BMW, Roche, or the Global Aeronautica investment that led to Boeing’s foothold in South Carolina only four years ago, this project required a team effort from dedicated leaders in both the private and public sectors.“

Senator Glenn McConnell of Charleston commented, “Words struggle to describe how big it is, but I would tell you it is transformational. South Carolina will never be the same after this decision. It moves us from a stage of hope to a reality that more prosperous times are ahead. Regardless of what happens to the national economy, we’re going to buck that tide and move upward.“

Senator Larry Grooms says the entire state will benefit from Boeing locating in the state. “"There’s an entire supplier industry that will locate to South Carolina. We’re talking today just about Boeing with the 4,000 jobs. Well, there’s a spinoff effect of possibly even 5-to-1 ratio when you count in the suppliers. Suppliers from around the world will now be beating the doors down to locate in South Carolina and they will locate all across our state and in every county.“

But not everyone was happy with Wednesday’s announcement. Governor Chris Gregoire of Washington issued the following statement on Boeing’s decision to locate the second 787 production line in South Carolina:

“This is obviously a very disappointing day for all Washingtonians, particularly the more than 73,000 Boeing workers in our state. We did all we could to demonstrate that Washington is the best place in America to build airplanes. State and local government worked hand in hand with our capable Congressional delegation, business and community leaders, educators and countless others to show our collective support for locating the second 787 assembly line here.

“Unfortunately, the active and intense discussions between Boeing and the Machinists union did not result in an agreement acceptable to both sides. My colleagues in the Congressional delegation and I worked tirelessly to urge an agreement if at all possible; ultimately the two sides could not come together.“

Berkley Independent
Tuesday, September 29, 2009

State Sen. Larry Grooms was recently named Legislator of the Year by a group of South Carolina charter schools.

The Palmetto Charter Network presented the award during its annual convention Sept. 19 in Columbia.

The award is given to the legislator who has been “the most instrumental in supporting the growth of charter public schools in the state during the past year,” according to Mike Sinclair, principal of Brashier Middle College in Simpsonville, and President of the Palmetto Charter Network. “Sen. Grooms’ support for an increase in funding for schools authorized by the South Carolina Public Charter School District was instrumental in securing funding for more than 6,000 students attending SCPCSD charter schools.

“This was the only funding increase for any state supported organization during the last school year.”

“I deeply appreciate this recognition,” Grooms said.  “The parents, teachers, and volunteers who make these schools work are the real heroes, and it’s on their behalf that I accept this.

“We should do all we can to make sure their innovative approaches to education are encouraged wherever possible.”

“Your advocacy of a full floor vote by the Senate on the 2009-2010 charter school district funding proviso literally saved the operation of most of the SCPCSD's eight schools,” Sinclair told Grooms.

The Palmetto Charter Network includes 15 schools across South Carolina, representing members at every level of government.  It provides services in marketing and publicity, advocacy, networked technical support, and communications.

Charter schools are independent public schools of choice that operate with flexibility and without many of the regulations that apply to traditional public schools.  

In South Carolina, these schools operate on a 10-year contract called a charter, which deals with the schools’ mission, program and goals.  
There are more than 3,000 charter schools in the United States.

Grooms, of Bonneau, is a candidate for governor and is currently seeking the Republican Party’s nomination.

Project Neptune has been getting some recognition in the news today.  The initiative is a collaboration between TBC Corporation (one of the largest marketers of automotive replacement tires) and real estate giants Rockefeller Group Development Corporation and MeadWestvaco Corporation.  TBC will occupy a 1.1. million square foot distribution center which sits on a 400-acre industrial park in Berkeley County, South Carolina.  The project was a joint effort by many State Senators, including Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Larry Grooms.  Some highlights:

Baltimore's CityBiz said:

"TBC's distribution center will have a dramatic positive impact on Berkeley County, the Charleston region, and the entire State of South Carolina.'Berkeley County and the Trident Region are honored to be the new home of TBC's east coast Distribution Center,' said Senator Paul Campbell. 'All parties worked together with TBC to create a synergy and partnership which will provide opportunities for our citizens who have the quality and work ethic to make this venture successful for TBC. This is a huge win for our region.'"

Charleston Regional Business Journal said:

"On Friday, State Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau, said he has a 'very good feeling' about landing TBC Corp., though he only referred to them as an economic development prospect that officials had dubbed Project Neptune.  TBC also will immediately become the S.C. State Ports Authority’s fourth-largest business customer, Grooms said. 'It’s a significant amount of volume" that would be imported through Charleston,' he said.  'Once that is signed, you build the rest. It’s kind of like a mall,' Grooms said."

The Post and Courier said:

"TBC was courted intensely by at least three states. Savannah and the Norfolk, Va., area also were competing for the investment and jobs.An official in Virginia told The Post and Courier last week that South Carolina prevailed partly because it put up the most aggressive bid...Among those participating in the negotiations were Commerce Secretary Joe Taylor, State Ports Authority Chief Executive Officer Jim Newsome, former SPA chief John Hassell, Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis and at least four senators: Paul Campbell, Larry Grooms, Hugh Leatherman and Glenn McConnell."

Business Wire said:

"Senator Larry K. Grooms said, "The more economic development negotiations that I'm involved in, the more I'm convinced that our Port is the engine that can move our economy down the road of prosperity. 'This shows other prospects that South Carolina is where it's at, that when it comes to productivity and success, we are ‘where the rubber meets the road’."

Former Navy base secures $45M wind turbine development grant
By Ian Silver

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - South Carolina's industrial sector was bolstered yet again Monday afternoon when the Department of Energy awarded a $45 million grant to research and develop ocean-based wind turbines at the former Naval base.

The Clemson Restoration Institute was notified Monday that the Naval base would be the first ever testing facility for the renewable energy source, putting South Carolina and Charleston on the "cutting edge of research and development of renewable energy," said a source.

Rep. Jim Clyburn praised the decision as one that would position South Carolina at the forefront of the renewable energy industry. "I was pleased to give my full support for Clemson's application," Congressman Clyburn said in a release.

North Charleston mayor Kieth Summey praised the efforts of the Clemson team that worked to procure the grant. "This grant solidifies CURI's new home on the former Naval Base.  The City of North Charleston looks forward to the development of the campus and its creation of sustainable industries for the benefit of the Lowcountry and the State of South Carolina," he said.

"This announcement, on the heels of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner facility groundbreaking in North Charleston last week, is another game-changer for our state and for the Lowcountry.  We will set the standard and become the epicenter of our country's development of wind turbine technology. This award is a significant step in our efforts to position South Carolina as a national leader in renewable energy," he said.

The new lab will be located in a vacant 82,000-square-foot building on the former Naval base, behind the building where conservation engineers are restoring the Hunley, a Confederate submarine.

In fact, research and development within the Hunley facility led to the Department of Energy decision. Researchers there are developing non-corrosive metals in saltwater conditions. According to sources close to the decision, the Hunley research was a deciding factor for the Department of Energy.

"The winds in South Carolina have been changing," State Senator Larry Grooms said. "We don't want to participate in the recession. South Carolina will become the epicenter for wind turbine technology. This is big. As big as Boeing was, this could actually be bigger in bringing in  up to 20,000 jobs."

The new lab will create at least 600 jobs immediately, but has the potential to create as many as 10,000 to 20,000 jobs if the North Charleston facility can procure a long-term contract to develop and build the turbines.

"It's gigantic because we always knew if we could get the test cell center in place, the nation's only test cell center for wind turbines for offshore use, then we had a great chance of getting the assembly plant," State Senator Glenn McConnell said.

Clemson University partnered with the SC Energy Office, Savannah River National Laboratory, Fluor Corp., Renk Labecco and SCANA on the testing facility.

The $45 million grant from the Department of Energy is coming from federal stimulus funds. It's being matched with $53 million in state funds from various agencies including the Department of Commerce and the South Carolina Public Railways.

Sources say this deal may prove to be bigger than the recent Boeing announcement to build a second 787 Dreamliner facility in North Charleston.

The State newspaper recently reported that Larry Grooms is the most conservative member of the General Assembly and they were right.  

We ought to know because we are the heart and soul of the conservative movement in the General Assembly and we support Larry Grooms.  

We know all the candidates; We work with them; We spend time with them;  And we chose to support Larry Grooms because he has a true servants heart and is a man of impeccable character and unwavering principle.  He fights the establishment crowd and is a direct threat to the status quo.      

Larry Grooms is a man of action and his record is consistent with his conservative ideals!  

Senator Grooms led the way to restructure the state Department of Transportation, he directed the fight to protect South Carolina’s family farms, he offered plans to bring equity and fairness to school funding and he led the fight to bring parental choice to the floor of the Senate. He is the one that presented the first comprehensive tax reform in nearly a decade and he is the one creating economic opportunities for South Carolinians through his work on transportation, distribution and port related activities.   He has consistently voted pro-life, pro family and is the recognized leader on fiscal, business and family issues.  He is a principled leader with a proven track record of advancing our conservative reform ideals.  

Quite simply, he is a REAL CONSERVATIVE we can believe in.  

In next year’s general election the debate will be drawn between standard conservative/liberal lines.  We need to nominate a tested and PROVEN CONSERVATIVE to run against a liberal.  We need to elect a man who has a record to run on – not one to run from.   And that man is Larry Grooms.

Please join us and other patriots around the state in supporting Senator Larry Grooms.  We believe that Larry will win the race for governor and bring responsible leadership to the Governor’s office.  Thank you.

Senator Daniel B. “Danny” Verdin III

Senator Michael L. Fair

Senator Lee Bright

Senator Michael T. Rose

Senator Phil Shoopman

Senator J. Michael “Mick” Mulvaney

Senator Shane R. Martin

Senator Paul G. Campbell, Jr.

Senator Kevin L. Bryant

Representative Eric Bedingfield

Representative Tommy Stringer

Representative Bill Wylie

Representative Mike Sotilie

Representative Joe Danning

Representative David Umphlett

Representative Jim Merrell

Representative Bill Herbkersman