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Statement by Senator Larry K. Grooms

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 02:08:03 +0000

I made the decision to run for governor because I believe our state and nation are at a crossroads. For the past six months, wherever I traveled, the message I heard was the same – it's time to put an end to irresponsible politics. This message is resonating and this movement is building. South Carolinians haven’t forgotten that politicians work for them. They haven’t forgotten that the hand on the ballot overcomes the hand in their wallet.

I’m energized by the thousands of South Carolinians who have stood up for individual liberty and said “enough” to the invasive arm of Big Brother. This has driven our campaign and will continue to guide my work in the South Carolina Senate.

Through our efforts, victory will come. Today, however, I face the realities of modern day campaigning. Our campaign, though rich in ideas and enthusiasm, has regrettably fallen short of the resources needed to be competitive statewide.

Knowing these limitations, and after careful thought and much prayer, I have decided to end my campaign for governor. To remain in the race would be a disservice to my supporters.

The support we've received throughout the Palmetto State is a blessing and an honor. It has deepened my passion for, and commitment to, our founding principles.

I didn’t enter this race because I thought it would be easy, but because I knew it was necessary. Let us continue this good work, confident in the knowledge that we’ve contributed to the cause of liberty, believing that principled public service will always be a noble calling.

Campaigns get interactive

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:51:42 +0000

"Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Berkeley, boast the largest followings on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites among the Republican candidates for governor."

Give voters recall authority

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:24:17 +0000

The Legislature should give the voters of South Carolina broader opportunities to make their voices heard. Sen. Grooms' proposal would meet that need.

Sen. Grooms offers bill to assert state’s rights

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:44:43 +0000

Groom says the “sovereignty bill” is to “simply send a message to Congress that we believe in the 10th Amendment.

Maersk-port relationship still a winner

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:21:50 +0000

"The Port Authority has put in place an assertive new business plan, a bold vision to boost marketing and improve customer relations, procedures to maintain self-sufficiency and high levels of productivity and plans to "aggressively pursue growth opportunities across all lines of business" while increasing capacity."

Uplifting Economic Winds

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:14:01 +0000

One month and one day ago came the big -- and hugely welcome -- news that Boeing would bring 3,800 jobs our way by putting a manufacturing facility for its 787 Dreamliner in North Charleston. Six days ago, another uplifting economic story broke as the U.S. Energy Department announced a $45 million federal grant to help establish a $98 million "test bed" on the former Charleston Naval Base for the world's largest wind turbines. S.C. Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell predicts that this project, which will be part of the Clemson Restoration Institute, will eventually generate from 10,000 to 20,000 jobs.

Former Navy base secures $45M wind turbine development grant

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:41:28 +0000

"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."

Clemson University Restoration Institute lands $98 million funding to develop next-generation wind turbines

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:38:28 +0000

The Clemson University Restoration Institute and its partners have received a $45 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, combined with $53 million of matching funds, to build and operate a large-scale wind turbine drive train testing facility at the institute’s research campus on the former Navy base.

SC Tea Party Organization Endorse Grooms

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:14:10 +0000

"Larry has been there with us all along the way. On 9/12, he was walking with us down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC. When Rep. Michele Bachmann called for Americans to stand up against Obama-PelosiCare, Larry was on the bus with us, going to DC to stand up against government takeover of healthcare… and while there, he went toe-to-toe with Lindsey Graham on Cap & Trade."

Legislative oversight leaders see shift in momentum at port

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:25:19 +0000

A recent string of good news from the Port of Charleston has given South Carolinians reason to be optimistic about our future. From a new five-year contract with Maersk and major industry announcements, to the completion of a strategic plan, these successes have generated a positive spirit across the Lowcountry and throughout South Carolina.

Organizers of the South Carolina Tea Party Organizations Endorse Larry Grooms for Governor

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:46:48 +0000

“…no other candidate has literally been there with us like Larry Grooms”, said Charlston Tea Party orginizer Ron Parks..."Larry Grooms' twelve-year track record demostrates that he is an unusually dedicated freedom fighter. His actions match up with his words and I trust him to do the right thing for South Carolina."

Petition to Stop ObamaCare in the Senate

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:09:15 +0000

Larry Grooms Fights to Stop ObamaCare in Washington D.C.

Harry Reid and Senate Democrats are setting out to to take South Carolina’s health care rights away. Stand with Larry Grooms to fight against PelosiCare and ObamaCare.

Sign the Petition to Tell the Senate: Hands Off South Carolinian’s Health Care

Standing for Conservative Principles in DC

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:17:49 +0000

I'm on my way to Washington to stand for you along with my fellow Americans who say that the public health care option is not an option for us.

Gubernatorial Primary Debate

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:05:21 +0000

The Big Picture Election Special: Spotlight on the Candidates will be streamed from this page on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 8 p.m., at the same time it airs on ETV.

For more information about the debate, click here.

Four declared candidates - U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, Attorney General Henry McMaster, state Sen. Larry Grooms of Bonneau and state Rep. Nikki Haley of Lexington - have committed to attending. Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer has not announced plans to enter the race, but he will be on the stage.

Follow the debate live on Twitter at #scdebate

Boeing Plant Moving To South Carolina; 12,000 Jobs To Be Created In 3 Years

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:31:09 +0000

"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.'"

I can't tell you how exciting it is to say, "We've done it again!"

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:20:01 +0000

Boeing has chosen South Carolina!!
I'm extremely proud and humbled to have been a part of the team that is bringing thousands of new jobs to our state.

As Chairman of the Senate Transportation committee, I can tell you first-hand how hard our state has worked to make this day possible. There have been tireless hours spent by many key members of our General Assembly to make this possible: Sens. Hugh Leatherman, Glenn McConnell, Paul Campbell and Speaker Bobby Harrell.

Senator Grooms helps lay groundwork to bring Boeing to Charleston - More SC Jobs!

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:19:37 +0000

Boeing to Place Second 787 Assembly Line in North Charleston, SC

Senator Grooms: Maersk Announcement Cause for Celebration

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:52:44 +0000

"The world's biggest cruise line recently announced that one of its most popular ships will call Charleston home. The nation's largest tire manufacturing and distributing company is locating near Summerville. I've met and negotiated with the leaders of these and other companies over the past year and that work is paying off."

Senator Grooms Helps Keep Jobs in South Carolina

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:11:16 +0000

Breaking news about Senator Grooms roll keeping shipping giant Maersh in the Charlston port past their 2010 contract date.

Gubernatorial Candidate Larry Grooms

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:54:22 +0000

" The other day The Statenewspaper called me the “Tea Party Guy,” but the title I am most proud of is 'The Family Guy.'”

Barnwell County Chairman’s Op-ed

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:44:36 +0000

"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."

Grooms Message Resonates Upstate

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:57:56 +0000

“I think if people get to know my heart, my character and what I have done, they will vote for me,”

20 Million Square Feet of Warehousing and Distribution Facilities

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:41:39 +0000

“We are going to build 20 million square feet of warehousing and distribution facilities right here,” Sen. Larry Grooms says.

Senator Grooms in The News: Updates on Project Neptune

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:05:49 +0000

"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’."

Grooms: Tire Kingdom Decision Means More Jobs Coming

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 01:00:20 +0000

"This is a big win for South Carolina's families and for the economy of the entire state. The more economic development negotiations I'm involved in, the more convinced I become that our state port is the powerful engine We need to move our economy down the road to prosperity. This shows other prospective employers that, when it comes to productivity and success, South Carolina is where he rubber meets the road."

Senator Grooms Helps Land Project Neptune, Brings New Jobs to South Carolina

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:43:01 +0000

"Grooms said an announcement could be made within a week."

SC Ranks Among Best for Industrial Sites

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:32:15 +0000

"The Global Location Trends Report ranked South Carolina as the fourth-best location in North America for investment projects. Ontario, Canada led the list, just released by IBM. Ontario was followed by Virginia, which moved up from tenth position, followed by Ohio, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Quebec, North Carolina, California, Illinois and Indiana. The report estimates that South Carolina added approximately 5600 jobs last year. The Palmetto State was not even on the top list the year before."

Senator Grooms Helps Trucker Navigate DMV Bureaucracy

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:51:00 +0000

"We're going to spend some time with this one," Grooms said. "I think we should make some changes. I want to make sure the changes we make correct the problem."

Gov. Sanford Announces 1,000 New Jobs, Major Investment

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:50:56 +0000

RED VENTURE LLC TO INVEST $27 MILLION IN NEW LANCASTER COUNTY OPERATIONS

We Trust Larry Grooms!

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:02:22 +0000

17 State Legislators Agree. "Quite simply, he is a REAL CONSERVATIVE we can believe in."

Grooms Scores 100% with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:15:30 +0000

"Among those nailing perfect scores in the chamber's eyes were Republican senators Larry Grooms from Bonneau and Paul Campbell from Goose Creek, and Republican representatives Jenny Horne from Summerville and Joseph Daning from Goose Creek."

Grooms Honored by South Carolina Charter Schools

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:52:57 +0000

"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."

Social networking takes front seat in SC GOP debate

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:23:33 +0000

"State Sen. Larry Grooms called on Republicans to start their own chat under the twitter hash tag #scdebate. The conversation lit up almost immediately."

Campaign Newsletter: "Larry the Tea Party Guy"

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:20:43 +0000

The campaign is in full swing. The response from the first debate was overwhelming. It is clear that our passion for lower taxes, less government and accountability is shared with voters from every corner of the state.

Larry the Tea Party Guy

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:24:38 +0000

The Tea Party is the nation’s cry for fiscal conservatism, limited government and taxation, constitutionality, and a call for true freedom…a movement born from ideals that I am proud to represent.

I have been labeled “The Tea Party Guy” a title I embrace as I, along with millions of Americans, strive to cut wasteful spending, limit the interring power of the ever growing government, and return the state to its people.

The taxpayers of South Carolina have been injuriously overlooked as the nation and state continue to burry their citizens in debt, it is time we put an end to this and build a strong foundation for our state’s economy.

I take pride in being known as the Fiscal Conservative Candidate, a title I will uphold as I lead South Carolina to an economically stable and prosperous state.

Okra struts its stuff in rain

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:24:13 +0000

"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."

Debating the Debate

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:58:43 +0000

From FITSNews.com: South Carolina’s five 2010 GOP gubernatorial hopefuls shared the same stage Tuesday night in Newberry, S.C., but none of the 400 Republicans in attendance saw the outcome of this “first in the state” debate in quite the same way.

Quotes from Around the Web: The GOP's First Debate

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:31:36 +0000

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

GOP candidates for governor debate key issues, Sanford

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:20:29 +0000

The candidates - Attorney General Henry McMaster, state Rep. Nikki Haley, state Sen. Larry Grooms, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett - were largely cordial and agreed on many of the issues.

Debate tonight unveils GOP candidates

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:17:13 +0000

"The five Republican candidates for governor will face off for the first time in a Newberry debate tonight, giving voters a chance to size up the candidates vying to represent the GOP in 2010.

With Larry Grooms, 'What you see is what you get'

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 05:27:00 +0000

Republican state Sen. Larry Grooms swept into South Carolina politics in 1997 by capturing a safely Democratic seat in coastal Berkeley County, unexpectedly ousting an established black lawmaker in the process.

A dozen years later, Grooms, dubbed by some as "the most conservative lawmaker in the General Assembly," hopes to surprise again by winning the 2010 governor's race.

Cruise Line To Set Sail From Charleston

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:01:29 +0000

For the first time in Charleston port history, a cruise ship will set sail once a week, every week, from the passenger terminal -- and sometimes more often than that.

Grooms gets local boost

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:56:50 +0000

Bonneau senator wins straw vote at Berkeley County GOP gathering
BY DAVE MUNDAY
Sunday, August 2, 2009

GOOSE CREEK — State Sen. Larry Grooms of Bonneau emerged as the overwhelming favorite for governor among Berkeley County Republicans who voted in a straw poll Saturday morning.

Grooms received 127 of 164 votes at a Berkeley County Republican Breakfast Club meeting.

That's a lot better than he did in another straw poll in June. Among Dorchester County Republicans, Grooms finished fourth, behind S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and U.S. Rep. J. Gresham Barrett from the Upstate.

A really big breakfast

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 09:32:21 +0000

Lowcountry breakfast victory!

The Campaign Trail

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:05:28 +0000

The first couple of weeks of this campaign have been great.

I have had a wonderful opportunity to get around the state and meet some incredible people who are really committed to making South Carolina a great place.

What has made it especially rewarding is the number of folks who, with no prodding from me, declare that they are tired of hearing the same old clichés about conservatism and family values. They are eager and I might even say hungry to be a part of something that will really take the conservative movement and the Republican party forward so that we can make a real difference.

It is kind of scary to be a conservative right now, but I believe that we have the best opportunity we have ever had to really make a positive difference for our state.