S.C. Politics today: Cooper running for lieutenant governor

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"They're colonizing Charlotte. They're colonizing Greenville. They're doing it here (in Columbia,)" Byars said.

- Bill Byars, head of the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice, talking about the spread of Latino gangs. Byars asked lawmakers to keep its anti-gang funding.

SCHMOOZING

Where and when lawmakers can eat and drink for free today - and who's buying

8-10 a.m. Breakfast, Blatt Building, room 112, by the Foundation of the S.C. Commission for the Blind

CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Cooper running for lieutenant governor

Ashley Cooper, a Charleston attorney and a former aide to former U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings, is seeking the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor.

"We're at the top of the unemployment rankings, but at the bottom of the education list," said Cooper. "Our current leaders in Columbia have failed. We need a new direction."

Cooper, in a campaign release, pledged to bridge the divide between political parties in Columbia.

"I am not running to serve a political party or ideology - I'm running to fight for our state and our people with new energy and new ideas," said Cooper.

Three Republicans are also running for lieutenant governor. They are: Florence County Councilman Ken Ard, Orangeburg attorney Bill Connor, and Charleston Rep. Tim Scott.

Thurmond running for Congress

It's official. Paul Thurmond, son of late U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond, will run for Congress in the Charleston-based 1st Congressional District.

The race means a Thurmond will run against a Campbell. Carroll "Tumpy" Campbell, son of the late Gov. Carroll Campbell, has also announced.

U.S. Rep. Henry Brown, a Republican who has held the seat since 2000, announced recently his plan to retire. Thurmond, who serves on the Charleston County Council, said he's already raised $50,000.

Thurmond, an attorney, is a former solicitor. He was elected to Charleston County Council in 2006.

In addition to Campbell and Thurmond, North Myrtle Beach Republican Katherine Jenerette, a former Brown aide and Ryan Buckhannon of Isle of Palms also are running. Charleston Southern University announced Wednesday Stovall Witte, vice president for advancement, has resigned to run for Brown's seat. Witte is Brown's former chief of staff.

Payne to announce for S.C. education chief

A South Carolina teacher is running as a Republican for state schools superintendent.

Kelly Payne of Irmo plans to officially announce her candidacy today at EdVenture Children's Museum. Payne has taught civics and history at Dutch Fork High School since 2005.

Her three children, ages 12 to 16, attend public schools in Lexington-Richland 5.

Payne is the creator and adviser of a group known as the "It Kids," which gets students involved in politics and community service. She also started a teen driver safety program that's now in 19 schools.

Other Republicans in the race include Elizabeth Moffly of Awendaw, Furman professor Brent Nelson and Newberry College president Mick Zais. Frank Holleman of Greenville is the sole Democrat in the race.

CAPITOL CONNECTION

Economists: S.C. economy still flat

South Carolina's economy remains in a holding pattern as it recovers from the national recession, state economists said Wednesday.

The Board of Economic Advisors said state revenues are still declining from what they were during the same month a year ago, but are roughly tracking with expectations. As a result, the panel decided not to cut the state revenue estimate, which would have forced another round of state budget cuts.

Economic data show the rapid job losses that began in June 2008 - a total of 110,000 workers lost their jobs - have leveled off, but companies have yet to expand their labor force. State revenues are down 5.8 percent year-to-date, or $187.2 million. That figure is about $34.7 million behind state economists' estimates.

"We're still bouncing on the bottom," said BEA chairman John Rainey.

State economists do not expect revenues to begin growing until at least 2012, though Moody's projects S.C. could see 5.3 percent growth in the budget year ending in June 2011.

ESC DEBATE SET TO START IN SENATE

The Senate cleared a path Wednesday to allow debate on a bill that restructures the Employment Security Commission, but refused to put the legislation on a fast track.

Sen. Phil Leventis, D-Sumter, and Sen. Jake Knotts, R-Lexington, both dropped their objections to the bill, S. 391. The act moves the Workforce Management Act Program from the Department of Commerce and replaces the Employment Security Commission with the Department of Workforce.

Sen. Nikki Setzler, D-Lexington, tried to get the bill placed on special order, giving it a priority slot for debate, but Senate Republicans voted that effort down, 18-23.

"I don't know what we're doing here, but I remind everybody there's one bill on the calendar that deals with jobs and job creation," said Sen. Vincent Sheheen, D-Kershaw, chastising senators for passing over the Employment Security Commission restructuring act.

- Roddie Burris

COLLEGE PRESIDENTS ASK TO STOP BUDGET CUTS

Four college presidents unveiled their wish list to state legislators during a sub-committee meeting Wednesday, and the top item could be summed up succinctly: no more big budget cuts.

"I ask that you try to minimize further cuts to higher education to the degree possible," said Harris Pastides, president of the University of South Carolina.

Pastides' message was echoed by the presidents of Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University and The Citadel.

Higher education has taken deep cuts over the last several years. The college presidents told members of the House Ways and Means Higher Education Subcommittee that they understand the need to make cuts, but pleaded for restraint.

Legislators listened, asked a few questions, but made no promises.

- Wayne Washington

ONLINE

- For fresh political and legislative news, visit thestate.com/politics and click on "S.C. Politics Today."

- To read the full text of bills, click on "Find a bill" under the General Assembly category.

- Also, find out how much state employees earn by clicking on "S.C. salary data" and searching the online list.