LEXINGTON COUNTY, SC — Debbie Myers of Red Bank wants a new voice in the State Senate for central Lexington County, making Katrina Shealy her choice on Tuesday’s ballot.

Myers, a 54-year-old homemaker, regards Shealy as a neighbor even though the pair didn’t know each other until a few years ago.

“She’s real people,” Myers said of the candidate. “She’s just like me.”

Her choice also reflects growing disenchantment with long-time incumbent Republican Jake Knotts.

“I’m having a sense things aren’t right,” Myers said.

She is upset that Shealy was forced to qualify for the ballot as a petition candidate because of legal challenges by Knotts’ allies that made Shealy ineligible initially.

“I’m disgusted at the lengths people will go to remain in power,” Myers said.

She is bothered by Knotts’ habit of bottling up proposals he doesn’t like through arcane procedures.

Myers also is upset at his support for gambling, saying that “preys on the poor and vulnerable.”

As someone who home-schooled two of her six daughters, Myers says it’s time for state aid or tax breaks be given to parents who undertake that.

Shealy supports assistance for families who educate their children outside public schools.

She talked with the third candidate in the race, Constitution Party nominee David Whetsell, but didn’t like his ideas.

“I’ve found the candidate who best represents my ideology and the issues I care about in Katrina,” Myers said.

Reach Flach at 771-8483.