SC Rep. James Smith to give Democratic response to Gov. McMaster

S.C. Democrats have tapped one of their two candidates for the state’s top job to deliver their party’s response to Gov. Henry McMaster’s State of the State address.

The S.C. House Democratic Caucus said Monday that state Rep. James Smith, D-Richland, will deliver the televised response to McMaster’s Jan. 17 speech to the Legislature.

“I look forward to sharing a positive vision for South Carolina, one that brings us together to tackle the challenges we face as a state,” Smith said. “Let’s focus on fixing our broken energy policies, move beyond simply expecting a minimally adequate education for our children and invest in real workforce development that connects our people with the jobs of tomorrow.”

Smith is one of two Democrats seeking his party’s nomination for governor this year. He is opposed by Charleston businessman Phil Noble.

This story was originally published January 8, 2018 at 1:54 PM with the headline "SC Rep. James Smith to give Democratic response to Gov. McMaster."