Lieutenant Governor: Henry McMaster (Republican)
Year of birth: 1947
Number of years living in the district you seek to represent: Entire life, 66 years, expect for one year, 1973-1974, in Washington D.C. working in the office of Senator Strom Thurmond.
Family: Peggy, 0, 2, Henry D. and Mary Rogers
Education: A.B History, University of South Carolina, 1969; Juris Doctor, University of South Carolina School of Law, 1973
Current occupation/employer: Private Practice Attorney and assists his wife’s small businesses.
Employment, military, volunteer, public office history:
Worked as a Private Practice Attorney while serving in multiple different public service roles, including:
South Carolina Attorney General, 2003-2011
South Carolina Republican Party Chairman, 1993-2002
United States Attorney, appointed by Ronald Reagan, 1981-1985
South Carolina State Ports Authority, 2011-present
South Carolina Commission on Ethics Reform, 2012-present
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, 1990-1994
Army Reserves JAG Corps, 1969-1975
Please list year and office of any unsuccessful runs for public office:
United States Senate, 1986
South Carolina Lieutenant Governor, 1990
South Carolina Governor, 2010
Key endorsements you’ve received:
Our campaign has not publicly announced any endorsements at this time.
1. What makes you the most qualified person to hold this position? (Be specific.)
Henry brings the unique mixture of private and public sector experience that we need in a Lt. Governor. In today’s climate of government scandal, broken promises, and excessive spending, we need a Lt. Governor we know and trust. A vote for Henry won’t be a gamble on an amateur selling hope and change, it will go toward the candidate with a record of fighting for our State with proven results.
Henry has a strong record of serving the people of South Carolina — first as U.S. Attorney under President Reagan and then as our Attorney General, where he protected senior's lifesavings from being stolen, children from internet predators, women against their domestic abusers, our natural resources from encroachment by other states, and immediately filed the lawsuit to protect our state from the federal government overreach of Obamacare.
2. What will be your top three priorities if you are elected? (100 words for each issue)
Henry understands that more and more of our seniors and their families are unable to meet the challenges facing them alone and a costly and broken Medicaid system is not the answer. The South Carolinians across the state that are falling through the cracks are the same people who are being victimized by scams and malicious individuals. As Lt. Governor, Henry will empower the Office on Aging to stop and prosecute those who abuse seniors financially, physically, or emotionally.
He will continue his work as Chairman of the Commission on Ethics Reform by working with Governor Haley and the General Assembly to pass strong ethics reform laws that will make government at all levels more honest, open and accountable. Henry has led the effort to improve the laws that govern our public officials by creating the plan that is considered the blue print for a better government. While some progress has been made, there is more that he can do to ensure the people of South Carolina have an open an honest government in which they can have confidence.
The Southeastern U.S. is poised to experience rapid economic growth and prosperity, with South Carolina leading the way. Look no further than the nearest newsstand to see the headlines about major companies moving to the Palmetto State. Governor Haley is doing a tremendous job recruiting and encouraging these companies. Yet, we know that most of our growth will come from new and existing small businesses. It will take a strong leadership team at the top levels of government to spur, facilitate and coordinate our efforts. Henry is prepared to help lead this effort and to be a strong advocate for our small businesses.
3a. For non-incumbents: How would your approach to your job differ from the incumbent’s?
Henry believes the Lt. Governor’s office has historically been underutilized due to low expectations or lack of leadership. Recently, Lt. Governor McConnell has provided the experience and stature required to demonstrate the full potential of the office. Henry is an experienced leader the General Assembly, Governor Haley, and the people of South Carolina know and can trust to work hard and fight for their best interest. As Attorney General he proved his ability to work with the General Assembly by implementing laws governing the state grand jury process, allowing investigations and prosecutions of gangs, environmental crimes, and securities fraud. His leadership in suing the federal government over the Affordable Care Act and suing North Carolina to stop excessive withdrawal from the Catawba River demonstrates his understanding of the law and his courage.
4. Describe at least one significant political position you hold that would clash with your political base.
Henry has built a political base of Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and others who support him because of his unwavering beliefs and dedicated public service. As a candidate with a firm body of work that is widely recognized by his political base there are few issues that would fit this description.
5. Have you ever been convicted of a crime, been disciplined by a professional licensing board or organization or had an ethics complaint filed against you? If so, please give the details.
In 1990, a frivolous attorney ethics complaint was filed and summarily dismissed.
6. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy or been delinquent on your federal, state or local taxes? If so, please give the details.
Yes. Twelve to sixteen years ago some property taxes were paid late. All taxes and late fees were paid.
7. Are there any personal details about you that voters would be interested in knowing?
Henry’s family celebrated his father’s 100th birthday on March 16. His father, a Columbia attorney, was able to provide for his senior years and meet the challenges of old age, but he is one of the lucky few. Seeing the challenges that our seniors and their families face everyday has focused Henry’s attention on helping families who are having more and more trouble meeting their daily needs and must rely on broken federal government systems to get by.
This story was originally published October 22, 2014 at 3:57 PM with the headline "Lieutenant Governor: Henry McMaster (Republican)."