Get to know The State’s politics and government team
As South Carolina gears up for the presidential primaries, The State wants to introduce you to the reporters who will be providing up-to-date coverage throughout the primaries. And, we’ll show you where to follow them on social media.
So, let’s meet our politics and government team:
Cassie Cope
Cassie joined The State in 2013 as a general-assignments reporter, covering everything from local government meetings to crime and community festivals — the staple of every first-time reporter. She moved to the politics and state government team in April 2014 and keeps a sharp eye on the state's $7.5 billion general fund budget.
The University of South Carolina graduate says her three years at The State have been packed with many favorite moments, including her one-on-one interview with Gov. Nikki Haley to discuss road funding and the effort to land a Volvo plant. Another highlight: traveling to a run-down National Guard armory in Greenwood for a story on how the legislature has a long overdue maintenance bill. When she's not working — which is rare — Cassie loves to read and take day trips around the Palmetto state with her friends and her boyfriend. Whether she winds up at the beach or Carowinds, she is ready for the adventure.
Jamie Self
Jamie has been covering politics and government for The State since she came to the paper in 2012. Born in Charleston and raised in Summerville, Jamie loves South Carolina – the beaches, the history, and Columbia’s rivers top her list of favorites. She earned her Bachelor's degree in English and Music Composition from the College of Charleston, before earning a Master's degree in English from University of South Carolina. Before coming to The State, Jamie joined The Rock Hill Herald in 2010, covering county government and politics.
Jamie says her most memorable moments as a state politics reporter were the shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church and events that unfolded as a result, including the debate over the Confederate flag’s removal from the State House grounds. Outside of the newsroom, Jamie likes spending time with her husband and her dog, watching films and going on hiking and camping trips. She also enjoys running (slowly), cooking and reading on her porch.
Follow Jamie on Facebook.
Andy Shain
Andy has been covering politics and government for The State since 2012. Hailing from Media, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia, Andy graduated from Northwestern University in 1988. He moved to Myrtle Beach after graduation and started his reporting career covering city hall, politics, courts and the military for The Sun News until 1996. He then joined The Charlotte Observer news team, overseeing the paper’s Hickory bureau, working as an assistant business editor and writing a consumer column under the moniker “Mr. Watchdog.”
Andy joined The State newspaper in 2007, initially working as an assistant business editor before covering University of South Carolina basketball. Andy’s most memorable moment covering government for The State came in 2015, as national attention focused on Columbia with the removal of the Confederate flag from the State House. Outside of the newsroom, Andy likes going to sporting events, especially football (he’s attended games at USC, Clemson, Coastal Carolina and The Citadel, all within the past two seasons). If you don’t find him in a stadium, you might see Andy at the beach, grilling or searching for the next best barbecue joint.
Follow Andy on Facebook.
For even more coverage from The State during the presidential primaries, make sure to follow us on Twitter by clicking on the following links:
This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 3:00 PM.