U.S. Senate: Brad Hutto (Democrat)

Year of birth: 1957

Number of years living in the district you seek to represent: 56

Family: Wife: Tracy Macpherson. Son: Skyler (22)

Education: Honors Program at University of South Carolina, B.A., 1978. Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 1981

Current occupation/employer: Attorney/Williams & Williams Law Firm

Employment, military and volunteer history:

President of Indian Waters Council, Boy Scouts of America – (2009 – 2011)

Executive Board Indian Waters Council, Boy Scouts of America – (2005 - Present)

University of South Carolina Honors College Professor - (2007 – Present)

Please list all public offices to which you’ve been elected, when and where: State Senate, District 40 - Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Hampton & Orangeburg Counties – 1996 to Present

Please list year and office of any unsuccessful runs for public office: None

Other political and government experience: South Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee staff – 1981-82; Orangeburg County Democratic Party Chair – 1988 to 1994

Key endorsements you’ve received:

1. What makes you the most qualified person to hold this position? (Be specific.)

Throughout my career as a State Senator, I’ve worked across the political aisle to bring constructive solutions to public policy debates. I’ve worked to improve early childhood education, rural infrastructure, and put the brakes on reckless legislation designed to divide our state. Throughout my legislative career, I’ve been recognized by Progressive and Conservative groups for my efforts to make our state a better place. I believe I can do the same in Washington and be a Senator who will represent South Carolina’s interest.

2. What will be your top three priorities if you are elected? (100 words for each issue)

Infrastructure: South Carolina’s roads and bridges are in terrible shape. We need a voice in Washington who will fight to fix and modernize our roads, especially in rural South Carolina. This is a national issue and needs to be addressed on a national level.

Education: Early Childhood Education needs to be a priority for our policy-makers and my commitment is to be a Senator for South Carolina who will fight for our school children on a national level to make sure every child has the foundation to succeed.

Jobs: Rural South Carolina is struggling. I pledge to be a voice for the areas of our state that are lagging behind. Rather than traveling the world just to score a Sunday morning talk show interview, I’ll be an ambassador for South Carolina’s workers to the world’s markets.

3a. For non-incumbents: How would your approach to your job differ from the incumbent’s?

South Carolina’s Senator should be focused on improving the quality of life for all South Carolinians. My commitment is to be more concerned about our citizens, our economy and the well-being of our state than involving myself in foreign intrigue.

4. Describe at least one significant political position you hold that would clash with your political base.

My record of working with common-sense Republicans to reach compromises and craft public policy has sometimes caused concern for my political base. But, I have always fought to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.

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.

No.

6. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy or been delinquent on your federal, state or local taxes? If so, please give the details.

No.

7. Are there any personal details about you that voters would be interested in knowing?

I grew up on a dairy farm near Orangeburg County where I learned the value of hard work and a love for South Carolina’s natural resources.

I like to think that my service to youth in our State through my work with the Boys Scouts and my work in the State Senate as a voice for the everyman, qualify me to represent South Carolinians from all walks of life.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2014/05/21/3457536/us-senate-brad-hutto-d.html?sp=/99/168/1107/#storylink=cpy

This story was originally published October 28, 2014 at 1:27 PM with the headline "U.S. Senate: Brad Hutto (Democrat)."