SC candidates running for US Senate, House of Representatives in the June 9 primary

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham faces three Republicans on June 9. Five of the state’s seven congressional districts have primary contests, including the 2nd Congressional District where U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-Springdale, is the state’s only House incumbent to face a challenger.

The State asked candidates to submit questionnaires. Here’s a look at who’s running and what they want voters to know, in their own words:

U.S. Senate

Incumbent U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham faces three challengers in the Republican primary. The winner will face Democrat Jaime Harrison in November.

Duke Buckner

Age: 47

Education: B.A. English Education, South Carolina State University; J.D., Nova Southeastern University

Political experience: Walterboro City Council (2009-2013)

Professional experience: Taught 7th and 8th grade English at Colleton Middle School and 10th and 11th grade English at Walterboro High School; Editor, The Community Times-Dispatch weekly newspaper; Broker-in-Charge, Interstate Realty, Inc.; Member, Florida Bar (2007-present); Public Defender, Broward County, Florida; Member, S.C. Bar (2011-present); Buckner Law Firm, P.A. (2012-present)

Where did you grow up? Walterboro, S.C.

What do you think the U.S. Senate does well? As an institution, the United States Senate does well at making sure that all states regardless of population can have their views and opinions equally expressed and represented in Congress.

What do you think the U.S. Senate should do better? I believe the United States Senate should do better at limiting themselves to two terms in office and not allow money and special interests to negatively influence their decisions.

What are the top three issues in this campaign, and how specifically would you address them? I. Abortion — Abortion is the most important issue facing South Carolina that I will be addressing as U.S. Senator. ...I believe that life begins at conception. I also believe that children are a blessing from God, not a burden; they have a right to life. Thus to reduce the increasing number of abortions, I support that they be prohibited with no exceptions.

II. National Debt — Currently, the United States is estimated to be $19 trillion in debt. I believe the borrower is servant to the lender. Thus, in the spirit of President Andrew Jackson, I believe we can pay off our national debt within 10 years. To achieve this goal, I support 1) a balanced budget amendment 2) reduced government spending 3) eliminating all unnecessary foreign aid 4) end deficit spending 5) a line-item veto 6) stricter enforcement of businesses who are under reporting wages 7) auctioning off unneeded U.S. assets 8) designate that all budget surpluses, if any, each year go towards paying off the national debt.

III. Fatherhood Rights — Fathers play an important role in the development of their children. Research has shown that fathers who are positively involved in the life of their children help promote emotional stability and cognitive development. If a child is born out of wedlock in South Carolina, the father has no legal rights to that child. Therefore, I support joint custody and standard visitation rights be awarded to fathers who obey the law and are Court ordered to pay child support.

Tell us something important about you that you want voters to know? I am a born again believer of Jesus Christ.

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham

Age: 64

Education: University of South Carolina, University of South Carolina School of Law

Political experience: South Carolina House of Representatives (1993-1995), U.S. House of Representatives (1995-2003), U.S. Senate (2003-Present)

Professional experience: U.S. Air Force JAG, private practice attorney

Where did you grow up? Central, S.C.

What are the top three issues in this campaign, and how specifically would you address them?

1. The health of the people of South Carolina — First and foremost, it is critically important that we continue to be good neighbors and do the little things that help curb the spread of COVID-19. I supported the CARES Act which provided critical funding for personal protective equipment (PPE), hospitals, and medical workers. I will continue to work closely with the Trump administration to ensure the speedy discovery of therapeutics to lessen the severity of this virus and a vaccine to prevent further spread. I will also continue to fight to bring the medical supply chain back to the U.S. Whether it be important medicines or PPE, we can no longer be beholden to China for our own health and safety.

2. Economic recovery — Before the COVID-19 pandemic, South Carolina was experiencing historic economic growth and prosperity thanks to tax cuts and deregulation efforts championed by President Trump and the Republican Senate Majority. To combat the pandemic, we passed the CARES Act which provided stimulus checks to middle class Americans, forgivable loans for small businesses to pay rent and payroll, and expanded benefits to unemployed workers. As we restart our quarantined economy, we must do even more to support small businesses and hard-working American families through targeted relief and economic incentives that create jobs and restore communities.

3. Keeping America safe and prosperous — With such tremendous change taking place around us, we must keep our eyes open to the threats that do not cease with a public health emergency. It is critical we continue to rebuild our military and keep Americans safe from radical Islamic terrorists. A key ingredient to keeping America prosperous is rejecting socialism, which will cripple our economy, suffocate defense funding, and ruin any chance at a full recovery for our nation.

Tell us something important about you that you want voters to know?

I have been truly blessed to live the American Dream. I grew up in the back room of a bar, liquor store, and pool hall my parents operated in the small town of Central, S.C. My parents’ hard work helped me become the first in my family to attend college. When my parents both passed away 15 months apart, my younger sister, Darline, moved in with our aunt and uncle. I came home from school on the weekends to care for Darline and later legally adopted her. We were only able to get by because of the love and support of our family and friends. Following my time in college, I joined the U.S. Air Force, and my life again changed forever. I believe the experiences of my youth, coupled with my military and legislative experience, make me uniquely qualified to tackle the biggest issues facing our nation and help ensure the American Dream is alive and well for others like it was for me.

Michael La Pierre

Age: 59

Education: Ivy League - Brown University (Double Major - Political Science and Business), Clemson University MBA 4.0 GPA

Political experience: Trained Political Scientist and trained Global Strategist. I am a corporate executive (businessman) who has never run for public office. That is a distinct advantage.

Professional experience: Professional baseball player, farmer, entrepreneur, author, and corporate executive (A VP of Sales at a Fortune 500 company and a Global Strategist at a Fortune 50 company - $65 billion).

Where did you grow up? Born and raised in rural Maine

What do you think the U.S. Senate does well? I believe that the U.S Senate is generally known as a deliberative body with a slow, steady, and guiding hand for enacting policy that is good for all Americans.

What do you think the U.S. Senate should do better? First, the U.S. Senate needs to do a better job of protecting the virtue and religion that our Founding Fathers so eloquently wrote about. Our Constitution can only survive if a moral, virtuous, and religious people will bind their hearts in unison toward a common goal. Second, we must attack the corruption in our politics.

What are the top three issues in this campaign, and how specifically would you address them?

1. Immigration

Securing our national borders is one of the primary cornerstones of a free and prosperous democratic republic. The United States of America should have a clearly defined geographical barrier of protection that preserves the freedoms and liberties of all Americans. I believe that an Almighty God has blessed us with a sovereign nation that I am pleased to call my country. As a beacon of light and a shining example of hope and prosperity, America is a hiding place and safe haven for those seeking to experience the totality of freedom through the process of entry appropriated and enforced by law. Laws of a porous nature will not stand the test of time. In other words, without the enforcement of our immigration laws, our country will soon cease to exist.

The following strategic guide is my recommendation for stopping the illegal flow of immigrants: 1. Congress needs to provide the funding necessary to build a wall. As your Senator, I will use all legislative means available to help provide and advocate for border security funding that includes a permanent and high-tech wall structure 2. The President has the authority to execute the laws of the land. Therefore, the 1 million plus known immigrants who have violated our immigration policies along with those unknown illegals subsequently identified must be deported. We must ratchet up deportation to send a message that illegal immigration will not be tolerated on our shores. 3. We need to expand the scope of the President’s legal national emergency powers with an increased military presence until our borders have been sealed. This proposed military presence will include those who have the specific skill sets to capture, detain, feed, house, process, deport and/or be caregivers. A progressive accumulation of forces should be used to stop the flow of illegal immigration. Once this objective has been achieved we will immediately draw down our presence commensurate with diminished illegal activity. 4. Additional economic pressure should equally be applied to those countries from where the illegal immigrants originate as well as our close friend and ally, Mexico. We must expect cooperation from our southern partners. A significant reduction in federal aid or an increase in import tariffs should be on the table for discussion and debate. 5. We must revamp the immigration and asylum laws on our books to stop chain migration, catch and release, faulty claims of “credible fear of persecution”, “anchor baby” extension and children immediately being turned over to Health and Human services and placed in the “least restrictive setting” that consequently lead to illegal behavior. The previous administration has created the enabling processes and laws that help illegal immigration flourish. 6. End the travesty of illegal immigrants receiving welfare, free education and other entitlements that encourage the unseemly and unlawful behavior. We are simply making it too easy for immigrants to break our laws. This must stop. 7. Cut off all federal funding for sanctuary cities who would circumvent federal laws that support legal immigration and provide a safe haven for those who break U.S. laws.

Enforcement, consent of the governed, alignment to God’s moral law and an abiding affection and faith toward the laws of the land by its citizenry will procure a most favorable and long-lasting result that will be highly esteemed by posterity. As a Republican candidate for the United States Senate in our beautiful state of South Carolina, I ask that you join me in letting our voices be heard on the illegal immigration front.

2. 2nd Amendment Gun Rights

Every citizen of the United States of America has the right, guaranteed by our Constitution, to legally carry a gun. This right extends to open carry, concealed carry and carry without a permit. This right is otherwise known as “Constitutional Carry.”

All attempts by the left to limit our gun rights in any way are back door efforts to control our guns. We must never let this happen. I consider gun ownership to be a foundational element in deterring those who would seek to encroach on the sacred Constitutional safeguards of pursuing life, liberty and the protection of our families. In other words, it protects us from dictatorship and tyranny. The Supreme Court of the United States of America in McDonald vs. Chicago ruled that the right of an individual to “keep and bear arms,” as protected under the Second Amendment, is incorporated by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment against the states.

My position on 2nd Amendment issues:

• Oppose Red Flag laws which are aimed at controlling our guns
• Support the prosecution of felons who try to purchase guns illegally
• Support state reciprocity for concealed and/or Constitutional Carry
• Oppose banning large-capacity magazines and assault weapons
• Oppose all gun restrictions

The right to own guns is characteristic of what it has meant to be an American since the founding of our great nation. These rights should not be stripped away from us because of the actions of the few who choose unlawful behavior. The keeping and bearing of arms as prescribed by the Constitution is for the protection of the people from government tyranny and to safeguard our lives, land and families.

3. Economic Rebuild Plan

We need to trust that the American people will do the right things to keep our state and our country safe. I am a free American, free from the long and intrusive arm of government. President Trump is walking a tightrope between a triumvirate of key components critical to our individual freedoms and I think that he is doing an admirable job.

1) Civil liberties and freedoms

2) American safety

3) Robust economy

The triumvirate of key components critical to our individual freedoms must move in unison toward a desired end. The desired end that I am referring to is upholding and protecting the Constitution of the United States of America. If we do that, then we solve for each of the conditions listed above. I believe that my outline helps us move in that direction. It helps jump start our economy (with the necessary safeguards), rolls back and ends the State of Emergency declarations (choking our individual freedoms), while protecting the health and safety of all Americans (from the Coronavirus pandemic). Right now, we are seeing a battle like never before over the extremes in the three key components above. The extremes could do us great harm and further divide our country. Pragmatism and unity must rule the day! Please pray for our state and our country. Here are some specific steps for our economic rebuild plan:

1. We phase ALL industry sectors back to work beginning in May with the following adjustments/modifications
   1. Social distancing, hand washing, face masks (where appropriate), and clean surfaces in the workplace to be maintained
   2. Allow those who can work from home continue to do so
   3. Continue to isolate workplace “hot spots” around the country to minimize and mitigate negative health impacts
   4. Where possible, allow extended hours of operation to scatter the workflow and number of employees in confined areas at the same time
   5. Ask those who are at “high risk” (age, physical disabilities, and other health related issues) to sit out until later in the year (TBD)
2. We retool American industry here at home with a supply chain that is not reliant on Chinese imports
   1. Specific guidelines for pharmaceuticals and other healthcare necessities where an increased percentage must be manufactured in the USA
   2. Specific guidelines for national defense related commodities where an increased percentage must be manufactured in the USA
   3. We immediately end all contracts that allow China to steal and/or benchmark our intellectual property
   4. We demand reparations from China for the damage caused by the Coronavirus (if necessary, we freeze the available Chinese assets commensurate with the damage done to our economy)
3. President Trump gives guidance to our Governors to relax and roll back national emergency powers in the month of May
   1. Unwind the disastrous impact that the national emergency powers have had on our civil liberties
   2. Noncompliance will result in (up to and including) a loss of state funding/grants/assistance
4. President Trump supports an infrastructure bill that would put unemployed American workers back to work building roads, bridges, and other key infrastructure projects
   1. Long-term unemployment insurance would be tied to “work requirements” in this proposed bill
5. We seal our borders from ALL illegal aliens
   1. Increased military presence to maintain “zero tolerance”
6. President Trump gives guidance to allow public schools and universities to reopen in the fall of 2020
7. Social distancing, hand washing, face masks (where appropriate), and clean surfaces in the public domain to be maintained
8. Allow those who can educate from home continue to do so
9. Continue to isolate “hot spots” around the country to minimize and mitigate negative health impacts
10. Where possible, allow extended hours of operation to scatter the workflow and number of students/teachers in confined areas at the same time
11. Ask those who are at “high risk” (age, physical disabilities, and other health related issues) to take additional precautions for study/teaching

Tell us something important about you that you want voters to know? I am a businessman who has been afforded an opportunity to live a blessed life. Our Creator has seen fit to allow me to live a balanced lifestyle. Farming, professional athletics, corporate executive, entrepreneur, author, and Founder/President of Christian Leadership Worldview are just a few of the life experiences that will help me be an effective Senator.

Joe Reynolds

Age: 54

Education: B.S., U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, 1987

Political experience: N/A

Professional experience: Chief Engineer, U.S. Merchant Marine

Where did you grow up? NH and MA, left for US Merchant Marine Academy at age 17.

What do you think the U.S. Senate does well? The Senate has a reputation as being the world’s greatest deliberative body. This may have been the case in the past, but now it is just 100 people wandering the halls asking what’s for lunch.

What do you think the U.S. Senate should do better? There is too much time on fundraising, too little time on debate. The power of majority/minority leaders needs to be re-evaluated. These positions aren’t in the Constitution. Each member gets one vote. The oath of office needs to be renewed; members should swear that, on leaving office, they will not use their status for financial gain. All new members should put their monies in a blind trust to avoid the Loeffler/Burr problems with trading. There are too many members who have been there too long. It is a political aristocracy. And aristocracies begin to decay, as we have seen the Senate decay. That is why I am personally pledging to serve only one term. I will not be thrust into the fundraising machine, I will not spend my time campaigning for myself or others. I will devote all my time to the people of South Carolina. 9) What are the top three issues in this campaign, and how specifically would you address them?

Congress is a tool America uses to solve problems. But currently the tool is broken. I’m an engineer. I want to fix it. Without some reforms we will continue to get the gridlock and stagnation in Washington that we see. Americans are cynical, but they also deeply yearn for institutions to work. We will never address climate change, the national debt, immigration, health care if we do not reform now. There used to be a sense that we could compromise and both sides could work to help America. But that has been lost. After elections we used to get to work. Now we just prepare for the next election. My reforms begin to change that.

What are the top three issues in this campaign, and how specifically would you address them?

1. Money in Washington — I have two new ethics rules that address this. The first bans fundraising during the legislative work week. You are sent to Washington by your constituents to perform a job. That job is not to fundraise for yourself or your party. That job is to legislate, develop effective budgets, and work for America, not your personal political ambitions. The second ethics rule bans Senators from participating in fundraising activity in the District of Columbia. This will release Senators from these fundraising problems, and allow them room to work. I believe that’s what they want to do. And these rules will give them that freedom.

2. Oath of office — The current oath was last revised in 1966. It needs to be re-examined. I have an additional oath of office which I will swear to after the first. I will not use my position for financial gain. There will be no lobbying positions, no consultancies, no think tanks. I will not serve on a corporate board for money. I will not speak for money. The position of Senator of the United States should be about service, not ambition.

3. Constitutional term limit amendment for US Senate — Previous amendments have gotten stuck because they have concentrated on both bodies. My amendment is for only the Senate, two terms. The reason I did this is because House members would vote overwhelmingly for such an amendment, as most have aspirations of becoming a Senator. The remaining members would have to be grandfathered in, but I believe if it passed the House it could be passed in the Senate with some public pressure and political leadership.

Tell us something important about you that you want voters to know?

I’ve been going to sea for over thirty years. During that time I’ve been through hurricanes, icebergs, pirates and war zones. I’ve brought Abrams tanks and Apache helicopters for our troops in Iraq during OIF and mine resistant vehicles for our Marines in Afghanistan. As Chief Engineer of a ship at sea, if we have trouble I do not have the luxury of saying maybe next year we’ll get to it. We have to get to it right away or we sink. That’s the kind of leadership I’ll bring to Congress. I will take responsibility for our problems on Day 1. I will not blame others. Leaders lead. That’s the kind of drive and urgency we need in Washington.

I also believe the GOP should be reaching out to citizens, not pushing them away. Our actions are heard by LGBTQ, minority and immigrant communities, young people. It’s time we had leaders who were inclusive. This means not joining lawsuits to discriminate against gay people, not joining lawsuits to remove protections for people with pre-existing conditions. This means saying out loud that climate change is real and we are going to address it, that we care about conservation in the way we vote. This means not vilifying immigrants, but trying to reform our system with sincerity and dignity. It means that a young black person should never be the victim of armed white men wandering the street.

There is a motto of the US Merchant Marine Academy: Acta non Verba. Deeds, not words.

1st Congressional District

Four Republicans are vying for the chance to face Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham in November. Candidates Chris Cox and Brad Mole did not return requests for questionnaires.

Kathy Landing

Age: 57

Education: Bachelor of Science, Duke University; Master of Science, College for Financial Planning

Political experience: Mount Pleasant Town Council Member (2017 – present)

Professional experience: CFP with 35 years of experience as an Investment Advisor and Financial Planner

Where did you grow up? I was born in New Orleans and attended junior high and high school in Fayetteville, NC, before beginning at Duke University in Durham, NC at 16.

What do you think Joe Cunningham and Congress does well? Besides photo ops and proposing legislation guised under feel good names that fail to actually solve problems, not much.

What do you think Joe Cunningham and Congress should do better? Joe should stop worrying about political self-preservation, start listening to the constituents he is supposed to serve, and start making sincere attempts to represent our Lowcountry values.

Voting with Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff 88% of the time and only supporting President Trump’s agenda 8% of the time is not putting the Lowcountry over his Democrat Party.

In the same breath, Congress should stop wasting our tax dollars and their time constantly attacking President Trump and make sincere attempts to work with him on restoring our economic power, fixing infrastructure, lowering the cost of healthcare with free-market solutions, and protecting our nation including on our southern border. Congress should also enact term limits to not only rid themselves of ineffective career politicians but also to usher in new ideas with new leaders who understand the urgency of getting results for their constituents and the nation.

What are the top three issues in this campaign, and how specifically would you address them?

1. Having a Member of Congress who truly understands and emulates our conservative Lowcountry values – I am a principled conservative who believes strongly in the original intent of the Framers of the Constitution and will always stand for our conservative values, not play politics with them. Values such as limited government, personal liberties, low taxation, and protection of our most sacred freedoms of worship, speech, assembly, the press, as well as the right to bear arms are not only at the heart of South Carolina’s First Congressional District but also are an extremely important part of my core beliefs.

2. Having a Member of Congress with the education, work experience, and financial expertise to get our economy roaring again, get our neighbors back to work, and establish financial security both now and for future generations – It would be my most humble honor to be the only financial planner in Congress. You read that correctly, there are currently no professional financial planners or investment advisors in the House. My 35 years of experience as a financial planner will greatly benefit our nation, particularly as it relates to getting a budget negotiated, balanced, and passed out of the House onto the Senate and to the President’s desk. My experience as a financial planner will be helpful in tackling the debt and deficits, while also properly planning and saving for a rainy day, such as another national emergency like the current pandemic. Having financial strength and independence would keep us from having to borrow money from our enemies, who could change their strategy in the future and leave us vulnerable.

3. Having a Representative who supports the America First agenda of a stronger American economy, greater job opportunities for American families, improved infrastructure, and a safer America – I will never apologize for wanting our nation and her people to succeed. I will work with President Trump, my peers in Congress, and whomever else I need to see our economy return to greatness and our neighbors return to work. I will offer free-market solutions to lower healthcare costs for American families, strengthen our country’s long-term financial viability, and reduce burdens on taxpayers.

Tell us something important about you that you want voters to know? God has blessed me with challenges and experiences in life that have prepared me to serve our district proudly. Overcoming my parents’ deaths when I was just 12 and 13 was difficult. Having my US Naval husband overseas for 15 of our first 24 months of marriage was also tough. Building my business as an investment advisor and financial planner from nothing right here in the Lowcountry was a harsh task. But through all of this, I have always maintained a positive, forward-looking attitude in order to rise above and make the best of things. Correctly labeled by my husband of 36 years as “relentlessly positive,” I am positive that the Lowcountry can have a Member of Congress we can all be proud of, with the education, experience and expertise to achieve real results for the district and make a lasting, positive impact on the nation. I would be humbled and honored to be that representative and serve my incredible neighbors of the Lowcountry.

Nancy Mace

Age: 42

Education: Stratford High School (1995); B.S. in Business Administration, The Citadel (1999, Magna Cum Laude); M.A. in Mass Communication, University of Georgia (2004)

Political experience: State lawmaker; Coalitions Director and Field Director for Donald J. Trump for President

Professional experience: Corporate Technology Consulting (Andersen Consulting/Accenture); Public Relations, Marketing and Technology Consulting (Boutique agencies and own firm); Commercial Real Estate Sales (Keller Williams Commercial); I once waited tables at the Waffle House at Exit 203 on College Park Road in Ladson

Where did you grow up? Goose Creek, SC (after my father retired from the U.S. Army)

What do you think U.S. House does well? Our current congressman does a good job of being a rank and file member of his political party.

What do you think U.S. House should do better? The 1st Congressional District has a long history of having an independent voice in DC, we have lost that. We need someone who can be truly independent regardless of their party affiliation. That’s one of the greatest attributes of the people of this district. We are fiscally conservative, we believe in conservation and we are independent thinkers. Second, providing thorough — not boilerplate — explanations of the voting record to Lowcountry residents; less charade, less smoke and mirrors, more transparency and more accountability. We want results.

What are the top three issues in this campaign, and how specifically would you address them?

1. Spending — Pushing for measures that reign in spending, like the Penny Plan, where one penny is saved for every one dollar spent by the federal government. This plan does not impact Social Security and previous to COVID-19 would have balanced the budget in five years time. We also need someone who will stand up to never-ending recklessness and waste with taxpayer dollars.

2. Jobs and the Economy — Rolling back regulations that make doing business too expensive here in the US. We should incentivize American companies and businesses to stop outsourcing good-paying jobs. Now more than ever we need economic policy that puts American companies and their workers in the driver’s seat.

3. Healthcare — Healthcare costs are increasingly unaffordable for many families. Until we repeal Obamacare with a truly free market system, where healthcare needs dictate the market not the government, there are a few policies we can work to pass. Increasing competition in the healthcare market, like lifting burdensome regulations like certificate of need laws that create healthcare monopolies, price transparency on pharmaceuticals, price transparency on inpatient or outpatient, elective or non-elective surgical procedures, no surprise billing, lifting the age cap on catastrophic insurance are all examples of policies that would reduce healthcare costs and increase the quality of care and access. I’ve led the push to remove many regulations in the healthcare system here in South Carolina and most recently the Governor signed a bill into law that protects the health of pregnant inmates and their infants while they are in labor.

Tell us something important about you that you want voters to know? I grew up in the Lowcountry. I’m the first female graduate of The Citadel. I’m a single mom, a business woman and a state lawmaker. I work hard. I put everything I have into every task and every job. I’ve been a server at the Waffle House and run my own business, and I know the value of both. I have a passion for solving problems, for public service and for the Lowcountry. And for the record, I’m also against offshore drilling. It would be the honor of my lifetime to serve the Lowcountry in Congress.

2nd Congressional District

U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, elected to the House in 2000 and seeking his 11th term in Congress, faces one primary challenger in the Republican primary, a former mayor of Wilson’s hometown of Springdale.

Michael Bishop

Age: 49

Education: Associates in Science

Political experience: Mayor of Springdale for 6 years

Professional experience: Clemson University employee for 25 years; Owner of several small businesses, Currently own Dust to Dust Green Burial Cemetery, owner of rental properties

Where did you grow up? Springdale all of my life

What do you think U.S. House does well?

What do you think U.S. House should do better? Communicate with people of the district regularly, not just at election time

What are the top three issues in this campaign, and how specifically would you address them?

1. Getting faith restored in government — I would be transparent. I would let people know what bills are up for vote, what I voted and why without exception.

2. Lack of support to the boots on the ground — I’ve had one interaction where I was invited to meet with my congressman in 6 years and during that time he basically told me what a great congressman he is. I will be a congressman that comes in as a servant to support his district.

3. Out of touch with the districts needs — I would meet with utility providers as well as all my local elected officials from mayors to county administrators to state officials to understand our current growth and future growth and make sure we are prepared for the demands of our future residents/business owners.

Tell us something important about you that you want voters to know? I don’t want to be elected for my stance on issues. I want to be the elected official who believes he was put in office to represent. I will be in touch with my constituents on a regular basis and I will represent and fight for this district! I’m glad to represent on a national level and I will always do my due diligence prior to a vote but what I think has been missing for a long time is the use of the role as congressman to represent the district.

Joe Wilson

Age: 72

Education: High School of Charleston; Washington and Lee University; University of South Carolina School of Law; Judge Advocate General School, University of Virginia; Command and General Staff College

Political experience: First SCGOP Third Vice-Chair; Vice-Chairman, Lexington County Election Commission; Board Member, SC Dept. of Commerce; Deputy General Council, U.S. Dept. of Energy; 17 years of perfect attendance, South Carolina State Senate; United States House of Representatives: earning roles as Assistant Minority Whip; Chairman of National Security Task Force for Republican Study Committee; Ranking Member of Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism; Member of the Committee on Armed Services, former Chairman of Subcommittee on Personnel and Readiness; Former Vice-Chairman of Committee on Education and Workforce; Ranking Member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission); Co-Chairman of the Bipartisan Country Caucus — Bulgaria, Israel, European Union, United Kingdom, Qatar, Korea, France, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Morocco — and former Co-Chairman for India, Slovakia, and Columbia; Also serve on President Donald Trump’s Victory Finance Committee.

Professional experience: Attorney

Where did you grow up? Charleston, S.C.

What do you think the U.S. House does well? Constituent Service

What do you think the U.S. House should do better? The United States House of Representatives should be in session working on behalf of ALL Americans during the Wuhan Virus Pandemic

What are the top three issues in this campaign, and how specifically would you address them?

1. Wuhan Virus Response — Protecting lives of all Americans and monitoring legislation passed, as well as supporting further initiatives for local control. I have faith and trust in Governor McMaster’s response.

2. Job Creation — Working with local Chambers of Commerce, National Federation of Small Business and other local organizations to create new opportunities for good jobs in all of our communities. As well as retaining those we have. In Washington, I am voting to lower the burden on hard working taxpayers and to remove the burdensome regulations restricting growth.

3. National Security — Peace through Strength by supporting President Trump’s rebuilding of the United States military.

Tell us something important about you that you want voters to know? I am dedicated to be accessible and accountable. I am humbled and inspired by the people I represent. I have an open door policy for all to promote limited government and with expanded freedoms.

3rd Congressional District

Two Democrats are running for the chance to challenge U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-Laurens. Hosea Cleveland could not be reached.

Mark Welch

Age: 64

Education: Bachelor’s in Secondary Education in the Social Sciences, Clemson University, 1993. Master’s in Educational Media in 1996 from East Tennessee University. Studied political science at the graduate level at the University of Georgia.

Professional experience: I taught high school and college level courses in American Government, Macroeconomics, and Psychology in South Carolina for 22 years. I recently retired and decided to run for Congress.

Hometown: I was born and raised in Charleston, S.C.

What do you think the U.S. House should do better?

Congress was designed to bring various regions and people of the country together to discuss the most important issues of the day and to compromise to find the best way forward for all of us. Today, it seems to have devolved into a demagoguery in which no one from either party is willing to concede that the opposition might have a point. Compromise is one of the essential characteristics of a democracy. Without listening to and being willing to compromise with the other party, nothing constructive can be accomplished. Democracy is NOT about a slim majority forcing its will upon the minority.

What are the top three issues in this campaign, and how specifically would you address them?

My campaign is centered on getting back to representing all Americans and not just the ones who happen to agree with me. I think we should all be Americans first — that as citizens we have to be willing to consider other points of view and seek our common ground. And our leaders in Congress have to be true leaders and show the way back to working together in good conscience for the benefit of all Americans.

My campaign stands on the principle that, in a country as productive and prosperous as ours, every American should have adequate health care. This Covid 19 virus has clearly pointed out the weaknesses in our current health care system (if you can call it that). I am promoting a New Medicare Plan that calls for every man, woman, and child in America to be covered. This plan would allow any American with proof of adequate insurance to opt out of it and use their existing private insurance if they so choose.

Thirdly, I am calling for a re-leveling of the economic playing field. American workers are contributing far more to our society than the relatively small piece of the economic pie that they are getting. I would call for a more progressive assessment of all taxes – income, corporate, capital gains, FICA, etc. to fund our government and allow for the creation of programs to help people lift themselves out of poverty.

Tell us something important about you that you want voters to know?

I will be a representative that will represent all of the people of my district, not just the well-off or the well-connected. And I will never allow monetary pressures from oligarchs to sway me from that duty. I promise to base my decisions and positions on empirical evidence and rational thinking that takes all perspectives into account.

5th Congressional District

Two Democrats are competing for the chance to challenge U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-Rock Hill, in the general election. Moe Brown did not submit a questionnaire.

Sidney Moore

Age: 71

Education: Summer ‘91: Southeastern Multicultural Newspaper Workshop, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of South Carolina, Columbia; As an Economics major, I earned a B.S. degree from the University of South Carolina in 1971, where I have since pursued advanced study: Completed Rock Hill public schools.

Political experience: County Council for York County in the 1970’s. In recent years I served as a precinct officer. I have been active as a supporter of other campaigns and causes.

Professional experience: Retired customer service representative with a telecommunications company. Former real-estate broker. Former State administrator. Former businessman. Former journalist (Evening Herald, The Charlotte Post, Columbia Black News).

Where did you grow up? Native of Rock Hill, S.C.

What do you think the U.S. House does well? Along with the Senate, the House provides continuity of government for the legislative branch.

What do you think the U.S. should do better? Like most people I believe that the federal government should take an active role in people’s lives, particularly those who are in need. With that in mind I’m sure I would have no problem representing and advancing the interests and concerns of prospective District 5 constituents. Issues most likely to require attention include health care, environment, energy, election law reform, protecting gains made by women and minorities, and promoting bipartisan consensus.

What are the top three issues in this campaign, and how specifically would you address them?

Regarding emergency actions taken to address the economic impact of the current health crisis, building the economy will, I’m certain, be job one. I hope things will soon begin to stabilize so that we can start to paint a less sketchy picture of what we what to do in this area.

I fear that unemployment will be a concern, increased cost of living, reduced quality of services provided including health care, etc. The district is composed of 11 counties. Some rural, some urban, with suburban areas generating the most growth. So the challenges are varied and continue to be so going forward.

Tell us something important about you that you want voters to know? I am running for office because I feel it is the best and most honorable way for me to give back to my community and my state. I’m motivated by the challenges that face us all.

Considering that it is unlikely that things will ever be the same, at least not in the foreseeable future, we must find a new path forward. I offer the kind of “out-of-the-box” thinking that would enable me to materially contribute to the process of governing.

7th Congressional District

Three Democrats are competing for the chance to challenge U.S. Rep. Tom Rice, R-Myrtle Beach, in the general election. Robert Williams did not submit a questionnaire.

Melissa Watson

Age: 43

Education: Bachelor’s of Arts from the College of Charleston, Master’s from the Citadel, and doctoral coursework from the University of Phoenix

Political experience: I have not held elected office, but I have been involved in party politics. I have been a county party chair and have held other state party offices.

Professional experience: I have been teaching for 19 years. I spent 6 years in the Army Reserves.

Where did you grow up? Dillon, SC

What do you think the U.S. House does well? The HOR passes a lot of bills because they only need a simple majority, there is no filibuster, and they limit debate.

What do you think the U.S. House should do better? The House needs to work together because it is a very partisan place.

What are the top three issues in this campaign, and how specifically would you address them?

1. Education — As a National Board certified teacher, I believe strongly in investing in every South Carolinian. A Dillon native, I see first-hand how a good education can lead to better economic opportunities. I also believe that a quality education is the key to a successful and satisfying career. A strong education system not only ensures that our students are better prepared for the jobs of tomorrow—it’s also a huge factor in determining where businesses decide to invest. The success of our students, families, and communities require that we work toward continually improving and adapting our educational system to the needs of our workforce. As a teacher, I know that recruiting and retaining the best teachers is vital to a child’s success in school. I will lead the path to ensure that District 07 has a fully funded education system and that our teachers receive the resources, support, and compensation they deserve.

2. Healthcare — Nobody should go bankrupt trying to stay alive, and no one should have to choose between buying their medicines and paying their mortgage. I will also defend a woman’s right to make informed decisions about her own body.Healthcare decisions should be made by patients and their doctors not by healthcare companies.

3. Environment — I know that our multi-billion dollar tourism and agriculture industries rely heavily on the environment to protect our jobs and drive our economy. That’s why it is critical that we protect our coastal waterways and ensure that farmers have the nontoxic soil they need to keep their crops healthy and growing. As the next Congresswoman from District 07, I will never allow offshore oil drilling to exist on our coastline. South Carolina is replete with avid hunters and fishermen; accordingly, we should protect our forests, rivers, lakes, and streams from hazardous pollution. Clean air and water are vital to our health and I will support policies that strengthen EPA standards on air and water quality—not lower them.

Tell us something important about you that you want voters to know? I really love my children, and I am proud of the young adults they have become.

William Cowboy Williams

Age: 72

Education: B.S., Business Administration (South Carolina State University), MBA (Webster University, Myrtle Beach South Carolina).

Political experience: none

Professional experience: I am a retired Postmaster (18 years of service) and over those years I had the responsibility to make sure that the American people got their mail. I also was responsible for many employees needs and office requirements. I think that I did my job as a U.S. postmaster very well in my opinion, and I’m very dependable and a very hard worker.

Over the years I gladly Helped out with my total postal operations in any way I could. Nothing is too tough for me. I believe in serving the people, and I think I had a perfect Attendance as a postmaster. Finally, I am a people’s persons in that I’m a leader who gets the job done.

Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in the great city/county of Marion SC.

What do you think the U.S. House does well? The House of Representatives initiate revenue raising bills as well as initiates impeachment. These two responsibilities they do well.

What do you think the U.S. House should do better? Bipartisanship is what we need more of, from the U.S. House. With more bipartisanship I think the American people would view the U.S. House more favorably. When I say bipartisanship, I’m talking about working with the office of the, Senate as well as the office of the President.

What are the top three issues in this campaign, and how specifically would you address them? The COVID 19 Pandemic, Prison Reform and Homelessness.

First, I want to work on a bipartisanship plan and strategy to provide a safety net until the COVID 19 Pandemic is resolved. Second, that same type model of bipartisanship, of plan and strategy for Prison Reform and Homelessness. I know that it is so important to seek out the bipartisanship support that is also concerned about bringing change. There are many people that want to see change and they may have been trying. Therefore, I will, as I’ve said, seek out those people and let them know where I stand on the issues that I have mentioned above and also see what these new found partners are interested in trying to change themselves.

Tell us something important about you that you want voters to know: Speaking of his childhood and upbringing, Williams said: The Williams family had poor housing, which had no running water, nor a dependable sewage system. Putting food on the table during some of those times meant that everyone in the home had to do their part, which consisted of working the cotton fields or some type of farm work. Williams’ father mostly did factory work. Also, one summer while Williams was still in high school, he and several other boys took turns working on the garbage truck while enroll in a youth program.

Williams served in Vietnam from 1968 -1969. And after the military, he graduated with a BS degree (SC State College) and a MBA degree (Webster University Myrtle Beach SC). And also received a certificate from Harvard after passing one of its courses.

From 1974 – 2003 Williams worked for the US Postal Service for approximately 28 years (10 years as a Part-Time Flex, clerk/carrier and the remaining approximately 18 years in management as postmaster).

Before Williams’ wife lost her battle with cancer, he was her caregiver. And after some time off and still in retirement, he decided to run for The U.S. Congress. Representing the 7th Congressional District of SC. He is running because he really wants to be a voice for the people. And he believes that his journey thus far has prepared him for this moment in time because serving others is an honor.

I would like to take this time and say: I need the people to give me this one chance to show all the people of the 7th Congressional District, that I will deliver on whatever I say that I will do.

This story was originally published June 6, 2020 at 7:25 AM.