SC politics: Sellers hired as CNN contributor
Sellers hired as CNN contributor
Former Democratic state Rep. Bakari Sellers has a new gig as a CNN contributor.
“I’m very, very lucky to have this opportunity to have a voice on the political scene, and still be able to grow in South Carolina politically, professionally and socially,” said Sellers, who was one of the youngest S.C. representatives when elected at 22.
Sellers, now 30, decided last year not to run again for his House seat so he could focus on running for S.C. lieutenant governor. He lost with 41 percent of the vote.
He said he already has contributed to the 24-hour news network during President Barack Obama’s eulogy of slain state Sen. Clementa Pinckney, D-Jasper, who was shot to death along with eight others at his church in June.
Sellers said he also contributed to CNN as the Confederate flag was taken down from the S.C. State House grounds on Friday.
He would not say how much the news network is paying him.
Sellers’ national TV presence has been on the rise. He appeared on “Love Thy Sister,” a reality series on WE TV that featured three sisters from Lancaster, including Sellers’ fiance.
Senators urge candidates to discuss climate change
A dozen state senators are asking presidential hopefuls to discuss climate change and clean energy when the candidates visit South Carolina.
In an open letter to the candidates, six Democrats and six Republicans urged discussions of a comprehensive energy policy. The letter, delivered to campaigns this week, also expressed concern about how rising sea levels and a changing climate could affect the coast.
The letter said nuisance flooding in Charleston had increased 400 percent since 1960 and the Parris Island Marine base, near Beaufort, could be flooded if the sea level rises 3 feet.
Those signing the letter included Republicans Thomas Alexander, John Courson, Greg Gregory, Wes Hayes, Larry Martin and Katrina Shealy, as well as Democrats Brad Hutto, Kevin Johnson, Marlon Kimpson, Joe Lourie, Thomas McElveen and Vincent Sheheen.
“In particular, we encourage you to share your plan to support a comprehensive energy policy that makes our nation more secure and creates a healthy energy future,’’ the letter said. “Such a plan would also foster economic growth and job creation.’’
Cassie Cope, Sammy Fretwell
This story was originally published July 14, 2015 at 6:37 PM.