How will South Carolina leaders carry on Hugh Leatherman’s legacy of political service?

In February 2017, when his official portrait was unveiled in the South Carolina State House, leaders from all branches of government came to honor State Senator Hugh Leatherman.

“I am truly humbled,” Leatherman said, as he stood beside his portrait, “Humbled to think that the portrait will soon be added to the history of these walls.”

He loved those walls, the Senate Chamber, where he and others determined the course South Carolina would take.

He spoke of his arrival there as a “young, bright-eyed, know-it-all from the Pee Dee” and the wisdom and discipline he received from the senior members of the State Senate.

He was elected in 1980 as a Democrat to represent the 31st District, but switched parties in the 1990s. As a Republican, he went on to head the powerful Senate Finance Committee, a role he would hold for some 20 years.

For all he had done and all the accolades he received, however, Leatherman was focused on the future.

At the portrait unveiling, he spoke of the challenges that were coming for the next generation.

“The leaders of today face a test of strength and will that is pushed by technology, transparency and brash young senators who are ready to shake up the world,” Leatherman said. “Make no mistake. I applaud and support these young senators. The men and women who serve today deserve no less than the support of those of us who have labored at these desks for many years.”

He continued, “The prophet Job asked the question, ‘Is not wisdom found among the aged?’ But what good is that wisdom if it’s not used to bolster the young?”

As the next generation takes the reins, they can look to Leatherman’s example, an elected leader who never lost sight of his mission to serve the people of Florence County who elected him.

At the close of the portrait ceremony, he recalled State Senator Glenn McConnell’s words when his own portrait was placed in the State House.

“A photograph, he said, simply captures a moment whereas an artist’s portrait speaks to the future.”

“It is my hope that future generations of senators view this portrait and see a man from humble beginnings who worked hard and for the betterment of our great state,” Leatherman said.

It’s up to the next generation to heed his words and carry on his legacy.