News
Jim Rex announces gubernatorial candidacy
September 16, 2009
State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex joined the race for governor on Tuesday, saying he aims to be a "turnaround governor" who will improve the state's image, economy and education system.
As the only Democrat to hold statewide office, Rex comes to the race with name recognition that makes him the "man to beat" within the party, said Kevin Mertens, chairman of the Greenville County Democratic Party. "At this point he immediately becomes the frontrunner because of his name recognition," Mertens said.
The announcement came as no surprise. Rex said more than a month ago that he was exploring a gubernatorial campaign. On Tuesday, he told The Greenville News he sees the top issue as "turning around the image of the state and putting in place an economy that can be competitive."
Rex decried "petty bickering" and "extreme partisanship" while distinguishing himself from other candidates who he said are "career politicians" or "lobbyists." The latter was obviously a reference to one of his Democratic rivals, Dwight Drake, the only lobbyist in the race.
Drake's profession "has served him well and maybe in some cases even the state well," Rex said. "But I think we can find plenty of examples where it's not been in the best interests of South Carolinians to have his interests that he was representing prevail in the Legislature."
Drake's clients have included cigarette makers, payday lenders and video poker interests. His lobbying work also included advocating for incentives legislation that led to a $750 million expansion at BMW Manufacturing Co. in Greer.
Asked for a response, Drake pointed to his role in a lawsuit that resulted in a court order forcing Gov. Mark Sanford to accept $700 million in economic stimulus money.
"While the superintendent and others were issuing press releases, I got the job done," Drake said. The Columbia lawyer and former aide to two governors also said he's no longer registered as a lobbyist.
As superintendent of education, Rex has opposed vouchers and tax credits to pay for private school tuition, but has favored new options within the public system. He also has advocated changing the method of funding public schools to eliminate inequality.
Also running as Democrats are state Sen. Robert Ford of Charleston, state Sen. Vincent Sheheen of Camden, Charleston lawyer Mullins McLeod and West Ashley pastor Amos Elliott.
Republicans who have announced gubernatorial campaigns are Attorney General Henry McMaster, U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, state Sen. Larry Grooms and state Rep. Nikki Haley. A fifth Republican, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, has said he may run.
From GreenvilleOnline.com
By Rudolph Bell
Staff Writer
