Saturday, June 19, 2010

LEXINGTON
Breakfast Meet and Greet
Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 8:15 a.m.
Lizard’s Thicket
621 W. Main Street
Lexington, South Carolina

SUMTER
Breakfast Meet and Greet
Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.
IHOP
2485 Broad Street
Sumter, South Carolina

FLORENCE
Lunch Break with Barrett
Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 12:00 p.m.
Red Bone Alley Restaurant
1903 West Palmetto Street
Florence, South Carolina

CONWAY
Business Walk Around
Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 1:45 p.m.
Bodega & Shops on Main
301 Main Street
Conway, South Carolina

MYRTLE BEACH
Afternoon Meet and Greet
Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.
Spring House Restaurant
2600 N. Kings Highway
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

GEORGETOWN
Business Walk Around
Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 4:20 p.m.
Front Street
Georgetown, South Carolina

Sunday, June 20, 2010

MONCKS CORNER
Lunch Break with Barrett
Sunday, June 20, 2010 at 12:45 p.m.
Music Man’s Barbeque
112 East Railroad Ave
Moncks Corner, South Carolina

AIKEN
Aiken GOP Ice Cream Social and Candidates Forum
Sunday, June 20, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.
The Alley behind the Municipal Building
214 Park Avenue Southwest
Aiken, South Carolina

Monday, June 21, 2010

NEWBERRY
Breakfast Meet and Greet
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 7:30 a.m.
Bill & Fran’s Restaurant
11724 State Route 34
Exit 74 off of Hwy 26
Newberry, South Carolina

LAURENS
Breakfast Meet and Greet
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 8:45 a.m.
Whiteford’s Drive-In
212 Hillcrest Drive
Laurens, South Carolina

GREER
Business Walk Around
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 10:15 a.m.
Southern Thymes
219 Trade Street
Greer, South Carolina

SPARTANBURG
Lunch Break with Barrett
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 11:30 a.m.
Groucho’s
100 East Main Street
Spartanburg, South Carolina

GREENVILLE
Lunch Break with Barrett
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 1:00 p.m.
Wild Wings Cafe
15 West Washington Street
Greenville, South Carolina

EASLEY
Afternoon Meet and Greet
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 3:30 p.m.
Joe’s Ice Cream Parlor
136 East Main Street
Easley, South Carolina

SENECA
Afternoon Meet and Greet
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.
Chick-fil-A
1612 Sandifer Blvd
Seneca, South Carolina

ANDERSON
Anderson GOP Meeting
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
8620 Concord Road
Anderson, South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SC – Conservatives of America today officially endorsed Gresham Barrett for Governor of South Carolina. Below is the text of the release issued by Conservatives of America:
“Gresham Barrett is the real conservative in this runoff,” said Bill Murphy, Founder of Conservatives of America. “He is the candidate who is in line with the Tea Party movement – less government and more personal responsibility – as evidenced by the influx of Conservative Tea Party activists who have joined his campaign in the past 48 hours,” said Murphy.

Over the years, Mr. Barrett has walked the walk and fought the fight for conservative principles. Further evidence of walking the walk, instead of just talking the talk, is the fact that Gresham Barrett is the only candidate in next Tuesday’s GOP Gubernatorial runoff who has released his tax returns, as well as fully disclosed all of his contributors for the runoff. Voters in South Carolina can see that Gresham Barrett pays his taxes and pays them on time, and they can see who is financing his campaign for Governor. His opponent’s silence, on the other hand, is deafening. Gresham Barrett has rock solid conservative credentials:

• Voted against every major Obama spending package, and repeatedly voted against even his own party’s budget increases.
• Is a staunch opponent in Congress to the radical socialist agenda of the White House Administration.
• Authored Legislation to cut $520 billion from the federal budget.
• Led the fight to enact the South Carolina Partial Birth Abortion Law.

For those conservatives who know and have followed Gresham Barrett, his track record should not be surprising. He was one of the key conservative leaders who came forward early on when Jim DeMint was not a household name in South Carolina, and supported Jim DeMint in the critical runoff which led to Senator DeMint’s election to the U.S. Senate. Gresham Barrett has been in the foxhole for conservatives over the years and he has not blinked. Now it is time for conservatives in South Carolina to rally behind the real conservative in next Tuesday’s race, and nominate Gresham Barrett for Governor of South Carolina.

Conservatives of America has endorsed four strong conservative candidates for the U.S. Senate in 2010: Marco Rubio of Florida, JD Hayworth of Arizona, Jim DeMint of South Carolina, and Sharron Angle in Nevada.

Conservatives of America is a national, grassroots conservative organization dedicated to reducing the size of government, lowering taxes, promoting fiscal sanity, protecting the right to life for the unborn, preserving the right to keep and bear arms, having a strong national defense, staying on the offense in the “War on Terror,” and securing America’s borders. Recently, Conservatives of America has emerged as America’s leading conservative organization dedicated to training grassroots conservative activists and the conservative movement.

COLUMBIA, SC – Today Gresham Barrett’s campaign for Governor released its third ad of the runoff cycle, entitled “Character”. Featuring Gresham and his family, “Character” highlights the deep character and small town values instilled in him growing up in Westminster, South Carolina, attending the Citadel and serving as a Captain in the United States Army. This final ad of the runoff mirrors the positive tone of the entire campaign – and serves as an ideal closing spot for Gresham’s issues-based, honorable candidacy.

Campaign Manager Luke Byars issued the following statement:

“Gresham was brought up in a strong Christian family where his parents taught him the values of hard work, devotion to God and service to country. These core principles define exactly who Gresham is as a person – and they will guide him as South Carolina’s next Governor.”

“Today we are announcing the addition of 100 new jobs in South Carolina based on the strong leadership and bold plans of Gresham Barrett. We have a history of working in South Carolina with existing plants in Myrtle Beach and Pageland, but thanks to Gresham’s leadership and support, we are proud to take this exciting step forward for our company.

“Gresham’s innovative ideas rooted in small business principles will make South Carolina an attractive destination for more economic growth in the future, and we look forward to working with Gresham as our state’s next Governor. He has a real business plan to Put South Carolina Back to Work.”

Barrett has announced an eight point Jobs plan that focuses on comprehensive tax reform, restructuring the State Department of Commerce and making South Carolina a leader in energy independence.

Joining Glenn Mosack for the announcement, Gresham Barrett said, “Conbraco’s move proves that with the right leadership, South Carolina can be successful in our highly competitive region. I will go to bed every night and wake up every morning thinking about how to bring more jobs and economic growth to this State.”

COLUMBIA, SC – Only one week out from the runoff election, Gresham Barrett’s gubernatorial campaign is picking up support from all across the State. Today, while Nikki Haley is showcasing her new-found establishment support, Gresham Barrett held a news conference in Charleston highlighting new members of our grassroots team. At the event, we had Tea Party members, business leaders, former Henry McMaster and Andre Bauer supporters, and longtime Gresham backers. We are also honored to announce the support and endorsement of Senator Larry Grooms, a leader for reform in South Carolina, and a former candidate for governor endorsed by statewide Tea Party groups. And we are proud to announce the backing of Senator Paul Campbell, a strong fiscal conservative and busines leader.

“Gresham Barrett is a true champion of conservative values and fiscal responsibility,” said Senator Larry Grooms. “His plans to address the serious challenges facing South Carolina are rooted in the small government principles that define his political philosophy, and his strong leadership and character will turn those ideas into concrete action.”
Eddie Taylor, a local Republican activist, said there are clear differences between Gresham Barrett and Representative Haley. “Nikki Haley’s rhetoric doesn’t match her record. Whether it’s claiming she opposes Obama’s stimulus while voting twice for it, or railing against out of control spending while voting for $2 billion in state budget increases, Nikki Haley has learned the talking points, but not the actions to back them up. And in politics, actions speak louder than words,” Taylor said.

Barbara Spell, a local Tea Party leader, said, “For too long, we have been focused on issues that don’t matter. However Gresham Barrett is focused on the issues that matter to South Carolina voters and he will continue to take his positive message of conservative reform directly to the people of our state. A message grounded in strong leadership and strong character.”

Voters are flocking to the Barrett for Governor campaign, and support is coalescing thanks to our focus on the issues that matter to South Carolinians.

Gresham will be heading later to Myrtle Beach to hold a second event with new Grand Stand supporters.

New Barrett Supporters:

Larry Grooms, State Senator, former GOP Candidate for Governor, Tea Party favorite
Paul Campbell, State Senator
Chip Campsen, State Senator
DeAnna Trout, Former Berkeley GOP Executive Committeeman
Mark Hartley, Former Charleston GOP Chair
Charm Altman, Sea Island GOP Women President
John Graham Altman, Former State Representative
Cyndi Mosteller, Former Charleston County GOP Chair
Linda Butler Johnson, Former Charleston County GOP Chair, Former President of the SCFRW
Terrye Seckinger, Local Conservative Leader
Sam McConnell, GOP Activist
Barbara Spell, Tea Party Leader
Shirley Hinson, Former State Representative
Andy Smith, County Treasurer
Kay Long, Charleston County GOP Women President
Eddie Taylor, GOP Activist
Mary Ann Taylor, GOP Activist
Lanneau Siegling, SCGOP Finance Advisor
John Bonsignor, South Strand GOP Leader
Al Tirrell, Former Horry GOP Chair
Richard McHugh, GOP Leader
Mary Henry, Myrtle Beach GOP Club President
Ron Charlton, Georgetown County Council

COLUMBIA, SC – Today, Gresham Barrett released his second TV ad of the runoff cycle. The ad, entitled “Runoff”, is an entertaining take on the important issues facing South Carolina voters. The ad will be running statewide.

Luke Byars, campaign manager, issued the following statement:

“Gresham Barrett is an honest conservative leader who will make our state proud. At a time when inaction and gridlock perpetually handcuff our state government, we need a Governor with strong character and strong leadership. Gresham will turn the page on status quo politics in Columbia and reform our state with conservative plans and concrete results.”

Script for “Runoff” (TV: 30):

CHYRON: Campaign Boot Camp

BARRETT: Well it’s runoff time.

DRILL SERGEANT: Run off?

BARRETT: No, THE runoff.

DRILL SERGEANT: Well of course. That’s because you’re a military man. Small businessman. Christian family man.

BARRETT: True

DRILL SERGEANT: You’re honest. Conservative. Steady. Not going to take any of their shady political attacks.

BARRETT: That’s right.

DRILL SERGEANT: You’ll cap spending. Create jobs. Junk the tax code. And make South Carolina proud again.

BARRETT: Absolutely

DRILL SERGEANT: Ok Gresham. Now go give ‘em…

BARRETT: Help reforming government?

DRILL SERGEANT: Yeah.

CHYRON: Gresham Barrett. Honest. Conservative

Bauer endorses Barrett in S.C. runoff
Jeff Simon
CNN’s “Political Ticker” Blog
June 11, 2010

(CNN) – South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, who finished fourth among four candidates in Tuesday’s gubernatorial Republican primary, announced his endorsement Friday of Rep. Gresham Barrett, the second place finisher.

“I hope the media and the voters take these next two weeks to really look at the candidates: their real records – not just their rhetoric,” Bauer said in a statement. “When they do, they will find Gresham Barrett has been a committed conservative soldier in the movement against big government long before it was politically advantageous and that Representative Haley has been misrepresenting her conservative credentials.”

Barrett finished more than 25 points behind state Rep. Nikki Haley, who nearly avoided a runoff by receiving about 49 percent of the votes. South Carolina Republicans will return to the polls on June 22 to select their nominee.

Barrett’s campaign also on Friday launched its second ad since the runoff campaign began.

The ad, a 30-second spot titled “Runoff,” will air statewide. It features Barrett walking alongside a drill sergeant–as he did in his first ad–and accepting praise from the military man.

“You’re honest. Conservative. Steady. Not going to take any of their shady political attacks,” the sergeant says.

“That’s right,” Barrett responds.

“You’ll cap spending. Create jobs. Junk the tax code. And make South Carolina proud again,” the sergeant continues.

“Absolutely,” Barrett says.

–CNN Political Producer Peter Hamby contributed to this report

COLUMBIA, SC –  Today, Gresham Barrett announced a major endorsement in his race for Governor.  Iris Campbell, South Carolina’s former first lady and wife of Governor Carroll Campbell, threw her full support behind Gresham Barrett saying:

“Gresham Barrett is a strong leader with the principles and character to make our state proud.  Like Carroll, Gresham is a small businessman at heart, and knows how to work with others to turn ideas into conservative action. If Carroll were still with us, I have no doubt he would join me in strongly supporting Gresham.”

Thanking her for her endorsement, Gresham said, “South Carolina was blessed to have Iris Campbell as our first lady, and I am honored to have her support.”

COLUMBIA, SC – Today, Gresham Barrett released his new ad “Shake Up Columbia,”  a light-hearted look at how he is the candidate with a plan to change the way things are done at the State House.

“Too much of this election has been dominated by things that don’t matter. But Gresham Barrett is fighting to make it about issues that do,” said Barrett Campaign Manager Luke Byars.

“For voters who want to truly turn the page on the politics of gripe and gridlock at the Statehouse, Gresham Barrett is the best choice. He’s an honest conservative leader who will make the tough decisions to create jobs, cut spending, and really reform government.”

Script for “Shake Up Columbia” (TV: 30):

CHYRON: Campaign Boot Camp

DRILL SERGEANT: Gresham, what are you?

BARRETT: An honest conservative.

CHYRON: Gresham Barrett

DRILL SERGEANT: Will you shake up Columbia?

BARRETT: Absolutely.

DRILL SERGEANT: Good, ‘cause my Grandma could run that place better.

BARRETT: Probably.

DRILL SERGEANT: So what’s your plan?

BARRETT: Cap spending, scrap the tax code and create jobs.

DRILL SERGEANT: Military man who makes tough decisions.

Christian family man who won’t embarrass us.

Gresham, you make me….  want to vote for you.

BARRETT: I’d be honored.

CHYRON: Gresham Barrett.  Honest.  Conservative.

COLUMBIA, SC – Come join Gresham and the Barrett Team on Election night!  Our campaign will be holding its Election Night Victory Party at The Innovate Building in Greenville.   The event will begin at 7 p.m. and election results will be announced throughout the evening.  It’s free and open to all!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

WHO: Gresham Barrett

WHAT: Election Night Victory Party

WHEN: Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Innovate Building
First Floor
148 River Street
Greenville, South Carolina

The Greenville News: Barrett Makes “The Most Compelling Case For Changes That Will Improve The State’s Business Climate.” “The Greenville News endorses Congressman Barrett in this Republican primary while also recognizing Attorney General McMaster would be a strong candidate on the ticket in November. … Barrett comes to this race with experience in both the state Legislature and Congress, along with personal experience as a small businessman. He can speak in greater depth about what’s needed to create more jobs in South Carolina. Like the other Republican candidates, he favors comprehensive tax reform, but he seems to make the most compelling case for changes that will improve the state’s business climate. Barrett wants to overhaul the state Department of Commerce, and have the governor regularly lead economic development efforts. He also understands the importance of improving the state’s infrastructure and enhancing the state’s ports that are vital to economic development. In a race with two solid candidates, Barrett offers the best reason to vote for him with this simple description of what South Carolina needs in a governor: “We need a governor who goes to bed every night and wakes up every day thinking about how he’s going to bring jobs and economic growth to South Carolina.” (Editorial, “Barrett For The Republicans,” Greenville News, 6/6/10)

• Read the full article here.

The Spartanburg Herald-Journal: “Barrett Brings To The Contest A Clear Vision For Governing South Carolina, And It Is This That Makes Him The Best Candidate For The Nomination.” Gresham Barrett brings a unique set of qualifications and achievements to the Republican gubernatorial primary. Perhaps more importantly, Barrett brings to the contest a clear vision for governing South Carolina, and it is this that makes him the best candidate for the nomination. Barrett, 49, was born and raised in Westminster. He is a Citadel graduate who served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army for four years following his graduation. After that he ran a family furniture business and served in the state House before being elected to represent the 3rd District in Congress in 2002, and three times since. That he has experience in both the General Assembly and Congress is significant because a successful governor is going to have to work extremely well with both bodies over the next few years. … Perhaps most importantly, the priorities and solutions Barrett talks about in his run for governor are the same ones he focused on in the General Assembly and Congress. … All bring meaningful achievements to the table, but Barrett’s track record, his consistency and his plans make him the best candidate for the nomination.” (Editorial, “Governor’s Race: Barrett For GOP,” Spartanburg Herald-Journal, 6/6/10)

• Read the full article here.

Our campaign is on a roll… literally.

We’re rolling through the Lowcountry today on our Real Plans – Real Solutions Bus Tour, and things are going great! In the last few days, we’ve picked up a lot of steam heading into the homestretch.

Dr. Tony Beam, a strong Christian conservative leader and radio host in the Upstate, endorsed our campaign on his program earlier this morning. Mayor Billy Swails of Mt. Pleasant announced his support for us yesterday and on Tuesday, The Charleston Mercury endorsed us.

The crowds are great. The people are enthusiastic. Folks are literally lining up to get on board with our plan to put South Carolina back to work. There is a real excitement in the air and momentum is clearly on our side, but we’ve got to keep it going.

With your help, we’ll claim victory on Tuesday. There are two things you can do to help right now. First, click here and make a contribution of $50, $25, or $10. Your financial support in these final days will make a huge difference. Second, please give our campaign headquarters a call at 803.255.8095 and volunteer. Whether you’re willing to make phone calls, stuff envelopes, or go door-to-door, whatever you can do to help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for all you do.

Sincerely,

Gresham Barrett

Excerpt From
The Charleston Mercury: “Endorsements, Part II”
Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Our state needs a governor who is experienced but humble and not overly interested in attention from the press. The right candidate will seek to be supportive of the proper and limited roles of state government and not a lightning rod for controversy. The Sanford years have become an experiment in how much the legislature wants to push around the governor to their way of doing things; hence, we need to try a new strategy and give the legislature someone who can be tough and equally offer an agreeable smile and attitude. We believe Congressman Gresham Barrett is the right candidate to be the next governor of South Carolina.

We may differ with Congressman Barrett on his interest in exploring for natural gas off the coast of SC, but we completely embrace his focus on expanding our use of nuclear energy. He has put a great deal of thought into programs to expand jobs in this state, and we concur with those plans. From a leadership position, we like the idea of electing a graduate of The Citadel who also served four and one-half years in the U.S. Army; he will be a particularly good “hurricane governor” when all hell breaks loose. On a personal level, Gresham Barrett has all the “good guy” qualities you want in a neighbor, and he comes by this naturally, as he managed a small business before running for political office.

Read the full article at: http://www.charlestonmercury.com/articles/2010/06/01/opinion/editorials/doc4c0541a857bf4324847680.txt

COLUMBIA, SC – With 6 days left until the primary, Gresham Barrett continues to gain momentum. Today, Gresham received the endorsement of Mayor Billy Swails of Mt. Pleasant.

Mayor Swails recognizes that it is critical to have leaders who are dedicated to creating jobs and encouraging growth in the business community.

“As Mayor of one of the fastest growing areas of our State, I know Gresham Barrett understands how to usher in a new era of economic opportunity in South Carolina,” said Swails.

“His experience as a small business owner and his years of leading men and women in the U.S. Army make him uniquely prepared to serve as South Carolina’s next Governor.
Gresham is the only candidate with a comprehensive plan to create jobs, attract new industry to the Palmetto State and improve the climate for our existing businesses.”

Congressman Barrett thanked Mayor Swails, saying, “I’m honored to have Mayor Swails’s support. He has been a terrific Mayor for the people of Mt. Pleasant, and I look forward to working with him as our next Governor.”

In case you missed it, former State Senator Lewis Vaughn endorsed Gresham Barrett’s campaign for Governor in a letter published yesterday in the Greenville News.  Senator Vaughn said Gresham “stands out” and would be “more successful in attracting quality businesses to our state creating the jobs we so desperately need” and “more effective in working with the Legislature.”  Read more below:

State needs Barrett as next governor

The air waves are filled with campaign ads by all the Republican candidates vying to be the next governor of South Carolina. I think, at least I hope, the people of South Carolina will see these commercials for what they really are, hyperbole to show the candidates in the best possible light.

I know all the candidates very well, having served with three of them during my 20 years in the General Assembly. While all of them would do OK, one of them stands out, and that’s Gresham Barrett. In my view, he is the one we need at this time. I believe he would be more successful in attracting quality businesses to our state creating the jobs we so desperately need. I also believe he would be more effective in working with the Legislature and convincing them that state government is sorely in need of restructuring. I hope the voters will give him that opportunity in the upcoming elections.

Rep. Nikki Haley is a bit disingenuous regarding transparency. I appreciate and support her effort in this area. However, she could have had that transparency during her tenure in the House if she had really been serious about it. All she had to do was ask for roll call votes. Most of the time she didn’t.

If her voting record was thoroughly vetted, I don’t believe she will be found as conservative as her campaign ads depict.

Columbia HQ
807 Gervais Street
Suite 201

Tuesday (6/1) – Saturday (6/5)
12:00pm – 8:00pm
Monday (6/7)
12:00pm – 8:00pm

Contact: Becky Fleming
becky@greshambarrett.com 803-255-8095

Greenville HQ
2510 Wade Hampton Blvd
Greenville, SC

Tuesday (6/1) – Friday (6/4)
10:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday (6/5)
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Monday (6/7)
10:00am – 8:00pm

Contact: Craig Wooten
craig@greshambarrett.com 864-276-8867

Lowcountry HQ
4950 Centre Pointe Dr., Suite 114
N. Charleston, SC
*Next to Staples

Monday (6/1) – Thursday (6/3)
12:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday (6/4)
4:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturday (6/5)
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Monday (6/7)
12:00pm – 8:00pm

Contact: Josh Dix
Josh@greshambarrett.com 864-525-4571

If you’re interested in helping out in other ways, there are yard signs that need to be put up, doors that need knocking, and envelopes that need stuffing. Call our campaign headquarters at 803-255-8095 and ask to volunteer!

Today, the Barrett for Governor campaign launched its sixth television ad, entitled “Kick.”  The new spot highlights Gresham’s experience leading men and women as a Captain in the U.S. Army, his plan to crack down on illegal immigration in South Carolina, and his proven conservative credentials.

The ad began airing this morning and will be running statewide. The script is provided below.

Script for “Kick” (TV: 30):

DRILL SERGEANT: You know you really need to tell people about yourself Gresham.

CHYRON: Campaign Boot Camp.

GRESHAM BARRETT: My jobs plan will cut taxes.

DRILL SERGEANT: Gresham, no!  You’re a Citadel man.

BARRETT: That’s right.

CHYRON: Gresham Barrett. U.S. Army (Ret.)

DRILL SERGEANT: A small businessman. A Christian family man. An Army artillery Captain.

And you really know how to kick some … illegal immigrants out of this state.

BARRETT: That’s right.

DRILL SERGEANT: NRA loves you.  Liberals hate you.

BARRETT: True.

DRILL SERGEANT: And Jim DeMint has called you “principled” and “a true conservative.”

Now tell people that!

BARRETT: I think you just did.

CHYRON: Gresham Barrett. Governor.

COLUMBIA, SC – Today, former Vice President Dick Cheney issued the following statement endorsing Gresham Barrett for Governor of South Carolina:

“Today, I am strongly endorsing Gresham Barrett.  Gresham is the kind of leader America needs.  He is tough, conservative, and honest, and I am confident he will make South Carolina proud as your next Governor.

“Gresham Barrett is one of the most conservative leaders I’ve ever worked with.  No one in South Carolina has done more to fight President Obama’s reckless agenda than Gresham Barrett.  On issues of national defense, spending reductions, tax cuts, and eliminating the national debt, his record fighting for the conservative cause is unmatched.   Gresham has opposed and fought against every single wasteful Obama spending proposal.  Every one.

“But there’s a lot of revisionist history going on in South Carolina these days.  I expect that from MSNBC, but not from fellow Republicans. So let me set the record straight.

“I’m certain Gresham knew his vote in support of President Bush and our plan wouldn’t be popular, but he did something far too novel in American politics today:  He put the interests of his country ahead of his own. That’s why voters should not believe the false attacks from his opponents.  When it was time to make decisions and show leadership, Gresham stepped up while they all stayed silent and ducked for cover.  That may make for good politics today, but it certainly isn’t leadership.

“Let me be clear. Gresham is a friend and ally for conservatives everywhere.  His bold vision for state spending caps and comprehensive tax reform is a recipe for a real recovery in South Carolina.  And it’s exactly the kind of honest leadership you would expect from a lifelong small businessman and former Army field artillery captain.

“I’m proud to support Gresham.  And you’ll be proud to call him Governor.”

COLUMBIA, SC – Today, the Barrett for Governor campaign launched its fifth television ad, entitled, “What Leaders Do.” The new spot is a response to the numerous misleading attacks launched by shadowy third party groups and opponents of Gresham Barrett.

“Gresham’s record has been distorted, manipulated and misrepresented for months by his opponents and third party attack groups,” said Luke Byars, Barrett for Governor Campaign Manager. “Gresham felt strongly that it was time to set the record straight, and that’s exactly what this new ad does.”

The ad began airing last night and will be running statewide. The script and viewing link are provided below.

Script for “What Leaders Do” (TV: 60):

GRESHAM BARRETT: I’m proud of my conservative record. Only one other member of Congress has voted more against the Obama spending spree.

CHYRON: Gresham Barrett Voted Against: Obama’s Stimulus Spending Bill, Obama’s Auto Bailout, Obama’s Health Care Takeover, Every Obama Budget

BARRETT: But, I honestly believe with all my heart that we were at a point where men and women were going to reach in their back pocket and pull out a credit card or an ATM card, stick it in a machine and nothing was going to come out.

CHYRON: Gresham Barrett on the Bush Bailout

BARRETT: I listened to my President George W. Bush. I listened to businessmen and leaders in South Carolina and as a leader I made a decision. Did we stop something that could have happened? Yeah I believe we did. Has it been implemented like it should have been? No absolutely not. You can always be a Monday morning quarterback. But, leaders make decisions based on the best information that they have and they go with it. That’s what I did.

CHYRON: Gresham Barrett. Governor.

Jim Gilchrist of the Minuteman Project Announces His Endorsement of Gresham Barrett

COLUMBIA, SC – With only two weeks left until the primary, Gresham Barrett continues to gain momentum, today picking up another major endorsement.  Jim Gilchrist, founder and president of the Minuteman Project, visited South Carolina today to announce his support of Gresham Barrett for Governor.  Mr. Gilchrist founded the Minuteman Project in 2004 after years of frustrated efforts trying to get the federal government to enforce immigration laws.

“The first job of government is to protect its citizens, and it is critical to have leaders who will strengthen and enforce immigration laws,” said Gilchrist.  “In South Carolina, there is only one candidate for Governor I trust to fight alongside us. Gresham Barrett. Gresham wants to take his state back for South Carolinians and take action where the federal government has failed to protect our citizens.  That’s a plan I can endorse.”

Congressman Barrett thanked Mr. Gilchrist, saying, “I’m honored to have Jim’s support.  I look forward to having Jim as a partner in this fight.  I have a plan to pass an Arizona-style immigration plan right here in our state, enforce employee verification to protect South Carolina jobs and equip our local law enforcement officers with the ability to enforce federal immigration laws.  If we are going to take our state back, we are going to do it one state at a time.  And we are going to start right here in South Carolina.”

The Gresham Barrett Immigration Plan:

1. Pass An Arizona-Style Immigration Law In South Carolina.

2. Enforce Employee Verification To Protect South Carolina Jobs From Being Taken By Illegal Workers.

3. Equip Our Local And State Law Enforcement With The Ability To Enforce Federal Immigration Laws By Implementing The 287(g) Program Statewide.

If you missed it, you can check out the interview below:

Barrett Radio Ad: “Adhere”

COLUMBIA, SC – Today, the Barrett for Governor campaign launched its fourth television ad, entitled, “Adhere.” The ad highlights Gresham Barrett’s plan to combat illegal immigration by passing a common sense Arizona law, giving law enforcement the authority to deport illegal immigrants who are arrested, and enforcing employee verification to protect our jobs from illegal foreign labor. The ad began airing last night and will be running statewide. The script and viewing link are provided below.

Click here to watch the ad.

Script for “Adhere” (TV: 30):

GRESHAM BARRETT: “If we have illegal immigrants that have broken the law, the last thing we’re going to do is turn them back out on our streets.”
CHYRON: “Gresham Barrett”

ANNOUNCER: “Gresham Barrett’s immigration plan”
CHYRON: “Gresham Barrett’s Immigration Plan”

ANNOUNCER: “Pass a common sense Arizona law”
CHYRON: “Common Sense Arizona Law”

ANNOUNCER: “Give law enforcement the authority to deport illegal immigrants who are arrested”
CHYRON: “Deport Illegal Immigrants Who Are Arrested”

ANNOUNCER: “And enforce employee verification to protect our jobs from illegal foreign labor”
CHYRON: “Protect Jobs from Illegal Foreign Labor”

BARRETT: “We have rules and regulations and laws in the United States, and we are going to adhere to them.”
CHYRON: “Gresham Barrett Governor”

###

Gresham Barrett visits with Pike Energy Solutions to Discuss his Palmetto Energy Project

COLUMBIA, S.C. – U.S. Representative Gresham Barrett, Republican candidate for governor, today addressed the employees of Pike Energy Solutions in Spartanburg.  Pike is one of the largest providers of Energy Solutions in the U.S. They provide engineering, construction and maintenance for powerlines and substations and renewable energy projects, and possess extensive experience in the electrical industry.

After speaking with employees, Barrett discussed the vital role companies like Pike play in ensuring South Carolina is on the forefront of new energy technology.  “With Pike’s record of implementing complex transmission line projects and partnering with companies like Duke Energy on renewable energy ventures, they serve as a model for growing our State’s energy potential,” Barrett said.  “To foster job creation, we need to focus on making South Carolina the leader in energy independence. My Palmetto Energy Project will implement a two-pronged approach that will incentivize the nuclear industry and allow for offshore energy exploration and drilling. This will create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic investment, a portion of which can be invested in pursuing alternative energy solutions.”

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I just had to share this with you.

I was up in Fort Mill tonight for the York County GOP 2nd Amendment Rally and saw the best bumper sticker. You might have seen it before but just in case, here goes… it read, “You Keep the Change and I’ll Keep My Guns.”

You know, with President Obama and the Democrats taking dead aim at our 2nd Amendment Rights, I couldn’t have said it any better myself.

I’ve got to tell you, that little sticker got me fired up and that got me thinking.

Folks, we can take this country back but it isn’t going to happen in the halls of Congress. If we’re going to turn things around, it’s going to start right here in South Carolina… in rallies and townhall meetings… in churches and neighborhoods.

It’s time we stood up and said enough is enough.

Whether it’s gun rights or healthcare, education or the economy, the answers aren’t in Washington, D.C. I challenge anyone to look me in the eye and say some bureaucrat sitting behind a desk inside the Beltway knows what our state and our families need better than the folks right here at home.

So to that guy or gal with the beat up pick-up truck in York County tonight with that great bumper sticker, here’s to you.

Keep up the fight,

Gresham Barrett

COLUMBIA, SC – Today, the Barrett for Governor campaign launched its third television ad, entitled, “Empower.” The ad highlights key components of Barrett’s jobs plan; a strict spending cap on state government, loser pays frivolous lawsuit reform, nuclear energy expansion, natural gas exploration to create thousands of new jobs, and comprehensive tax reform to make taxes flatter and fairer for everyone. The ad began airing last night and will be running statewide. The script is provided below.

Script for “Empower” (TV: 30):

GRESHAM BARRETT: “I will be a governor whose number one job is jobs.”

ANNOUNCER: “Gresham Barrett’s jobs plan”
CHYRON: “Gresham Barrett’s Jobs Plan”

ANNOUNCER: “A strict spending cap for state government”
CHYRON: “1. Strict Spending Cap”

ANNOUNCER: “Loser pays frivolous lawsuit reform”
CHYRON: “2. Frivolous Lawsuit Reform”

ANNOUNCER: “Nuclear energy and natural gas exploration to create thousands of new jobs”
CHYRON: “3. Thousands of New Energy Jobs”

ANNOUNCER: “And comprehensive tax reform designed for lower taxes and economic growth”
CHYRON: “4. Comprehensive Tax Reform.”

BARRETT: “If we’re going to change South Carolina, if we’re going to change the dynamics in this state, we do it through the private sector by empowering people, not government.”

###

Barrett Lowcountry Headquarters
4950 Centre Pointe Dr., Suite 114
North Charleston, SC 29418
Monday – Thursday
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Contact: Josh Dix – (864) 525-4571 |josh@greshambarrett.com

Greenville Headquarters
2510 Wade Hampton Blvd.
Greenville, SC 29615
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Contact: Craig Wooten – (864) 276-8867 | craig@greshambarrett.com

Anderson- Medshore Ambulance Services Training Center
1011 Ella Street
Anderson, SC 29621
Tuesdays
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Bryan Cowden – (864) 710-4622

Oconee- Oconee GOP Headquarters
102 West North 1st Street
Seneca, SC 29678
Tuesdays
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Brian Martin – (864) 888-7347

Columbia Headquarters
807 Gervais St., Suite 201
Columbia, SC 29201
Monday – Friday
4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Becky Fleming – (803) 255-8095 | becky@greshambarrett.com

COLUMBIA, SC – Governor Jim Edwards announced his endorsement of Gresham Barrett today. Edwards, a Republican institution in South Carolina, will host an event for Congressman Barrett at his home in Mt. Pleasant this evening.

In a prepared statement, Governor Edwards said, “Gresham understands the tremendously positive impact expanding the energy industry will have on our State’s economy. He is the only candidate with a comprehensive plan to promote offshore energy production and to grow South Carolina’s nuclear power capacity. He has articulated a clear vision for job creation, and I am proud to support him in the race for Governor.”

In 1975, Edwards became the first Republican elected Governor of South Carolina since Reconstruction. President Ronald Reagan appointed Edwards as his first Secretary of Energy in 1981. After his tenure in the Reagan Administration, Governor Edwards served as President of the Medical University of South Carolina for seventeen years.

Barrett thanked Governor Edwards for his endorsement, saying, “Governor Edwards is a pioneer in energy policy and a statesman who represents the best South Carolina has to offer. Our State is a better place to live, work and raise a family because of his service, and it is my hope that I can carry on his tradition of leadership. I am honored to have his support.”

###

“Conservatives are rallying around Gresham Barrett,” said Campaign Manager Luke Byars. “Gresham’s small business experience coupled with his conservative vision for putting South Carolina back to work is resonating with voters across the State. Our campaign continues to gain momentum as primary day draws closer.”

Out of over 250 voters, the results are as follows:

Barrett: 47 Percent
Haley: 31 Percent
Bauer: 15 Percent
McMaster: 7 Percent

“Representative Clyburn is playing on fear to push an anti-offshore energy agenda, and that’s wrong. Our nation’s continued dependence on foreign energy sources is a far greater threat than the remote chance that an environmental accident could occur along South Carolina’s coast. We should not let a setback stand in the way of progress. We need to learn from this incident, make corrections and move forward.

“The fact is South Carolina would benefit tremendously from tapping the natural gas resources off our shore. Experts estimate that opening the doors to this new industry would create 2,250 new jobs and potentially generate $250 million annually in revenue for our state. My plan would use 70% of that revenue for infrastructure, 20% for public safety and 10% for alternative energy research.”

Greenville Tech Charter School has been a pioneer in preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow. The school gives students a head start by allowing them to earn an associate’s degree or up to two years of bachelor’s degree credit concurrently with their high school diploma. The early college program removes many of the barriers that prevent students from advancing to college, from reducing the cost of higher education to focusing students on their career goals through “Individual Learning Plans.”

Gresham had the opportunity to sit down and talk with GTCHS students who are about to graduate high school with their associate’s degrees. “What I consistently heard from these students is that the Charter School’s rigorous academic standards and college-level curriculum have challenged and inspired them to pursue their career goals. It’s clear that Greenville Tech Charter High School has employed a novel approach to education that not only keeps students in the classroom, but gives them the knowledge base to successfully compete in our 21st century economy.”

Fred Crawford, Principal of the Greenville Tech Charter School, said his students have had great success both in higher education establishments and in professional careers. “Here at GTCHS, we believe that education is the foundation of building a stronger South Carolina workforce. I appreciate Congressman Barrett taking the time to learn about our early college high school and for placing on emphasis on education in his job creation plan.”

Gresham noted that today in South Carolina, many businesses have job openings that can’t be filled because the job seekers lack the essential skills or certifications. “My business plan to put South Carolina back to work includes a component to fund worker training and ensure that we have a school system that prepares our students to enter the workforce on day one. Greenville Tech Charter School’s early college program is a model we should look to utilize around this state.”

Bo Aughtry, an Upstate business leader said, “The Charter School’s Early College program is critical to the upstate’s business community. Gresham will incorporate their innovative education leadership as part of our State’s economic recovery.”

Aughtry added, “As someone who has known Gresham for years, I fully appreciate his small business experience and forward-thinking economic development vision. Gresham knows what it takes to grow our economy and create jobs. He has spent his whole life in the family business. He understands what it’s like to sign both sides of a paycheck, to work all hours of the day and night, and to be the chief executive one day and the chief janitor the next. Barrett’s jobs’ plan reflects those same small business principles.”

###

“Governor Sanford is to be commended, and I could not agree more with his decision. Our state cannot afford the massive price tag of President Obama’s massive government health care takeover. As South Carolina’s next Governor, I will do everything in my power to block Obamacare from adding another unfunded federal mandate on our state’s taxpayers.”

###

COLUMBIA, SC – Today, the Barrett for Governor campaign launched its second television ad, “Number One Job.” The ad highlights Barrett’s support for low taxes and his “Putting South Carolina Back to Work” jobs plan. The ad began airing last night and will run statewide. The script is provided below.

Script for “Number One Job” (TV: 30):

GRESHAM BARRETT: “I will be a governor whose number one job is jobs.”

ANNOUNCER: “Gresham Barrett, a successful small businessman.”
CHYRON: “Successful Small Businessman”

ANNOUNCER: “A ‘true fiscal conservative’ says Citizens Against Government Waste.”
CHYRON: “Citizens Against Government Waste True Fiscal Conservative”

ANNOUNCER: “An ‘A’ from National Taxpayers Union.”
CHYRON: “National Taxpayers Union ‘A’ Rating”

ANNOUNCER: “And proudly endorsed by the Chamber of Commerce.”
CHYRON: “Endorsed by SC Chamber of Commerce”

ANNOUNCER: “Gresham Barrett, a governor who will make job creation his personal mission.”
CHYRON: “Read Gresham’s Plan At: www.GreshamBarrett.com”

BARRETT: “When taxes are low, when people are allowed to keep more of their hard-earned money, the economy grows and we’ve got to do that in South Carolina.”

Barrett on tour promoting jobs plan

WACH-TV Columbia

April 28, 2010

http://www.midlandsconnect.com/news/story.aspx?id=450091

LEXINGTON — A South Carolina Gubernatorial candidate is taking his plan for job growth on the road.

Wednesday, U.S. Representative Gresham Barrett made a stop at Lexington’s Bently Pontoons on his statewide bus tour.

Barrett says he’s meeting with business leaders to discuss ways to put South Carolinians back to work.

“What we’re going to do to take this nation back, to take this economy back, you don’t do it by growing government.  You do it by empowering people,” Barrett says.

He faces three other candidates in the race for the GOP nomination in the June 8 primary, Andre Bauer, Nikki Haley and Henry McMaster.

He spoke to about a dozen people Wednesday afternoon at Logan’s Roadhouse.

Barrett wants to improve ports in Charleston, Georgetown and Jasper.

“One out of 10 jobs are related to ports,” Barrett said. “That’s a $40 billion impact on the economy.”

From day one, he said, the person in charge of the Commerce Department should be hired on a performance-based contract. Barrett added that he wants an incentive-driven sales force.

“We need to update our incentive package to be competitive with Alabama and Tennessee,” the candidate said.

Robert Hughes, the field director for Barrett’s campaign, explained that Barrett thinks the Commerce Department leader’s responsibility is to bring jobs to South Carolina. Barrett wants a nationwide search to find the best candidate to sell the state to potential employers.

As for education, Barrett said he knows “there is no silver bullet.” One thing, though, is to get back to the basics such as reading, he said.

“The heart of the matter is to get students reading on or above grade level by third grade,” Barrett said. “That’s the magic grade. If you lose a child by third grade, you’ve lost him forever.”

Barrett’s wife, Natalie, is a first-grade teacher in the Oconee County public school system who works with a reading recovery program.

“My wife said there is nothing like seeing the light come on in children’s eyes when they learn to read,” the candidate said.

She is taking this year off to travel with her husband.

Barrett also said he wants to see education money navigate the “bureaucratic maze” and get to the classrooms “where it is desperately needed.”

“We have 46 counties, 85 school districts and 64 funding sources in South Carolina,” Barrett said. “Fourty-four cents makes it to the classroom in our state. The national average is 65 cents.”

Hughes said Barrett is a huge fan of school choice and is a proponent of tution tax credits.

“One size does not fit for all students,” Barrett said. “Parents should be able to send their child where they want.”

Barrett’s own children have been home-schooled and attended private school and public high school, he said.

“The key to a good school is good parental involvement,” the candidate said.

Barrett wants to address the state’s spending problem by passing a statutory cap that would limit the government’s growth to the same rate as the economic growth per year. “I think small business experience should be a prerequisite for any elected official, from a dog catcher in Sumter County to the governor,” Barrett said. “It makes you a better legislator because it makes you more aware of the bottom line.”

Barrett said the nation can be changed one state at a time, starting with South Carolina.

“Having served the last seven-and-a-half years in Washington, I can tell you the answers to the nation’s problems are not going to be answered in Washington,” Barrett said. “It’s time we had the governor stand up and take our state back. It’s time to be self-sufficient in South Carolina. If we can do it in South Carolina, we can do it anywhere.”

Retired Air Force Col. Bob Harvey said he was skeptical of Barrett at first, as many are with any politician these days, but he left with a favorable impression.

“I think it will go very well for South Carolina if he is governor,” Harvey said. “I appreciate that his wife is a teacher. I think that will help. I like the idea of a law that says (the state government) can’t spend more than it takes in.”

Bob Reagan, a member of the Sumter School District 2 Board of Trustees, also expressed support for Barrett.

“I think (his visit) went well,” Reagan said. “Everyone asked a lot of good questions, and the congressman gave good, precise answers. I think he is the man we need to be governor of South Carolina.”

Frank Waggoner is still looking at a few other candidates, but he said he is pleased with Barrett.

“He answered my questions favorably and gives a good indication that he understands the economic situation,” Waggoner said.

PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. — Gresham Barrett stopped in Litchfield Tuesday on his Putting South Carolina Back to Work Tour, and described how he would like people to work as a team to solve South Carolina’s problems.

Barrett, who also stopped in Hilton Head, will be in Myrtle Beach on Wednesday.

He told the crowd of about 50 people that the answer to the state’s issues is “not in Washington.”

“I’ve been in Washington for seven and a half years, the answer is in our states and in our sovreignity,’’ he said. “If we had governors who stood up and said, ‘We are taking our nation back.’”

Barrett said he believes that innovation and “not taxation” is how we  can solve our energy problems.

He also said that health care decisions should be made by an individual and their doctor, not by the federal government.

Barrett said he also believes in working for a common goal in South Carolina.

“We have 270,000 people without a job in South Carolina,” he said. “There are some tough times ahead.”

Barrett said to attract industries to the state, and create jobs, there needs to be a concentration on improving the ports and highways.

“We have got to be prepared,” he said. “We have got to have a governor who roles up his sleeves and makes sure everybody is sitting at the same table.

“We need to have that infrastructure prepared, you want to sign a contract one day and turn the dirt the next.”

Barrett was also asked about impact fees in Georgetown County, which many believe are a detriment to attracting new industry to the area.

“I do think there are some things at the state level so we can encourage growth,” he said. “Those fees are a drag on our industry, there is no doubt.”

Source: http://www.gtowntimes.com/local/Governor-candidate—We-are-taking-our-nation-back-2010-04-27T21-27-23

With a crackdown on immigration in Arizona and talk of a fresh effort in Washington for federal reform, Congressman Gresham Barrett, a GOP gubernatorial candidate, talked with the Charleston City Paper on Tuesday after a tour of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in North Charleston.

The local FLETC is training officers from across the country as part of a resource-sharing program between local and state law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Earlier this month, six Charleston County officers graduated from the program.

“It’s a way for South Carolina to take charge and get these criminals off the street,” says Barrett.

A part of the program since 2008, Beaufort County has five sheriff’s deputies trained and commissioned as ICE agents. As part of that effort, federal prosecutors announced the arrest last month of 15 illegal aliens in Beaufort County in a raid on two Chinese restaurants and five homes.

Barrett says he’d like to see South Carolina expand the ranks of these officers to address the immigration issue.

It’s not clear yet what a new immigration reform bill will look like, but Barrett says he opposes any attempt at amnesty and would rather focus on border security, something he thinks the federal government hasn’t addressed in recent years.

Currently on a statewide jobs tour, Barrett also talked about the importance of having the federal training facility here in Charleston and the potential for better utilizing it as a resource for nearby state and military installations.

“This is a tremendous asset right here in Charleston,” he said.

Source:http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/RockBottom/archives/2010/04/27/barrett-talks-immigration-law-enforcement

South Carolina gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett launched his “Putting South Carolina Back to Work” bus tour today, making a morning stop at T.W. Boons in Greenwood for a meet and greet.

Barrett spoke to a small group just before noon today, emphasizing the need for job creation in the state and sharing his visions for the future of South Carolina.

Following his visit in Greenwood, Barrett made a stop in McCormick before heading to the coast in what will be a week long, 17 stop tour.

GwdToday sat down with Barrett on a leg of his tour today, where the gubernatorial hopeful touched on issues from varying from job creation, to education and energy.

Barrett has recently touted his “Jobs Plan”. He calls it an eight step common sense plan, but readily admits that he is primarily focusing on three of the eight steps – tax and incentive reform, restructuring the Department of Commerce and filling the 40,000 vacant jobs in South Carolina. Barrett says it is these three factors that he feels can turn the state around the fastest.

With South Carolina carrying the highest industrial tax rate and 7th highest commercial tax rate in the nation, Barrett feels that reform is necessary to make the state attractive to potential new industry.

“The time has come in SC to put all the options on the table and come up with a system that is fair and encourages business to come to South Carolina,” Barrett remarked.

In addition, Barrett says an overhaul of the Department of Commerce is also necessary and something he says must be done from day one. He believes that performance based contracts as a requirment for the head of the department, and using an incentivized sales force are both keys to restructuring efforts.

“The person that heads the Department of Commerce and is head of business recruitment and development needs to be a professional,” commented Barrett.

With 40,000 unfilled jobs in South Carolina, Barrett says he plans to work to obtain funds through the SC Educational Lottery to provide scholarships that would promote training for job seekers to ensure that they have the skills employers are looking for in potential employees.

Barrett’s Jobs Plan also promotes reducing discretionary spending, fighting against unfunded federal mandates, improving the state’s infrastructure, energy independence, and tourism.

In addition to job creation, energy has also been a hot button issue with particular talk from Washington about a cap-and-trade system. The legislation would cut greenhouse gas emissions by 14% below 2005 levels by 2020; legislation Barrett says would be detrimental to South Carolina.

“The President is playing politics. He talked about lifting the ban of offshore drilling in Virginia. But what about South Carolina, Mr. President? What about North Carolina? Don’t let the federal government pick winners and losers. You give us the same opportunities,” declares Barrett. “The National Petroleum institute is telling us that we have 4 billion cubic feet of natural gas along the coast of South Carolina. If we tapped into that, they’re telling us it could mean 2200 jobs and $250 million in royalties.”

Barrett feels particularly passionate in terms of the the Federal Government’s aim at abandoning the Yucca Mountain National Repository, a proposed nuclear waste storage site. Currently, the waste is stored at 121 locations in 39 states across the nation.

“Yucca Mountain should be the national repository for this nation. South Carolina will demand it and I will make sure that we are not a defector dumping ground for this nation,” asserts Barrett.

Finally, Barrett addressed education. With massive budget cuts hitting all of South Carolina’s 85 school districts, Barrett says we must ensure that we are using money adequately and wisely.

“When I look at the per pupil cost I think it’s adequate,” noted Barrett, although questioning the effectiveness of the funds.

“For every educational dollar, according to the Budget and Control Board, we only get 44 cents in the classroom, the national average is 65,” Barrett explained, “A lot of (the money) is getting lost in a bureaucratic maze. “

With the 85 schools districts in South Carolina being funded by 65 different sources, Barrett remaked it is a system that needs to be streamlined.

The funding perils are something Barrett and his family know all too well. Barrett’s wife works as a first grade school teacher and he says she, like most other teachers, often purchase many of their own supplies for the classroom.

“My wife is not an exception to the rule. We have to make sure we are getting these dollars to the classroom,” he said.

Barrett’s stop in Greenwood was only his 2nd on a tour that will last through the week, taking him from the Lakelands to the Coast and then from the Midlands to the Upstate.

Barrett recently came out as the front-runner for governor after winning the SCGOP Straw Poll at the GOP’s annual Silver Elephant dinner. He topped the unofficial poll with 37% of the vote. Attorney General Henry McMaster came in second with 34%. Nikki Haley placed third with just over 18%, and Andre Bauer placed fourth with a little over 10% of the vote.

Source: http://www.gwdtoday.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=19706&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2071&hn=gwdtoday&he=.com

On Monday morning, the congressman took the next step in getting out that message: He got on the bus.

Barrett kicked off a four-day, statewide “Putting South Carolina Back to Work” bus tour Monday. The tour began in Anderson and included stops in Laurens, Greenwood and McCormick. The tour will continue today with stops in Hilton Head, Goose Creek and North Charleston.

Barrett is set to square off in a June 8 GOP primary against Henry McMaster, Andre Bauer and Nikki Haley.

As his bus crept along S.C. 221 between Laurens and Greenwood, Barrett talked about his energy plan and how tapping into natural gas reserves off the coast of South Carolina could create jobs and revenue for the state.

“The National Petroleum Institute says there is about 4 billion cubic feet of natural gas off our coast,” Barrett said. “They also say if we can tap into that, it could be 2,200 jobs and, if you look at what the royalties bring into the Gulf Coast states versus what we could do here in South Carolina, I think it could be, at a minimum, $250 million per year that we could use in any way that we see fit.”

Barrett said his proposal would be to use 70 percent of that funding for infrastructure, 20 percent for law enforcement and 10 percent to reinvest into renewable or alternative energy solutions.

The gubernatorial candidate said being aggressive and taking advantage of the appropriate opportunities will be critical in creating new jobs for the Palmetto State.

“What we’ve got to find is pockets that we can take advantage of,” he said. “For example Boeing. One of the reasons a titanium plant is going to locate in Laurens, South Carolina is that they know Boeing is going to be here. Hopefully the next head of the Savannah River Site will be an aerospace industry leader because Boeing’s here. There’s a carbon fibers plant that is thinking about coming to South Carolina and one of the reasons they are thinking about coming to South Carolina is because of Boeing.

“So we have to take advantage of certain areas. We’ve got to have a governor whose number one job is jobs, who goes to bed every night and wakes up every day thinking about how he will bring economic growth and opportunity to the state and is willing to roll his sleeves up and work with all of these entities.”

With 43 days left, Barrett embarked on the Barrett Bus Tour around the state, visiting four cities on Monday and keeping the audiences nodding their heads to his string of hit positions on key Republican topics.

Barrett describes his campaign in four words – and three of them were “jobs.”

“Jobs, jobs, jobs. It’s the top three issue in South Carolina,” Barrett said. “It’s what we’ve built our whole campaign around.”

Barrett rolled into Aiken County Monday afternoon in a palatial recreational vehicle, chauffeured by its owner, Republican booster and Barrett supporter C.T. Cromer, an Anderson businessman.

Seated in a captain’s chair, gazing down the country road ahead of him, Barrett rattled through his policy set referencing all the high points his Republican base lauds – conservative economics, leadership and his family values.

His economic theory, he said, was ground out as a small businessman running a furniture store.

Barrett wants to radically reform current tax codes to make the Palmetto State business friendly.

He wants to put a salesman’s mentality into the Department of Commerce by giving an incentive to do their jobs – perform or find a new one.

His leadership skills come from his time serving his country as an Army captain, he said.

It is these, he believes, that will stand him in good stead when the state suffers its next disaster. However, the staunch right-winger believes that, just like his mentor, former Gov. Carol Campbell, he can work with all parties and people.

“At end of the day, the key ingredient is working with people. It’s personal relationships with people,” he said. “You don’t want to compromise conservative principals, but you have got to find common ground – I know that’s the kind of governor I can be.”

Family and faith are there, also. Policies at improving education come straight from his wife’s first-grade class.

As governor, Barrett said he will lead a charge to simplify the “bureaucratic maze” that exists in education and get the education dollars from the state working in the classroom rather than in offices.

On Monday, Barrett said on his bus and again at the Aiken Chamber of Commerce that his state lags well behind the national average in the portions of each dollar that are used in the classroom.

In that classroom, Barrett sees reading as “the heart and soul” of education and believes no child should leave the third grade without meeting reading standards. He also hope to reduce the number of days his wife, and presumably all teachers, spend administering standardized tests to 23 days each year.

With an energy policy on paper, Barrett understands his off-shore drilling and commercial reactor push will not likely bear fruit until after the next governor has been elected and been replaced; however, he feels his drive to an independent South Carolina, running on locally produced power, will be great incentive for corporate investment.

“At the end of the day, if we can get people excited, if there’s a governor pushing nuclear energy in preparation for a nuclear renaissance, that’s going to get companies excited and invest in South Carolina,” he said. “If we can be the tip of the spear in energy independence, we can show South Carolina leading the nation.”

What a day!

Coming off two resounding debate victories and a first place showing in Saturday night’s SCGOP Silver Elephant straw poll, today we hit the road to build on the growing momentum surrounding Gresham Barrett’s campaign for governor. Everywhere we went, citizens of South Carolina expressed their interest and excitement, energizing both the Congressman and our staff for the march to victory!

We kicked off our “Putting South Carolina Back to Work” bus tour bright and early in Anderson for a breakfast with grassroots activists at Mama Penn’s Family Dining restaurant. Over coffee and eggs, Gresham articulated his comprehensive strategy to bring new business to South Carolina and jumpstart our economy with conservative solutions, not government mandates.

From Anderson the bus rolled on to Laurens for an event at Laurens Electric Cooperatives. With employees and supporters crowding around the bus, Gresham detailed his “Palmetto Energy Project” – an innovative plan to utilize South Carolina’s abundant resources to spur economic growth. The plan calls for tapping into natural gas reserves off our coast, investing in reliable nuclear energy and providing workforce training for alternative energy technologies. These bold actions will produce additional revenue, create new jobs and pave the way for a future of energy independence in our country.

Next up was Greenwood for a meet and greet with supporters at T.W. Boone’s. While visiting with the crowd, a mother handed the Congressman a letter from her ten year old daughter, Mary Targonski. In it, Mary wrote “now is the best time to get all these problems out of the future and into the past.”. I couldn’t have said it better myself.

After a delicious lunch at the Inn in McCormick (if you ever stop by, order the strawberry shortcake!), the bus headed to Aiken for a roundtable at the Chamber of Commerce. There, talking to a group of business leaders, Gresham finished up the day talking about the same thing he started the day discussing at breakfast in Anderson – jobs.

That’s it for day one, check back in tomorrow for an update as we travel through the low country. Let’s keep the momentum rolling!

The bus tour is scheduled for four days. Monday the tour will make stops in Anderson, Laurens, Greenwood, McCormick and Aiken.

Source: http://www.thestate.com/2010/04/25/1259094/barrett-bus-tour-to-focus-on-jobs.html#ixzz0mEolY2GV

Source: http://www.wolo.com/article.php?id=3157&page=index

Congressman talks of need to support port, education
By Robert Behre
The Post and Courier
Monday, April 26, 2010

SUMMERVILLE — Republican gubernatorial hopeful Gresham Barrett arrives at a small business here on West Richardson Avenue to emphasize his own background working at his family furniture business in the Upstate.

He tells the small crowd of 30 gathered outside Aura Lee’s Jewelry Handbags and Accessories that of all his experiences, which include service in the Statehouse and Congress, “my small business experience would be the most valued.”

Bill Summers, who runs this business with his wife, Aura Lee, says he hasn’t decided who to support for governor, “but I’ll support anybody who is for small business, job creation and wealth protection for those of us who have earned it.”

Barrett tells him and others about the lessons he learned as a small businessman, such as working with banks, following rules and regulations and dealing with customers and employees.

He then says, “The answers to this nation’s problems are not in Washington, D.C.,” where he has represented the state’s 3rd congressional district since 2003.

About the series

Today marks the start of The Post and Courier’s profiles of the seven candidates for governor. This week we feature the Republicans; next week it’s the Democrats’ turn. The winner of each party’s primary June 8 will face off Nov. 2 in the general election. For more political news, including information on registering to vote, go to postandcourier.com /politics.

Republicans

Today: U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett

Tues. : Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer

Wed. : State Rep. Nikki Haley

Thurs: Att. General Henry McMaster

Democrats

May 3: State Sen. Robert Ford

May 4: State Education Sup. Jim Rex

May 5: State Sen. Vincent Sheheen

Barrett is not as well known in the Lowcountry as he is in his Upstate congressional turf, and he is making dozens of stops like this to introduce himself to voters here.

He hopes his fellow Citadel alumni will help him, and on this day, he is adding some political wattage to his campaigning by making stops with former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum.

Santorum says Barrett will fight on principle but also is approachable. “I’m a huge fan of this man,” he says of his former congressional colleague.

At least half the crowd outside the store has some tie to Santorum’s home state of Pennsylvania.

While Barrett has caught flak, particularly in the Upstate, over his 2008 vote for the nation’s Troubled Asset Relief Program, it’s unclear if that issue will resonate much in this year’s race — particularly since the program is winding down and it appears as if most of the money will be returned to taxpayers.

Bill Boyd of Ladson said he isn’t particularly bothered by Barrett’s vote on the financial bailout.

“I just don’t like all that big spending,” he says. “I’m a conservative.”

Dave Gerth, who moved from Pennsylvania to Summerville recently to retire, says he’s still looking at the Republican gubernatorial candidates. The TARP vote doesn’t bother him much, either. “TARP was something that had to happen at that time,” he says, “but the second time (with the 2009 economic stimulus bill), we didn’t need that at all.”

Barrett –like all of South Carolina’s Republican congressmen –opposed the stimulus.

Barrett tells the crowd that the three most important issues in this election are “jobs, jobs, jobs,” and he specifically mentions the need to update the incentives that the state offers industry relocating here. And he mentions the need to support the Port of Charleston.

“When the (much larger) post-Panamax ships come in, we’ve got to be ready,” he says.

Gerth asks Barrett about his position on cap-and-trade legislation, and Barrett says, “Personally, for South Carolina, I think it’s a job killer,” adding that it could tack on $1,400 to some household power bills.

Candidate profiles for the upcoming election.

Barrett has unveiled his own energy plan calling for more offshore exploration and support for nuclear power here.

He also talks about the need to support public schools more, noting that his wife, a schoolteacher, has had to buy supplies for her class out of her own pocket.

He likens state education spending — which directs dollars through 46 counties, 85 school districts from 65 different funding sources — to “a plate of spaghetti. … We’ve got to ensure those dollars make it into the classroom where they’re needed.”

He also says the state must do more to ensure that third graders aren’t promoted to fourth grade unless they can read on at least a third grade level.
Covering the politics of the Lowcountry, South Carolina and the Nation.

While Barrett doesn’t criticize Gov. Mark Sanford for his frequent clashes with fellow Republicans in the Legislature, Barrett is quick to imply his approach will be different.

Asked how he would eliminate the S.C. Budget and Control Board bureaucracy — something Sanford has tried to do for years — Barrett says, “By working with people, the (Speaker of the House) Bobby Harrells, the (Senate President Pro Tem) Glenn McConnells, the (Senate Finance Chair) Hugh Leathermans, the (House Ways and Means Chair) Dan Coopers,” he says.

“I’m not looking for the perfect,” he adds. “We need a doable solution that can move South Carolina forward.”

GOP gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett won tonight’s straw poll at the GOP Silver Elephant Banquet, according to Barrett’s campaign.

Barrett wasn’t able to make the party’s signature fundraiser. He was grounded in the Upstate after staying home to be with his son before his prom. Barrett had expected to take a plane to Columbia, but the weather didn’t permit.

The breakdown among the GOP candidates for governor was: Barrett, 37 percent; state Attorney General Henry McMaster, 34.2 percent; state Rep. Nikki Haley of Lexington, 18.4 percent; Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, 10.4 percent.

“Gresham has captured the momentum heading in to the campaign’s most critical phase,” Luke Byars, Barrett’s campaign manager, said in a statement. “I wish I could say tonight’s victory is owed to some elaborate stroke of strategic genius but the truth is Gresham’s conservative credentials, commitment to job creation and strong leadership abilities simply carried the day.

Rove: S.C. needs Joe Wilson; Barrett wins GOP straw poll for governor
LeRoy Chapman Jr.
The State
April 25, 2010

… [Karl] Rove was the keynote speaker at the S.C. Republican Party’s 43rd annual Silver Elephant Dinner. The dinner capped a big political weekend in South Carolina that included two gubernatorial debates and both parties’ annual fundraising dinners.

The Silver Elephant Dinner ended with a straw poll, a staple of election years. In the Republican race for governor, U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett (37 percent) eked out a victory over Attorney General Henry McMaster (34 percent). Lexington Rep. Nikki Haley finished third with 19 percent and Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer finished in last place with 10 percent.

“Gresham has captured the momentum heading in to the campaign’s most critical phase,” said Luke Byars, Barrett for Governor Campaign Manager. “I wish I could say tonight’s victory is owed to some elaborate stroke of strategic genius but the truth is Gresham’s conservative credentials, commitment to job creation and strong leadership abilities simply carried the day.”

Barrett, who was unable to attend tonight’s Silver Elephant dinner due to inclement weather, expressed thanks to his supporters saying, “Our positive message of job creation is clearly catching on with conservatives across the state. I am so grateful to all of our supporters who made tonight’s win possible, and I am confident that together we’ll claim victory in June.”

SCGOP Straw Poll Results

Gresham Barrett – 37.0%
Henry McMaster – 34.2%
Nikki Haley – 18.4%
Andre Bauer – 10.4%

###

Gresham Barrett Offered A Vision For Job Creation In South Carolina:

The State: Gresham “Stressed The State’s Need To Grow Its Economy And Create Jobs.” “What he had to say: After an opening statement that assured voters of his faith, his belief in the right to bear arms and his patriotism, Barrett mostly stressed the state’s need to grow its economy and create jobs. Another theme was the state’s need for more fiscal responsibility across state and local government. … Barrett closed by stating his desire to create economic conditions ‘where the next job is across the street and not across the nation.’ … Barrett is tailoring his message to Republicans most concerned about jobs and economy.” (“Between The Lines: What The Candidates Had To Say,” The State, 4/24/10)

Greenville News: Gresham Laid Out The Key Points Of His Jobs Plan, Which Include “Tax Reform, Restructuring The Commerce Department And Updating Tax Incentives Used To Lure Corporate Investment.” “Barrett advocated tax reform, restructuring the commerce department and updating tax incentives used to lure corporate investment.”  (Rudolph Bell, “Gubernatorial Candidates Showcase Platforms During Debate,” Greenville News, 4/24/10)

WCSC Live 5 News: Gresham Said The Number One Issue Facing South Carolina Is “Jobs, It’s Putting People Back To Work.” “And when they were asked what they felt was the number one issue in the Palmetto State, the answer was clear. ‘I don’t think it I know it, jobs.  It’s putting people back to work,’ said Barrett.” (Anthony Miller, “GOP Candidates Face-Off At Forum,” WCSC-TV, 4/22/10)

Gresham Laid Out His Energy Independence Plan, The “Palmetto Energy Project”:

Greenville News: Gresham Discussed His Plan To Create Jobs By Capitalizing On Offshore Energy Resources And Nuclear Energy, “Which Brings Real Jobs, Real Growth And Real Economic Opportunity To My State.” “Barrett told the audience that drilling for natural gas off the South Carolina coast would bring new revenue and jobs. … Barrett said four nuclear reactors planned in Fairfield and Cherokee counties represent a $25 billion investment in South Carolina ‘which brings real jobs, real growth and real economic opportunity to my state.’”  (Rudolph Bell, “Gubernatorial Candidates Showcase Platforms During Debate,” Greenville News, 4/24/10)

Gresham Offered Concrete Solutions To Cut Wasteful Spending:

Greenville News: “Barrett Said He Would ‘Lead By Example’ And Cut The Budgets Of Cabinet Agencies By 3 Percent.” (Rudolph Bell, “Gubernatorial Candidates Showcase Platforms During Debate,” Greenville News, 4/24/10)

Gresham Discussed How His Military Experience Shaped His Character:

Spartanburg Herald-Journal: When Asked About Character, Gresham Cited His “Experience At The Citadel And Service In The Army.” “The Internet-submitted question asking why voters should ‘believe anything you say’ came midway through the debate and drew a chuckle from the audience. Barrett said his educational experience at The Citadel and service in the Army proves his character.” (Craig Peters, “GOP Debate Focuses On Education, Borders,” Spartanburg Herald-Journal, 4/24/10)

WCSC Live 5 News: Gresham: “I’ve Led Soldiers In The US Army After Graduating From The Citadel.” “All four come from different areas of the State.  All four work in different branches of state or federal government.  All four are Republican and want your vote June 8th in the GOP primary for governor in South Carolina. What else makes them different? ‘I think it’s my experience.  I’ve led soldiers in the US Army after graduating from The Citadel, I’ve served in the statehouse,’ said U.S. Representative Gresham Barrett.” (Anthony Miller, “GOP Candidates Face-Off At Forum,” WCSC-TV, 4/22/10)

###

What the candidates for governor had to say, and to which voting group they were speaking, during Friday night’s Republican gubernatorial debate.

Gresham Barrett

What he had to say: After an opening statement that assured voters of his faith, his belief in the right to bear arms and his patriotism, Barrett mostly stressed the state’s need to grow its economy and create jobs. Another theme was the state’s need for more fiscal responsibility across state and local government.

Barrett closed by stating his desire to create economic conditions “where the next job is across the street and not across the nation.”

His target audience: Barrett is tailoring his message to Republicans most concerned about jobs and economy.

Source: http://www.thestate.com/2010/04/24/1258023/between-the-lines-what-the-candidates.html

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010

Anderson Breakfast with Barrett
Monday, April 26, 2010
7:15 am – 8:30 am
Mama Penn’s Family Dining
2802 N Main Street
Anderson, South Carolina

Laurens Meet and Greet
Monday, April 26, 2010
9:30 am – 10:30 am
Laurens Electric Cooperative
2254 Highway 14
Laurens, South Carolina

Greenwood Meet and Greet
Monday, April 26, 2010
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
TW Boone’s
405 Main Street
Greenwood, South Carolina

McCormick Lunch Break with Barrett
Monday, April 26, 2010
12:30 pm – 1:45 pm
McCormick Inn
127 South Main Street
McCormick, South Carolina

Aiken Chamber of Commerce Business Roundtable
Monday, April 26, 2010
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Aiken Chamber of Commerce
121 Richland Avenue East
Aiken, South Carolina

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2010

Hilton Head Breakfast with Barrett
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
8:30 am – 10:00 am
Skillets Grill & Café
J-11 Coligny Plaza
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Goose Creek Lunch Break with Barrett
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
St. James Restaurant
216 Saint James Avenue
Goose Creek, South Carolina

Georgetown Meet & Greet
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Applewood House of Pancakes
14361 Ocean Highway
Pawleys Island, South Carolina

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010

Myrtle Beach Breakfast with Barrett
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
7:15 am – 8:15 am
Hot Stacks
1501 North Kings Highway
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Sumter Lunch Break with Barrett
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Logan’s Roadhouse
2531 Broad Street
Sumter, South Carolina

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2010

Spartanburg Lunch Break with Barrett
Thursday, April 29, 2010
11:15 am – 12:45 pm
Wade’s Restaurant
1000 N. Pine Street
Spartanburg, South Carolina

Rock Hill Rally with Barrett
Thursday, April 29, 2010
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
4017 Laurel Creek Drive
Rock Hill, South Carolina

STATE — U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, R-S.C.-03 leads all gubernatorial candidates in the Powdersville Post’s online poll, taking 30 percent of the vote.

Coming in at close second is state Rep. Nikki Haley, who takes 25 percent of the vote. The poll includes all seven candidates, both Republicans and Democrats.

The leading Democrat in the Post’s online poll is state Sen. Vincent Sheheen, with 13 percent of the vote.

The Post’s online poll is not a scientific poll.

The current poll asks votes who they hope will be Anderson County’s next representative for the District 6 area. District 6 includes the Powdersville and Wren communities, and currently seats Councilman Ron Wilson.

Poll results

30% Congressman Gresham Barrett (R)

25% Rep. Nikki Haley (R)

13% Sen. Vincent Sheheen (D)

10% Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer (R)

8% I don’t know

8% Superintendent of Education Jim Rex (D)

5% Attorney General Henry McMaster (R)

3% Sen. Robert Ford (D)

“Today’s unemployment figures make it clear that our next Governor must make job creation the number one priority. We need to focus on generating a business-friendly climate in South Carolina. That means emphasizing meaningful lawsuit reform and loser pays tort reform. We need to restructure the Department of Commerce and update our incentive packages to attract more businesses and improve the environment for our existing businesses, so we can begin putting South Carolina back to work.”

The Tea Party of the Lakelands announced Wednesday it has voted to endorse Gresham Barrett for governor.

The Tea Party of the Lakelands has representatives from Greenwood, Saluda, McCormick and Abbeville counties. As many as 250 grassroots members have gathered on various occasions to voice their concerns with the current leadership in Washington.

There will be a Tea Party at noon today on the steps of Greenwood County Courthouse.

In backing Barrett, the Tea Party of the Lakelands pointed to the current U.S. Representative’s staunch opposition to the federal stimulus package, the government takeover of health care and the current presidential administration.

“In Congress, Gresham Barrett has been a true voice for liberty,” said Cathy Heitzenrater, the group’s original organizer and current spokeswoman. “His record speaks volumes about his dedication to the principles upon which our country was founded – faith, freedom and individual responsibility.”

Barrett was appreciative of the Tea Party of the Lakelands’ endorsement.

“I want to personally thank the Tea Party of the Lakelands for their support and for their commitment to our Constitution, to liberty and to defending the time-tested principles we hold dear,” Barrett said.

“Together, we can take this country back one state at a time, and we’ll start right here in South Carolina.”

Source: http://www.indexjournal.com/articles/2010/04/15/news/c041510%20barrett.txt

The Tea Party of the Lakelands has representatives from the counties of Greenwood, Saluda, McCormick, and Abbeville. As many as 250 grassroots members have gathered on various occasions to voice their concerns with the current leadership in Washington. The group decided collectively to take an active part in the upcoming elections and pledged its support to Gresham Barrett.

In backing Barrett, the Tea Party of the Lakelands pointed to his staunch opposition to the federal stimulus package, the government takeover of healthcare and the current Administration.

“In Congress, Gresham Barrett has been a true voice for liberty,” said Cathy Heitzenrater, the group’s original organizer and current spokesperson. “His record speaks volumes about his dedication to the principles upon which our country was founded – faith, freedom and individual responsibility.”

Heitzenrater continued, “With the federal government intruding more and more in our lives, we need a Governor with the character to stand up for our state and our families. Gresham’s courage and conviction makes him the leader we need in these challenging times. No person or candidate is, or can be, perfect however we have faith in Gresham’s desire and commitment to do what is best for the South Carolinians of today and those of tomorrow also.”

Barrett thanked the Tea Party of the Lakelands saying, “I want to personally thank the Tea Party of the Lakelands for their support and for their commitment to our Constitution, to liberty and to defending the time-tested principles we hold dear. Together, we can take this country back one state at a time and we’ll start right here in South Carolina.”

###

The June 8 primary is roughly eight weeks away, and the four Republican candidates for governor have more than $4 million collectively to spend. TV ads are expected to become a big-ticket item for each of the candidates, as voters are now looking to get more acquainted with the field.

Barrett is facing Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, Lexington Rep. Nikki Haley and Attorney General Henry McMaster for the GOP’s nomination. In his ad, Barrett takes aim at a safe target for Republicans: President Barack Obama.

Script For “Individual” (TV:30):

GRESHAM BARRETT: “President Obama is taking this country somewhere where it should never go.”

ANNOUNCER: “Gresham Barrett for Governor.”

ANNOUNCER: “An ‘A’ From National Taxpayers Union.”
CHROYN: “National Taxpayers Union ‘A’ Rating.”

ANNOUNCER: “A ‘true fiscal conservative’ says Citizens Against Government Waste.”

CHROYN: “Citizens Against Government Waste ‘True Fiscal Conservative.’”

ANNOUNCER: “And more opposed to Obama than any Congressman in America, but one.”

CHROYN: “More Opposed To Obama Than Any Congressman But One – CQ.”

BARRETT: “We don’t want this federal nanny state. We’re going to do things different. We’re going to keep taxes low. We’re going to put people back to work. We’re going to empower the individual, not the government.”

Read more: http://thestatecom.typepad.com/ygatoday/2010/04/barrett-out-the-gate-with-new-tv-ad-.html#ixzz0l5PEJeZ5

Energy is a part of everything we do, whether we realize it or not. Washing clothes, taking a hot shower and simply watching your favorite baseball team on television all require energy. It is a pillar of our economy, a key component of commerce and essential to our daily lives.

We often take energy for granted – except when it gets expensive. Then we all feel the impact. As energy prices go up, the cost of doing business goes up and consumer activity falls accordingly, often dramatically. To make matters worse, our country is heavily reliant on unstable and oftentimes unfriendly foreign nations for our energy resources. Consequently, we are subject to their interests, not our own, which compromises both our economic and national security.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Just imagine a day when South Carolina is in charge of its own energy fortunes. Imagine a day when South Carolina can create thousands of new, high-paying, high-tech energy-related jobs for our families. And imagine unlocking a wealth of new revenues for our state to use for infrastructure priorities and other essential functions of government.

We don’t have to imagine any longer. Energy independence and its rewards are within our reach right now. We already have the resources in place – leaders in the industry such Duke Power, Progress Energy, Santee Cooper and our numerous cooperatives, research institutions, top-of-the-line technical schools and an abundance of natural resources. When you combine those resources with leadership and vision, we can ignite new energy opportunities in South Carolina.

The benefits for our state could be tremendous – thousands of new, high-paying jobs, millions of dollars of revenue and energy independence. That is why I introduced the “Palmetto Energy Project,” a detailed plan for offshore exploration and increased nuclear power production.

Let’s look at offshore energy first. According to a recent study from the American Petroleum Institute, offshore energy exploration and production could create more than 2,200 new jobs in South Carolina, add $413 million annually to our GDP and generate $250 million annually in royalty sharing for our state.

Opening up this new energy frontier will however require action in the federal and state governments. As governor, I will work closely with our congressional delegation to introduce legislation that directs the Interior Secretary to establish South Carolina as a pilot state for offshore energy exploration. This legislation would specify that offshore royalties be directed by Congress to our state at a percentage equal to that of agreements with Gulf Coast states.

At the state level, I will propose legislation that allocates 70 percent of offshore royalties to an infrastructure trust fund, 20 percent to the Department of Public Safety and 10 percent for alternative energy research. This state legislation will outline the permitting procedures for offshore exploration and production, create incentives to attract new energy companies to come to our state and protect our tourism industry by prohibiting the establishment of any offshore energy facility within 20 miles of South Carolina’s coast.

While the benefits of offshore energy production are clear, there is another key component to our plan: nuclear power. Consider the following: One nuclear power plant creates as many as 2,400 jobs during its construction and provides up to 700 jobs during operation. The average nuclear power plant generates nearly $40 million per year in total labor income. In South Carolina, the nuclear industry is responsible for more than 28,000 jobs, and we stand to gain 12,000 permanent jobs if the four nuclear reactors planned for the state and two just over the state line in Georgia are constructed.

As governor, I will work closely with our congressional delegation to reintroduce the Pathway to Nuclear Power Act. I authored this bill to address the major obstacles that prevent the expansion of nuclear power production across the country. Working closely with leaders in the industry, I will strive to make South Carolina the most nuclear-friendly state in the nation. Our research institutions and technical colleges are vital in equipping our workforce with the necessary skills for high-paying nuclear jobs, and as governor, I will ensure nuclear training programs have the support they need.

I also will continue to press the Obama administration to keep the promise made to the American people nearly 30 years ago that established Yucca Mountain as the nation’s primary nuclear waste repository. If Yucca fails to open, I will work to recover the $1.2 billion South Carolinians have invested in the development of the Nevada waste repository.

Our state is sitting on a wealth of unrealized potential. Working together, we can harness these resources, creating new, high-paying jobs, generate millions of dollars in revenue and be successful in putting South Carolina back to work.
Mr. Barrett, who represents South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District, is seeking the Republican nomination for governor.

Click here to watch the ad: http://www.greshambarrett.com/

Script For “Individual” (TV:30):

GRESHAM BARRETT: “President Obama is taking this country somewhere where it should never go.”

ANNOUNCER: “Gresham Barrett for Governor.”

ANNOUNCER: “An ‘A’ From National Taxpayers Union.”
CHROYN: “National Taxpayers Union ‘A’ Rating.”

ANNOUNCER: “A ‘true fiscal conservative’ says Citizens Against Government Waste.”

CHROYN: “Citizens Against Government Waste ‘True Fiscal Conservative.’”

ANNOUNCER: “And more opposed to Obama than any Congressman in America, but one.”
CHROYN: “More Opposed To Obama Than Any Congressman But One – CQ.”

BARRETT: “We don’t want this federal nanny state. We’re going to do things different.  We’re going to keep taxes low. We’re going to put people back to work. We’re going to empower the individual, not the government.”

Ad Facts For “Individual”:

The National Taxpayers Union Gave Gresham Barrett An “A” Rating For His Voting Record In 2009. (National Taxpayers Union Website, www.ntu.org, Accessed 3/10/10)

Citizens Against Government Waste Called Gresham Barrett A “True Fiscal Conservative.” (Council For Citizens Against Government Waste, “CCAGW PAC Endorses Rep. J. Gresham Barrett for South Carolina’s 3rd District,” Press Release, 10/16/08)

According To Congressional Quarterly’s Vote Analysis, Barrett Opposed Obama’s Agenda More Than Any Other Congressman But One. “Congressional Quarterly has compiled their annual Vote Study for congressional votes leading up to the July 4 break. … Rep. Michele Bachmann was the ultimate ‘obstructionist,’ only voting with Obama 10 percent of the time, beating out every member of the House except Republican Reps. J. Gresham Barrett of South Carolina at 10 percent and Jeff Flake of Arizona with only 5 percent.” (Andy Birkey, “CQ Ranks Congressional Voting Records: How’d Minnesota Do?” Minnesota Independent, 7/7/09)

“Gresham Barrett offers fresh ideas, in a time of need for South Carolina,” said
Doug Harper, Barrett for Governor Statewide Campaign Co-Chair. “He is the one true leader with a real plan to spur economic development and create jobs for our families.”

Several leaders across the upstate are excited to play a part in the Barrett
campaign. They believe in his leadership, citing his approach to curving
unemployment and his proven conservative credentials.

Phillip Bowers, Chairman of the Pickens County GOP, added, “Gresham Barrett is a true conservative with the record to prove it. He has opposed President Obama more than any other Congressman in the nation, but one. He understands that if we are going to turn things around in this country, then it will start at the state level.”

Congressman Barrett thanked his county co-chairs saying, “I am proud of the team we have put together in these counties. The support of these strong community leaders means a great deal to me personally, and is a valuable asset to our campaign.”

Barrett for Governor Upstate Chairs

Abbeville County
Dr. Craig Gagnon, Abbeville County GOP Chairman
Janice McCord, Abbeville County Executive Committeeman

Anderson County
Rick Adkins, Former Anderson County GOP Chairman
State Senator Kevin Bryant
Susan Aiken, Anderson GOP Executive Committeeman
Jane Jones, Local Republican Leader

Cherokee County
Dr. Ron Barrett, Local Business Leader
Joan Wheeler, Former Cherokee County GOP Chairman

Greenville County
Doug Harper, Local Business Leader
State Representative Wendy Nanney
Dr. Bob Taylor, Greenville County Councilman

Greenwood County
Jo Ann Burroughs, Former Greenwood Republican Women Chair
Nick Nicholson, Community Leader

Laurens County
Jim Firmin, Local Business Leader
Jeff Richards, Local Business Leader
Bobby Smith, Laurens County GOP Chairman

McCormick County
Rosalind Neal, 3rd District GOP Chairman

Oconee County
Eddie Adams, Oconee County GOP Chairman
State Representative Bill Sandifer
State Representative Bill Whitmire

Pickens County
Phillip Bowers, Pickens County GOP Chairman
State Representative Davey Hiott
State Representative Phil Owens

Spartanburg County
Barry Wynn, Former Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party

Union County
Wayne Comtois, Local Business Leader
Beth Summer-Strait, Former Union County GOP Chairman
Bryan Shaver, Community Leader

###

LANGLEY — Gubernatorial candidate Gresham Barrett made a campaign stop at Aiken Technical College on Tuesday to bring attention to his Palmetto Project.

Barrett, who represents the 3rd Congressional District, favors expanding nuclear energy to bring 12,400 jobs to South Carolina.

The Palmetto Project also includes establishing an offshore site near the South Carolina coast to expand energy “exploration.”

Many of Aiken Tech’s graduates could fill those positions.

The college is a member of Project Lead the Way, which offers cutting edge science, math and engineering curricula.

The college has also beefed up programs in the past decade to fill the void as baby boomers retire from the Savannah River Site.

Barrett said he wants to take the hands-on facilities that Aiken Tech President Susan Winsor and staff have established and provide more learning opportunities at the Savannah River Site, such as an educational reactor.

“She has done some tremendous planning, and we need to continue on this path and make sure we stay ahead of this power curve,” he said.

Barrett said he didn’t expect the controversy over opening Yucca Mountain as a nuclear waste repository to hinder his job-creation plans.

The Obama administration has not included funding for the Nevada site in its proposed 2011 budget.

Aiken County said in court filings last week that if waste stays at the Savannah River Site it will hinder its ability to attract residents to the community.

“I believe it’s a temporary setback — a major setback — but I honestly believe we will be successful with Yucca Mountain,” Barrett said.

He has said that if the facility doesn’t open, he’s going to fight to get back the more than $1 billion the state has invested in research to open Yucca Mountain.

“This has been a project for Republicans and Democrats. The president is the only person who has said no to Yucca Mountain. I think we’ll be ultimately successful, but it’s going to be a struggle until that happens,” he said.

Barrett faces state Rep. Nikki Haley, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and state Attorney General Henry McMaster in June’s Republican primary.

South Carolina’s economic and energy future is dependent on offshore drilling and the rebirth of the nuclear power industry, according to U.S. Representative and gubernatorial candidate Gresham Barrett.

During a tour of South Carolina’s technical colleges, Barrett unveiled his “Palmetto Project,” a plan he sees as a move toward energy independence and job creation within the Palmetto State.

On Tuesday, Barrett came to Aiken Technical College and visited its nuclear technician training facility.

His plan is to make his home state a pilot project for natural gas drilling off the coast, where studies state there could be an estimated 4 billion cubic feet of natural gas. As governor, Barrett would push toward drilling, while looking to streamline the regulations for the establishment of new, commercial nuclear reactors.

“The answer to our economic problems are in the private sector,” he said.

The Palmetto Project highlights the candidate’s federal input and his prospective local initiatives, listing both national and state actions that need to be taken for his quick drilling and long-term nuclear strategy come to fruition.

Barrett believes the state should look to four reactors being built in-state, touting that one plant can create 2,400 jobs during construction and provide 400 to 700 permanent jobs during operation. He said that plants generate about $430 million a year in total output for the community and nearly $40 million in total labor income.

Citing an American Petroleum Institute study, Barrett said his offshore drilling proposal could create about 2,250 jobs in South Carolina and add about $413 million annually to the Gross Domestic Product. It could also generate $250 million annually in royalty sharing, which he hopes to divert from federal to local use.

The diverted royalties would be split among three areas with 70 percent going to an “Infrastructure Trust Fund,” 20 percent to the Department of Public Safety and 10 percent for alternative energy research and production. The congressman believes the funds diverted toward law enforcement are essential to his top priority, which he said is security.

Although committed to moving forward with the plan immediately, Barrett would not specify a timeline in which his project could be implemented or which obstacles could be removed to increase the pace of reactor development.

While at Aiken Tech, Barrett walked through the facility used to train students looking to work in the field of nuclear safety. Led by program coordinator Wade Miller, a loaned executive from the Savannah River Site, Barrett commended Aiken Tech’s work and the standards it sets for its students.

Congressman Gresham Barrett, a Republican candidate for governor, made stops at various locations around the state Monday to discuss his energy plan. Barrett says South Carolina can become the nation’s new energy capital. He’s calling for energy exploration off the state’s coast and says he will do everything in his power to clear the path for increased nuclear production.

Barrett says he believes that a nuclear renaissance will come to pass and the Palmetto State is poised to take advantage of it.

In congress, Barrett authored the “Pathway to Nuclear Power Act.” Barrett says the bill addresses the major obstacles that he says currently prevent the expansion of nuclear power production across the country. It seeks to grow the nuclear manufacturing base, addresses the labor shortage facing the industry, and would streamline the licensing of new nuclear power plants. It also would create an investment tax credit for new plant construction and allow for public-private partnerships to use tax credits for the nuclear industry.

Barrett says one nuclear power plant creates as many as 2,400 jobs during its construction and provides 400 to 700 jobs during operation. He says the average nuclear power plant generates approximately $430 million a year in total output for the community and nearly $40 million per year in total labor income.

Barrett says the nuclear industry is already responsible for more than 28,000 jobs in South Carolina.

Barrett says according to a recent study from the American Petroleum Institute, offshore energy exploration and production would create more than 2,200 new jobs in South Carolina and generate $250 million annually in royalty sharing for the state.

Barrett says those funds would really help the state. “I would propose through state legislation that we use 70 percent of the royalty funds for the state’s infrastructure and 20 percent for law enforcement.”
In addition, he would propose that ten percent of the money from offshore drilling royalties go for alternative energy research and production.

Additionally, Barrett says his legislation will outline permitting procedures for offshore exploration and establish incentives to attract natural gas and oil companies to the state, and prohibit the establishment of any offshore energy facility within 20 miles of the coast.

Monday, U.S. Representative Gresham Barrett talked about ways to explore the potential energy resources off South Carolina’s coast days after President Obama reversed a ban on offshore drilling.

Barrett spoke to people at Plyler Park in Myrtle Beach about his plan, The Palmetto Project, which involves offshore drilling and expanding nuclear power production across South Carolina.

He says tapping into these energy resources will create thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in revenue for the state.

“We’ve got 4 billion cubic feet of natural gas off our coast. This would allow us to go in and tap those natural resources and use them here for South Carolina. It could be up to 2200 jobs in the industry that relates to that and up to 280 million dollars of royalties,” said Representative Barrett.

He said that he’ll work to keep the environment safe and to prohibit the establishment of any offshore energy facility within 20 miles of South Carolina’s coast.

COLUMBIA, SC – U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett, Republican candidate for Governor, today at campaign stops in Charleston and Myrtle Beach unveiled the “Palmetto Energy Project,” a plan which he says will create jobs in South Carolina and move the state towards energy independence. A copy of Barrett’s proposal is provided below.
“Energy is a pillar of our economy,” said Barrett. “It is a key component of commerce – from powering industry to fueling our cars. Imagine a day when we control our energy fortunes, not a foreign nation. Imagine a day when right here in South Carolina we create thousands of new, high-paying jobs for our families. Imagine unlocking a wealth of potential in revenues for our state – money we can use to blunt the budget shortfalls, provide tax relief, improve our infrastructure and educate our children.”

Barrett continued, “We don’t have to imagine much longer. Energy independence and its rewards are within our reach right now. We’re not talking about the technology of tomorrow. We’re talking about solutions we can enact today. We already have the resources in place; leaders in the industry like Duke Power, Progress Energy, Santee Cooper, and our numerous Cooperatives; research institutions; technical schools; and an abundance of natural resources. When you combine that with leadership and vision, our state can become the nation’s new energy capital. So today, I am unveiling the ‘Palmetto Energy Project,’ a strategic vision for job creation and energy independence in South Carolina.”

Barrett will continue his energy tour tomorrow with a visit to Florence-Darlington Technical College and Aiken Technical College.

The Palmetto Energy Project - A Vision for Job Creation and  Energy Independence in South Carolina

Overview

Energy is essential to both our economic security and our national security. As energy prices increase, the cost of doing business goes up and consequently, consumer activity, particularly purchasing, decreases proportionately. Unfortunately, our country’s increased dependence on foreign energy sources coupled with the Obama Administration’s continued delays preventing offshore exploration and nuclear expansion have put both our economic security and national security at greater risk. This has also been a drain on economic development.

South Carolina can provide a solution. We already have the resources; leaders in the industry like Duke Power, Progress Energy, Santee Cooper, and our numerous Cooperatives; research institutions; and an abundance of natural resources. With the right leadership and vision, South Carolina can become the nation’s new energy capital.

As Governor, Gresham Barrett will take a chapter from Virginia’s playbook, calling for energy exploration off our coast and doing everything in his power to clear the path for increased nuclear production. Growing the energy industry in South Carolina will create thousands of new, high-paying jobs and millions of dollars in new revenue for our State.

Gresham Barrett’s Palmetto Energy Project outlines key energy initiatives that will put South Carolina back to work.

Offshore Energy – Tapping Our Potential

Potential Impact

Tapping our offshore energy resources will create thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in revenue for South Carolina. According to a recent study from the American Petroleum Institute, offshore energy exploration and production will:

• Create approximately 2,250 new jobs in South Carolina;
• Add approximately $413 million annually to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP); and
• Generate $250 million annually in royalty sharing.*

*Current law directs offshore royalty sharing revenue to the federal government.

Action at the Federal Level

As Governor, Gresham Barrett will work with our state’s Congressional delegation to introduce legislation at the federal level that directs the Interior Secretary to establish South Carolina as a pilot state for offshore energy exploration on the Atlantic Coast. Additionally, Barrett’s legislation would specify that offshore royalties be directed by Congress to the State of South Carolina at a percentage equal to that of existing agreements with Gulf Coast states.

Action at the State Level

As Governor, Gresham Barrett will propose state legislation that allocates 70% of future offshore royalties to an “Infrastructure Trust Fund,” 20% to the Department of Public Safety, and 10% for alternative energy research and production. Additionally, Barrett’s legislation will outline permitting procedures for offshore exploration and production, establish incentives to attract natural gas and oil companies to the state, and prohibit the establishment of any offshore energy facility within 20 miles of South Carolina’s coast.

Nuclear Energy – Powering Our Tomorrow

Potential Impact

• One nuclear power plant creates as many as 2,400 jobs during its construction and provides 400 to 700 jobs during operation;
• The average nuclear power plant generates approximately $430 million a year in total output for the community and nearly $40 million per year in total labor income;
• The nuclear industry is responsible for more than 28,000 jobs in South Carolina currently; and
• South Carolina would add 12,400 permanent jobs if the four nuclear reactors planned for the state and two just over the state line in Georgia are constructed.

Action at the Federal Level

As Governor, Gresham Barrett will work with South Carolina’s Congressional delegation to continue to push legislation he authored known as “The Pathway to Nuclear Power Act.” Barrett’s bill addresses the major obstacles that currently prevent the expansion of nuclear power production across the country. Specifically, his legislation seeks to grow the nuclear manufacturing base, address the labor shortage facing the nuclear industry, streamline the licensing of new nuclear power plants, create an investment tax credit for new nuclear plant construction, allow for public-private partnerships to utilize Production Tax Credits (PTCs) for the nuclear industry, and manage spent nuclear fuel.

Action at the State Level

Gresham Barrett will be a champion of nuclear power as our next Governor. Working closely with leaders in the industry, he will make South Carolina the most nuclear friendly state in the nation. South Carolina’s research institutions and technical colleges are vital in equipping our workforce with the necessary skills for high-paying nuclear jobs, and as Governor, Barrett will ensure nuclear training programs have the support they need. Additionally, he will continue to press the Obama Administration to keep the promise made to the American people nearly thirty years ago that established Yucca Mountain as the nation’s primary nuclear waste repository. If Yucca fails to open, Barrett will work to recover the $1.2 billion South Carolinians have invested in the development of the Nevada waste repository.

COLUMBIA, SC – Gresham Barrett, Republican candidate for Governor, today criticized President Obama’s decision to allow for a limited amount of offshore energy exploration along the Virginia coast, a move Barrett called politically motivated. Barrett believes South Carolina could benefit greatly from offshore energy production and specifically outlined a plan of his own.

“President Obama is playing politics with a critical issue,” said Barrett. “After taking heat over the stimulus and the healthcare fight, he and the Democrats have seen Virginia turn from blue back to red. So, once again they’re making policy decisions based on their own political interests. Essentially what they’ve done is picked winners and losers based on polling. While this is good news for Virginia, it could be a setback for South Carolina.”

Barrett added, “We need our own offshore energy solution in South Carolina. Experts estimate more than four billion cubic feet of clean, affordable natural gas is just off our coast. Oil is a possibility, too. Tapping those resources means two things for our state – more jobs and more revenue.”

Barrett offered his own offshore energy exploration and production plan which directs a percentage offshore revenues back to the state, instead of just the federal government.

“We’ve seen the runaway spending that’s happening in Washington,” said Barrett. “Giving Congress and the White House more money to waste is the last thing we need to do. With our state facing serious financial challenges, I believe that a significant percentage of the revenue generated from offshore royalties should be directed to South Carolina.”

An outline of Barrett’s plan is provided below. On Monday, he will formally introduce his offshore initiative as part of his comprehensive energy strategy for South Carolina.

TAPPING SOUTH CAROLINA’S OFFSHORE ENERGY POTENTIAL

Tapping our offshore energy resources will create thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in revenue for South Carolina. According to a recent study from the American Petroleum Institute, offshore energy exploration and production will:

• Create approximately 2,250 new jobs in South Carolina;
• Add approximately $413 million annually to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP); and
• Generate almost $45 billion in government revenues at all levels of government (federal, state and local); and
• Create $250 million annually in royalty sharing.*

*Current law directs offshore royalty sharing revenue to the federal government.

Action at the Federal Level

As Governor, Gresham Barrett will work with our state’s Congressional delegation to introduce legislation at the federal level that directs the Interior Secretary to establish South Carolina as a pilot state for offshore energy exploration on the Atlantic Coast. Additionally, Barrett’s legislation would specify that offshore royalties be directed by Congress to the State of South Carolina at a percentage equal to that of existing agreements with Gulf Coast states.

Action at the State Level

As Governor, Gresham Barrett will propose state legislation that allocates 70% of future offshore royalties to an “Infrastructure Trust Fund,” 20% to the Department of Public Safety, and 10% for alternative energy research and production. Additionally, Barrett’s legislation will outline permitting procedures for offshore exploration and production, establish incentives to attract natural gas and oil companies to the state, and prohibit the establishment of any offshore energy facility within 20 miles of South Carolina’s coast.

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The core values of individualism and free enterprise that made America great are under attack in Washington today. The passage of Obamacare is only the latest act of defiance against the American people by the Obama-led democrats.

But what liberals like Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid don’t understand is there is an amendment in the constitution that give us, the people of South Carolina, the power to restore our freedoms. The 10th amendment. If Washington continues down this dangerous path of liberal extremism and puts its partisan agenda ahead of American principles, I will be the first in line to stand up for South Carolina and start taking back our country – one state at a time. And we’ll start right here.

But I need your help to do it. Will you stand with me in my effort by donating $10 today to stand up for the 10th amendment?

The power of the people is clear this election – if we stand together, we can elect good conservatives who will stand against the Obama agenda and fight to uphold the constitution and protect our freedom.

Today, I need your help. Our constitution is under attack and I won’t stand by and let it happen.

We can and we will take back our country – one state at a time.

And with your help we can win this election – one supporter at a time.

With your donation of $10 you will be helping elect a true conservative that will NOT let South Carolina fall victim to the radical left wing agenda.

But we must make our voices heard. We have set a goal to recruit 1,000 new supporters by the end of the day on March 31st who will join our effort to stand up for the 10th amendment.

Click here to join our $10 For The 10th movement and email this blog post to 10 of your friends today – help us get the word out that there is an alternative to the dangerous path Obama is taking us down – and it starts right here in South Carolina – with you!

Thank you for all that you do.

Sincerely,

Gresham Barrett

On Friday evening, we were in Hilton Head for an event with Gresham, his wife Natalie, and his guest, former Senator Fred Thompson. Senator Thompson spoke to the 120+ attendees about the importance of electing true conservatives like Gresham Barrett. And after a long week of battling Obamacare and Washington politics, Gresham was energized by the crowd and their response to his jobs plan and vision for South Carolina. It was an excellent event with a beautiful backdrop!

Donning our Barrett for Governor t-shirts and athletic attire, we woke up early on Saturday to participate in the 33rd Annual Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston. During the race we met some great South Carolinians who are supporting Gresham and his campaign. We even met Forrest Gump, who told us that if he wasn’t an Alabama resident, Gresham would have his vote. After the race we quickly found the Jim and Nick’s BBQ tent, where we refueled. It’s days like these that keep us excited for the 70 days ahead!

In their support for Barrett, ACU chairman David Keene referred to Barrett’s, “unwavering commitment to the conservative conviction upon which our nation was founded.”

This is good news for Barrett whose vote for the bank bailout has made him the target of conservative criticism. Despite the ACU’s criticism of the bailout, they say Barrett’s wide ranging dedication to conservative values make him the best candidate for the South Carolina Governor’s office. They have previously made a donation of $500 to Barrett’s campaign.

Barrett is facing SC Attorney General Henry McMaster, Lexington Representative Nikki Haley, and Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer in the gubernatorial race.

Source: http://news.sc/2010/03/29/gresham-barrett-gets-new-endorsements-in-run-for-south-carolina-mayor/

Big news this morning.

Gresham just scored another major endorsement.

Today, the country’s largest conservative grassroots organization, the American Conservative Union Political Action Committee, announced they’re backing Gresham in his bid to become South Carolina’s next governor.

Simply put, the ACU PAC is a leading authority when it comes to conservatism in America.

The American Conservative Union Political Action Committee praised Gresham saying he has shown an “unwavering commitment to the conservative convictions upon which our nation was founded.”

They went on to say, “Barrett’s lifetime rating of ‘98’ by the ACU Ratings of Congress reflects a remarkable devotion to conservative principles on a wide range of issues and someone to whom conservatives look to for leadership. In addition, Barrett’s plan to create jobs in the Palmetto State is built on time-tested free market principles.”

Folks, there’s no other way to say it; this is a huge endorsement.

And when you combine it with all of Gresham’s other credentials – more opposed to Obama than any other Congressman in the country but one; 7-time recipient of the National Taxpayers Union “Taxpayer Friend” award and; a “Defender of Economic Freedom” according to the Club for Growth – one thing is clear, Gresham Barrett is the winning conservative choice in the race for Governor.

Gresham is gaining momentum every day but your support is what will put us over the top. I know it’s hard to believe but the Primary is just a little more than two months away. Soon, we’ll start airing our first television ads and things will really get rolling.

To keep the pedal to the metal, we need your help. Please make a contribution of $10, $25, $50 or whatever you can afford to Gresham’s campaign today by clicking here http://www.greshambarrett.com/home/donate/

I’ve got just one more favor to ask of you… please send this email along to five of your friends. Thanks for all you do!

Sincerely,

Luke Byars
Campaign Manager

P.S. – Gresham’s endorsement from the American Conservative Union Political Action Committee is another victory for our campaign. Can you help us get his message out to the voters by making a contribution today by clicking here http://www.greshambarrett.com/home/donate/? Just $10, $25, or $50 will go a long way towards ensuring victory in June.

ACU PAC Chairman David A. Keene said that, as a congressman, Gresham Barrett has shown an “unwavering commitment to the conservative conviction upon which our nation was founded.”

“Barrett’s lifetime rating of ‘98′ by the ACU Ratings of Congress reflects a
remarkable devotion to conservative principles on a wide range of issues and
someone to whom conservatives look to for leadership,” Keene said.  “In
addition, Barrett’s plan to create jobs in the Palmetto State is built on
time-tested free market principles.  We urge conservatives throughout South
Carolina to support Gresham Barrett in the Republican Primary for Governor on June 8.”

The American Conservative Union PAC is America’s oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization. It supports economic growth through lower taxes and reduced government spending as well as the issues of liberty, personal responsibility, traditional values and national security.

Background on Gresham Barrett’s Conservative Credentials

• According to Congressional Quarterly Gresham Barrett OPPOSED PRESIDENT OBAMA more than any other Congressman in the country but one.

• According to National Journal  magazine, Gresham Barrett is SOUTH CAROLINA’S MOST CONSERVATIVE CONGRESSMAN.

• In 2008 and 2009, Gresham Barrett was THE ONLY CONGRESSMAN IN SOUTH CAROLINA to earn an A ranking from the National Taxpayers Union.

• THE CLUB FOR GROWTH named Gresham Barrett a DEFENDER OF ECONOMIC FREEDOM.

• Gresham Barrett has FOUGHT GOVERNMENT WASTE more than any other South Carolina Congressman according to the grassroots watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste.

###

“I am running for Governor to put South Carolina back to work. I’ll be the state’s number one salesman and, I won’t quit until every South Carolinian who wants a job, has one.”

###

“Today’s unemployment figures underscore the fact that our next Governor must lead a two-pronged approach to job creation. We must simultaneously create a commerce-friendly climate in South Carolina through comprehensive tax reform and loser pays tort reform that will benefit existing businesses while aggressively recruiting new employers to our state by restructuring the Department of Commerce, updating our incentive packages and re-emphasizing key development relationships.”

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COLUMBIA, SC – With 75 days left until the primary, Gresham Barrett continues to gain momentum. Today, he picked up another major endorsement. Alabama Governor Bob Riley, a Republican known for his successful economic development efforts, visited South Carolina today to announce his support of Gresham Barrett for Governor.

Governor Riley recognizes that it is critical to have leaders who will drive job creation and encourage businesses to grow and prosper.

“As governor of a neighboring state that faces many of the same challenges, I know Gresham Barrett understands how to lead an economic turnaround in South Carolina,” said Riley. “His experience as a small business owner and his proven, fiscally conservative record is exactly what this state needs to usher in a new era of economic opportunity. As Governor, he will take immediate action to fill job openings, provide comprehensive tax reform and overhaul the Department of Commerce.”

Congressman Barrett thanked Governor Riley, saying, “I’m honored to have Governor Riley’s support. His vision for Alabama has resulted in record economic development and created tens of thousands of new jobs for Alabamans. He knows what it takes to steer his state through trying economic times.”

Alabama has been ranked the South’s top economic development state by Southern Business & Development magazine for five of Governor Riley’s seven years in office. Since 2003, more than 3,000 new and expanding industry announcements took place in Alabama. Those new and expanding industries invested $26 billion into Alabama’s economy.

Congressman Barrett had planned to attend a fundraising event with Governor Riley in Columbia, but had to return to Washington to cast votes against the Democrats’ health care reconciliation bill.

###

“I commend the Senate for standing up for life and passing this legislation. This is truly a victory for the rights of the unborn.”

They see the consequences of this legislation.  And so do I.

It is clear that the Democrats in Washington refuse to listen to the will of the people – the hard-working citizens who are the foundation of our country.

Now it is time to take action.

I’m convinced if we are going to take back this country, we are going to do it one state at a time.  With your help, South Carolina can lead the way.  We can be a leader in economic growth by focusing on fiscal responsibility, not federal regulation.   We can create the jobs of tomorrow by easing the tax burden on our businesses today, and not stifling their entrepreneurial spirit.

These aren’t just campaign sound bites. They are my fundamental beliefs.  Leading with common-sense conservative principles, we can take South Carolina where it has never been before.

Part One

Part Two

Gresham Barrett wants to streamline state government so that it works more efficiently and more effectively for the citizens of South Carolina. That’s what the third district congressman focused on during a stop at The Chronicle’s offices Monday in the run up to June’s Republican primary for governor.

Barrett said the state’s unemployment rate, which hit an all-time high this past year, needs to be lowered “through the private sector, not the government sector.”

“Government has a responsibility, and that’s to set the table and get the heck out of the way,” he said.

His economic plan would match up employers needing trained workers with potential employees and train them onsite through workforce development funds, Barrett said, and overhaul the state Department of Commerce through the use of performance-based contracts.

“We need to have an incentivized workforce,” Barrett said, “men and women who know the better South Carolina does, the better they do.”

The linchpin of the state’s economic future is education, and increasing the amount of education dollars that make it into the classroom, he said.

“Part of the way is to set priorities and streamline the process,” Barrett said. “We’ve got 46 counties and 85 school districts, with 64 different funding sources going through those 85 school districts in those 46 counties. We need to streamline how we fund education and make sure those dollars don’t get lost in some bureaucratic maze, and they get to the classroom where they’re most needed.”

Although he wouldn’t say he’d support school vouchers for private schools, saying it’s “still up for debate,” Barrett did say school choice would be a major part of streamlining education

“I’ve got three children,” he said. “My children were home schooled, they went to a Christian school, and they all proudly graduated from a public school. One size does not fit all. We should give every child and every family the option to educate their child as they see fit.”

Another part of the state’s economic recovery, Barrett said, is developing more alternative energy sources in South Carolina, including what he said is a potential $25 billion infusion from the nuclear industry.

“At Midlands Tech in Columbia, they’re training the next generation of nuclear reactor operators and the next generation of nuclear reactor welders. These welders can start — start — at $75,000 a year. That’s good jobs, good economic growth and good opportunities for our citizens.”

The congressman believes part of reforming state government and overcoming the state’s current budget woes is a comprehensive remake of the state’s tax structure.

“A lot of people have asked me what I think of the cigarette tax, and let me say again I’ll look at anything if it’s in a comprehensive tax reform structure,” Barrett said. “And I think it needs to be a net zero gain. I will not increase taxes as governor of South Carolina, and if they want to talk about a cigarette tax let’s put that into the mix of overall tax reform.”

He also said he would prefer to pass tax reform in a single comprehensive bill that either reduces or maintains the current tax rate and not through individual bills. If a cigarette tax increase is included, Barrett wants the extra money to be spent on healthcare.

For South Carolina to get its finances in order, the state will also need to set clearer spending priorities and increase the size of its “rainy day” fund.

“We’re at 3 percent right now,” he said. “We need to be at 5 percent (to) make sure that when the economy does have a downturn, we know we have funding we can rely on.”

Barrett also said he wants to limit the growth of government through a set formula, like limiting any increase in spending and revenue to population and GDP.

“I talked to (Republican Indiana Congressman) Mike Pence about leading the charge on the federal level, about having specific limitations on the size you can grow your government,” he said. “If your local economy is growing at 2 or 3 percent a year, and the government’s growing at 10 percent, it’s unsustainable. We need to make sure we’ve got our government in check, and that’s one way to do that.”

Reforming government will be a major campaign issue in the fall, Barrett said, and he feels he and his party are best positioned to take advantage of that desire.

“I think people are looking for change,” Barrett said. “I hate to use that tired phrase. I think President Obama said he was going to bring change, and people were looking for a different kind of change than Obama’s delivering right now. So I do believe a lot of independents are leaving the Democrat(ic) Party and are going to come back to the Republican Party, because it’s all about smaller government, more effective government, more conservative government, more fiscally responsible government.”

Source: http://www.clintonchronicle.com/articles/2010/03/12/news/doc4b9a492fb6d18047120304.txt

I believe in God, and I believe with Him all things are possible. I believe above all else in the right to life and I believe that we must do everything we can to protect it. I believe that innovation, not taxation, is the solution to our nation’s energy challenge and that our state can be the national leader in energy independence. I believe in the 2nd Amendment and protecting the Constitution of the United States. I believe in spending tax dollars wisely and in not raising your taxes. I believe medical decisions are best left up to you and your doctor, not some bureaucrat in Washington, DC. I believe in hard work, individual freedom, devotion to family, and service to country. And I believe that together we can take South Carolina somewhere she’s never been before.

LEXINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

WHO: Congressman Gresham Barrett
WHAT: Meet and Greet with Congressman Gresham Barrett
WHEN: 6:00 pm
WHERE: The Mediterranean Cafe
327 West Main Street
Lexington, South Carolina 29072

Read more: http://thestatecom.typepad.com/ygatoday/2010/03/barrett-to-hold-midlands-meet-and-greet-.html#ixzz0iHmODdkU

With overwhelming support, exceeding a super majority vote, the South Carolina Chamber’s board of directors voted to endorse the two candidates on March 9. The chamber’s board, which represents a diverse group of businesses and industries, believes Barrett and Sheheen are the two strongest candidates with economic vision and long-term leadership for South Carolina.

Barrett has a solid jobs plan and economic vision for the state, which focuses on job creation, a strong South Carolina Department of Commerce, comprehensive tax reform, ensuring South Carolina remains a right-to-work state, infrastructure improvement and energy independence. His experience, coupled with his leadership on so many issues key to South Carolina’s competitiveness, ensures he will be a great visionary for the state.

Sheheen also has a strong economic vision for South Carolina, and his support of comprehensive tax reform, port expansion, the technical college system, low-cost energy and small business growth are all priorities that support a globally competitive South Carolina. His bipartisan experience and work in the General Assembly make him equipped to handle the demands that come from leading the state.

2010 marks the first year the chamber has endorsed candidates for governor.

Source:http://www.thetandd.com/articles/2010/03/15/news/doc4b9e6da4ade2c793389444.txt

As the campaign heats up, you’ll see more and more of Gresham on the trail. This week, we have two big events in the Midlands where we hope to see you. Both events are free and open to the public. There’s just one catch – don’t come alone! Bring your friends. Bring your family. The more, the merrier.

Campaign Headquarters Grand Opening
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
4:00pm – 5:30pm
807 Gervais Street, Suite 201
Columbia, South Carolina

Meet and Greet with Gresham Barrett
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
6:00pm – 7:30pm
The Mediterranean Café
327 West Main Street
Lexington, South Carolina

Please RSVP to becky@greshambarrett.com
For more information, call our campaign headquarters at 803.255.8095

In a statement released to the media this morning announcing its endorsement of Gresham Barrett, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce specifically praised his Putting South Carolina Back to Work plan, saying, “Gresham Barrett has a solid jobs plan and economic vision for the state, which focuses on job creation, a strong South Carolina Department of Commerce, comprehensive tax reform, ensuring South Carolina remains a right-to-work state, infrastructure improvement and energy independence. His experience, coupled with his leadership on so many issues key to South Carolina’s competitiveness, ensures he will be a great visionary for the state.”

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is the state’s largest statewide broad-based business and industry trade association representing more than 18,000 businesses and more than one million employees. The Chamber is a catalyst for increasing prosperity and enhancing the state’s global competitiveness in order to improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians.

Gresham Barrett thanked the SC Chamber saying, “I am honored to have the support of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. Their hard work and dedication creating jobs and growing our economy in these tough times is to be commended. Despite the challenges facing our state, I know that together in a new spirit of cooperation and collaboration we can turn things around in our state. With an aggressive approach to economic development we can take South Carolina somewhere she has never been before.”

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The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Republican U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett and Democratic state Sen. Vincent Sheheen in their respective bids for governor.

The Chamber is the state’s largest business-oriented advocacy group.

Barrett, the group said, “has a solid jobs plan and economic vision for the state” including maintaining South Carolina’s right-to-work labor rules, comprehensive tax reform and emphasis on finding alternative energy sources. Barrett is competing against Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, state Rep. Nikki Haley and Attorney General Henry McMaster for the nomination.

Sheheen got credit for supporting comprehensive tax reform, expanding the port and improving the technical college system and supporting low-cost energy sources and small businesses. His experiences in the General Assembly, the Chamber said, “make him equipped to handle the demands leading the state.”

State Sen. Robert Ford and Superintendent of Education Jim Rex also are running on the Democratic side.

This is the first year the state Chamber has endorsed candidates for governor.

“It is vitally important the business community be involved in the 2010 race for governor,” said Otis Rawl, president and CEO of the Chamber, citing the difficulty of creating jobs in a poor economy. “The Chamber is a bipartisan organization that knows real and sustained success for South Carolina will not happen unless both parties work alongside one another.”

An endorsement from Fred Thompson, the former senator, presidential candidate and actor, could help U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett with one of his biggest challenges in running for governor — lack of name recognition in some parts of the state.

Danielle Vinson, a professor of political science at Furman University, said the nod of approval from the well-known Tennessee conservative should give Barrett a short-term boost in positive public exposure.

“It gets him some attention from the media, and it helps voters who are paying attention make a connection to Barrett that may help them remember who he is,” Vinson said.

In endorsing the congressman from Westminster, Thompson was returning a favor. Barrett endorsed Thompson when he ran for president in 2008 and desperately needed a good showing in the South Carolina primary.

As it turned out, Thompson came in a distant third in the first-in-the-South primary and dropped out of the race.

In a statement, Thompson called Barrett a “freedom fighter who can get things done for South Carolina.”

“You just don’t get much more conservative than Gresham Barrett,” Thompson said.

Scott Huffmon, a professor of political science at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, said endorsements rarely push campaigns to victory.

“Fred Thompson is liked in South Carolina, but his presidential primary bid failed to generate a lot of excitement among the conservative base here,” Huffmon said.

In a recent poll by Winthrop University, 64 percent of South Carolina Republicans surveyed said they weren’t familiar enough with Barrett to have an opinion of him.

Slightly more than 48 percent said that about Attorney General Henry McMaster, another Republican running for governor.

Twenty-eight percent said it about Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, another Republican who has yet to formally announce a campaign, though he’s been appearing in gubernatorial debates.

The poll showed state Rep. Nikki Haley of Lexington with the least name recognition of all Republican gubernatorial candidates. More than 80 percent of respondents said they didn’t know enough about her to have an opinion.

Republican gubernatorial candidate and Third District U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett made a campaign proposal Tuesday to expand an immigration and customs enforcement initiative that would equip local law enforcement with the training and authority to tackle illegal immigration in all South Carolina’s counties.

Barrett, who is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives Immigration Caucus, is proposing a statewide expansion of Immigration, Customs and Enforcement’s 287(g) program.

“287(g) is a program that authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to enter into agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies, and it permits the designated officers who have been through that training to conduct immigration law enforcement,” Barrett said. “Part of the problem is that we have laws on the books, but we don’t have enough people to enforce it.

“This would give ICE additional agents in the field that are trained and would know how to enforce these immigration laws.”

Information from the Pew Research Center indicates as many as 85,000 illegal immigrants currently live in the Palmetto State. As of 2008, illegal immigrants had as many as 50,000 jobs in the state.

On a local level, state Rep. Mike Pitts said he is in support of Barrett’s proposal.

“I am fed up with the federal government and its failure to address this critical issue,” Pitts said. “Illegal immigration affects every aspect of our lives – from our hospitals to our schools to our jobs. Gresham is right. If we are going to solve this problem, then we are going to have to do it at the local level, and his plan to expand 287(g) to every county in our state is the answer we’ve been looking for.”

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“America is a beacon of hope in the world and ours is a nation of immigrants,” said Barrett. “But, there is a right way and a wrong way to come to this country. I have zero tolerance for people who sneak across our borders, break our laws and then take the jobs South Carolina’s hard-working citizens desperately need to make ends meet. After fighting amnesty for nearly eight years in Congress, I believe now more than ever that the answers aren’t in Washington. If the Democrats in charge in Washington refuse to put a stop to illegal immigration, then it’s up to us here in South Carolina.”

Barrett continued, “As Governor, I will propose a statewide expansion of ICE’s 287(g) program that provides local law enforcement with the tools, training and authority they need to enforce federal immigration law. I want to empower our local law enforcers with the tools necessary to help take a bite out of illegal immigration, and under the 287(g) program we can do that at little or no cost to our local agencies.”

According to the PEW Center for Research between 60,000 and 85,000 illegal immigrants currently call South Carolina home. As of 2008 illegal immigrants took about 50,000 jobs in the state.

Barrett’s proposal garnered praise from local legislative leaders.

“I am fed up with the federal government and its failure to address this critical issue,” said State Representative Mike Pitts (R-Laurens). “Illegal immigration affects every aspect of our lives – from our hospitals to our schools to our jobs. Gresham is right. If we are going to solve this problem, then we are going to have to do it at the local level, and his plan to expand 287(g) to every county in our state is the answer we’ve been looking for. I am proud to stand with him in this fight to crackdown on illegal immigration, to protect our families and their way of life.”

State Senator Kevin Bryant (R-Anderson) added, “For me, enforcing immigration laws is about protecting jobs for tax-paying South Carolinians. With double digit unemployment rates, we have to use every tool at our disposal to ensure that every available job is filled by a South Carolinian.  Implementing 287g statewide is a great step.”

Currently only three counties in South Carolina – York, Beaufort and Charleston – are participants in 287(g).

###

Thompson said in a prepared statement: “You just don’t get much more conservative than Gresham Barrett. He’s a freedom fighter who can get things done for South Carolina. As governor, Gresham will work to establish a climate for commerce that creates opportunities for all of the state’s citizens by scrapping the state’s antiquated tax code, reducing discretionary spending, restructuring the Department of Commerce, ensuring employers have access to a highly skilled and well-educated workforce, and aggressively recruiting new businesses to South Carolina.”

“South Carolina is facing unprecedented economic hardship. More than
270,000 people are out of work, and Washington is only making matters
worse. The Democrat regime in charge seems to have abandoned the
time-tested principles that made this country great: individual freedom, a
strong free-market system, low taxes, a basic belief in the power of
American entrepreneurism, and a respect for the values that strengthen our
families and our communities. Well, I haven’t lost faith in America or
her citizens, and neither has Gresham Barrett.

“These are serious times that require serious action. And make no
mistake, it’s up to us. I’ve heard Gresham say a hundred times, ‘If
we are going to take this nation back, then we are going to do it one state
at a time, and it starts right here in South Carolina.’ He couldn’t be
more right.

“The time is now. We need to unite behind conservatives we can believe
in – principled conservatives who defend our common sense values at every
turn, and who aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe. We need to
get behind leaders who will make a difference – leaders like Gresham
Barrett.

“A lot of folks talk about being a conservative. But what sets Gresham
Barrett apart from the rest is that he’s got the record to back up the
rhetoric. You don’t just have to take my word for it. It seems like every
conservative grassroots organization in the country has something nice to
say about Gresham.”

Barrett holds a lifetime score of 98% from the American Conservative Union
and is the most conservative Congressman from South Carolina according to
National Journal magazine. For his defense of traditional values, Barrett earned the Family Research Council’s True Blue Award. Additionally, the Club for Growth recognized Barrett’s commitment to free market principles naming him a “Defender of Economic Freedom.”

Senator Thompson added, “You just don’t get much more conservative
than Gresham Barrett. He’s a freedom fighter who can get things done for
South Carolina. As Governor, Gresham will work to establish a climate for
commerce that creates opportunities for all of the state’s citizens by
scrapping the state’s antiquated tax code, reducing discretionary
spending, restructuring the Department of Commerce, ensuring employers have access to a highly skilled and well-educated workforce, and aggressively
recruiting new businesses to South Carolina.

“It boils down to this: Gresham Barrett is the candidate with the best
ideas and the right experience to lead an economic turnaround in South
Carolina, and I am honored to support him.”

###

Dear Friends,

South Carolina is facing record breaking unemployment. Over 270,000 of our fellow citizens are out of work.  We are in the midst of the greatest
economic crisis since the Great Depression.  Across our State people are
suffering.

Fortunately, Republican Gresham Barrett has a plan.

Last month, he introduced a specific detailed jobs plan to put South
Carolina back to work.  He believes we need comprehensive tax reform so
that our tax system is both fairer and flatter. He believes that we should
restructure the Department of Commerce to recruit new jobs to our State and
he has proposed an initiative to match up 40,000 open and available
positions with South Carolinians who just need a little on the job
training. This is a doable plan and one that has gained rave reviews all
across the State in recent weeks.

Unfortunately, Nikki Haley has no plan to address our State’s job crisis
and has since resorted to attacking Gresham Barrett, all the while not
telling the truth about her own record.

On January 28th, in a televised debate in Charleston, Ms. Haley directly
attacked all three other GOP candidates on the stage suggesting they all
supported President Obama’s stimulus plan. On February 12th she penned a
guest column in the Greenville News repeating the false accusation, and
today her campaign sent out a blast email again attacking Gresham.

These underhanded dirty attacks must come to an end. For someone who talks about good government, Nikki Haley is embodying all that is wrong with
politics today.

Here’s the truth…

#1 – The attacks are NOT TRUE.  Gresham Barrett, along with EVERY OTHER
REPUBLICAN, voted against President Obama’s failed Stimulus plan. Click here to see the actual roll call vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on February 13, 2009.

#2 – Nikki Haley is only trying to hide her own record.  Nikki Haley
says she has ALWAYS opposed President Obama’s stimulus bill, but the
truth is that she was the ONLY GOP CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR TO VOTE FOR IT. Yes, she voted for it.  See the copy of the House Journal provided in this blog which clearly shows her vote to add Obama’s Stimulus to the State
budget.

#3 – Nikki Haley wants you to believe that Gresham Barrett is not a
conservative.  Again, the record does not lie.  Gresham is rated the most
conservative Congressman from the State of South Carolina by the National
Journal and the American Conservative Union.  In fact, just this week
Gresham received an “A” rating and the top award, “Friend of the
Taxpayer,“ from the National Taxpayers Union. Additionally, Gresham has
voted against President Obama more than any other Congressman except for
one.

The fact is Gresham Barrett is a true conservative, and you can believe
me… I know; I was Senator Jim DeMint’s State Director for the past 5
years.

It is obvious that Ms. Haley’s campaign is not gaining much traction and
that she has resorted to negative and false attacks against Gresham
Barrett.  This is wrong and must be answered immediately.  As Gresham’s
campaign manager I will try to respond to negative attacks and
misrepresentations as quickly as possible.

You can help by calling Nikki Haley at (803) 834-7065 and let her know you
want her to stop the untrue negative attacks and begin to focus on the real
jobs crisis that exists in our State.

Sincerely,

Luke Byars
Barrett for Governor
Campaign Manager

COLUMBIA, SC – The National Taxpayer Union (NTU), a nonpartisan
grassroots organization of 362,000 members, today announced that Gresham Barrett is the only Congressman from South Carolina to have earned the group’s prestigious “Taxpayers’ Friend Award” for 2009. Barrett
received a 93% score from the NTU, the highest of any member in South
Carolina’s U.S. House delegation. This is the seventh consecutive year
Barrett has received the award, dating back to 2002, his first year in
Congress.

“Given today’s economic climate, fiscal discipline is more important
now than ever,” NTU President Duane Parde said. “Fortunately, taxpayers
have a staunch ally in Gresham Barrett, to whom the National Taxpayers
Union is proud to present a ‘Taxpayers’ Friend Award.’”

The award is given to Representatives and Senators who achieve an “A”
grade in NTU’s annual Rating of Congress. The rating, which is based on
every roll call vote affecting fiscal policy, assigns a “Taxpayer
Score” to each Member of Congress that indicates his or her support for
reducing or controlling federal spending, taxes, debt, and regulation. For
2009, a total of 333 House and 227 Senate votes were selected.

“Gresham Barrett’s pro-taxpayer score of 93 percent was one of the
best in the entire Congress,” Parde continued. “By voting time and
again to reduce federal spending, taxes, and debt, Gresham has led by
example in the fight to defend overburdened taxpayers across the country.

Parde continued, “If every Member of Congress was as principled as
Gresham Barrett, current and future generations of Americans could enjoy
much lower taxes and a less wasteful government. Hard-working families in
South Carolina and across the nation owe Gresham a debt of gratitude for
his effort on their behalf. Gresham Barrett has truly earned the title
‘Taxpayers’ Friend.”

Barrett thanked the National Taxpayers Union saying, “I am honored to
receive this award and grateful to the NTU for their dedication to
protecting the best interests of taxpayers across the country. I am proud
to have signed the ‘No New Taxes’ pledge and as Governor, I will work
with Republicans and Democrats to lower taxes and increase economic
activity so we can put South Carolina back to work.”

###

“We are very proud of our campaign team,” said Luke Byars, Campaign Manager. “The caliber of our staff speaks volumes about the quality of our candidate and his plan for putting South Carolina back to work. Each one of us is passionate about making certain Gresham Barrett is our next Governor – not because it is our job – but because we believe in him and what he stands for.”

Serving as Deputy Campaign Manager is Anderson County native Lori Jones Raad. Lori has worked on numerous state and local campaigns, was Deputy Political Director under former Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman and served in the White House as Associate Political Director. Raad will oversee an aggressive team of field representatives who will focus on building Barrett’s grassroots organization across the Palmetto State and spreading his vision for job creation.

“Gresham Barrett is the right candidate at the right time,” said Raad. “Our mission is simple; making sure voters across South Carolina get to know Gresham Barrett, his proven record of conservative leadership and his vision to create jobs and grow our economy. And I am confident we have the team to make it happen.”

Rounding out the campaign’s senior staff are Drea Byars, Finance Director, a proven national and state campaign fundraiser from Lexington who has helped raised over $2 million for Barrett in this race alone, and Communications Director, Greenville native B.J. Boling, veteran of numerous legislative races and former South Carolina Communications Director of John McCain’s successful primary campaign.

Barrett remarked on the quality of his campaign staff saying, “We’ve put together a top-notch team of political professionals. I am honored and humbled by their commitment, and I know that together our efforts will prove successful on Election Day.”

Additional Campaign Staff

Josh Dix of Charleston, Field Representative
Becky Fleming of Columbia, Field Representative
Laura Anne Roquemore of Cameron, Field Representative
Craig Wooten of Anderson, Field Representative
Grayson Kelly of Anderson, Personal Aide to the Congressman
Madison Marchant of Columbia, Communications Assistant
Anna Ready of Greenwood, Campaign Scheduler
Lindsay Teague of Irmo, Deputy Finance Director

###

One GOP gubernatorial hopeful says comprehensive tax reform and a restructuring of the Department of Commerce are needed to create jobs in the state.

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett spoke to the Orangeburg County Republican Party Thursday night about his plan to put approximately 270,000 unemployed South Carolinians back to work.

“We have about 40,000 jobs that are currently unfilled because we don’t have qualified employees,” Barrett said. “If elected, I would ask for temporary powers for the governor to match up workers with employers so they can hire them on the spot. We can use workforce training and development dollars to train these folks.”

On the issue of taxes, he said, “I don’t have a lot of confidence in the TRAC. Whether it’s some form of flat tax, consumption tax, I don’t really care. But we have to take a holistic approach to taxes so we can be fair and encourage businesses to come here.”

The push to attract new business includes building up the state’s infrastructure, such as the Port of Charleston, he said.

And Barrett wants to hire a proven business recruitment professional to head up the Department of Commerce and update financial incentives.

Barrett claimed the state package used to entice Boeing was similar to that used with BMW almost 20 years ago.

“We need to give some of the same incentives usually reserved for businesses coming into the state in the past to existing businesses,” he said. “This will help them buy a new truck, add a new warehouse or hire 20-30 more employees.”

Barrett called Gov. Carroll Campbell his political mentor, saying Campbell showed how to work across party lines for the citizens’ benefit.

He says his experience will allow him to build a synergistic relationship with the General Assembly that Gov. Mark Sanford never had.

“I ran a small mom ‘n pop furniture store. I know how to work with people,” Barrett said. “You can have the most innovative ideas and best solutions out there, but if you can’t work with people, it’s all for naught.

“Having done that as a state legislator, as a congressman and as a small businessman, I think I can do it as governor, too.”

Questions from local Republicans covered topics ranging from the state lottery to education.

Calling K-12 “the heart of education,” Barrett said South Carolina currently sends 44 cents of every dollar to the classroom, 21 cents below the national average.

“I would like to see a minimum of 70 cents,” Barrett said. “We ought to give every child every possible opportunity. It’s time we put all options on the table here, too. One size does not fit all.”

Barrett is one of four announced Republican candidates for governor. State Attorney General Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and state Rep. Nikki Haley round out the field.

Primary elections will take place June 8 with a runoff, if necessary, to be held two weeks later on June 22.

“When it comes to that interstate [I-73], every candidate for anything who comes to Myrtle Beach best be prepared to talk about it. Thus far, Barrett’s idea ranks among the best we’ve heard: As governor, he said, he would meet monthly with the state’s congressional delegation on this and other federal issues, asking what he can do to best support their efforts. It’s a simple answer, but extremely credible: Since much of the money for I-73 will come from Washington, the guys there are bound to be the experts on it.

What else could a governor do? He could pledge to maintain the state’s $1 million or so yearly I-73 contribution and keep it a top priority for the S.C. Department of Transportation. Barrett could also have promised to listen to state Rep. Alan Clemmons (chairman of the National I-73/I-74 Corridor Association) in addition to our congressmen, but given that Clemmons has already declared his support for Barrett, let’s assume he’ll do that anyway.”

Sign our UN-Happy Anniversary card by leaving your comments below!

Dear Friends –

One year ago today, President Barack Obama signed the $787 billion
stimulus boondoggle in to law.

Gresham Barrett, along with every other Republican in Congress, VOTED AGAINST the stimulus. An overwhelming majority of Americans opposed it. But, that didn’t stop Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. It didn’t even give them pause. They just muscled the bill right through and shoved the stimulus down our throats.

And what have we gotten in return? Let’s just look at a few of the
so-called job creating initiatives in the stimulus:

Malt Liquor and Marijuana – Researchers at the University of Buffalo received almost $400,000 to pay people to record how much malt liquor they drink and how much marijuana they smoke.

The Napa Wine Train – California got $54 million to build a
railroad bridge, relocate a half-mile of track and build a wall to protect a train passenger station so tourists can sip wine.

Bike Trails to Taco Bell – The Federal Highway Administration
plans to spend $4 million in stimulus money to build a two-and-a-half mile bike trail in Massachusetts so bikers in Mahan will finally have access to the Taco Bell in Northampton.

Football Gloves – A company received $150,000 in stimulus funds to develop the next generation of football gloves.

Fish Food – Companies that raise tropical fish, shellfish, catfish, alligators and even turtles qualify for $50 million in tax money to buy fish food.

The truth is that the stimulus is more than just a $787 billion spending
spree. It is a symbol of what is wrong with Washington. Its passage was brokered in backroom deals where personal political gain trumped the public good.

Gresham Barrett knows that if we are going to turn this country
around, then we are going to do it one state at a time; and it starts right here in South Carolina and it starts with you.

Make your voice heard. When we stand together, we stand tall. Take just a moment to sign our “Unhappy Anniversary Card” by leaving your comments below. Give President Obama and the Democrats in Congress a piece of your mind!

Thank you,

Team Barrett

Barrett Fast Fact of the Day

Gresham Barrett VOTED AGAINST President Obama’s stimulus plan – not just once, not just twice but every time he had the chance. Not every Republican candidate in the race for Governor can say the same.

Dear Friend,

You may have no idea who I am.

And you’re definitely wondering why I’m writing. Well, hopefully I
can clear that up.   I’m Gresham Barrett’s big sister and I’m writing
because his 49th birthday is coming up fast – this Sunday, February 14th
to be exact.

So naturally, I’m hoping you can help us make it an extra special
birthday by clicking here and making a super-generous contribution to his campaign!

You know, none of us – his Mom, Dad, brother, sister or me – ever
imagined Gresham would grow up and run for Governor.  We all knew he was
capable of great things. We just figured it was in business, on the
baseball diamond or on the football field.

We were close.

Gresham was, in fact, was named MVP in this year’s congressional
baseball game.   But like his brother told him- beating up on Nancy Pelosi,
Barney Frank, and Charlie Rangel might be a great thing for the country.
It’s just not exactly a ticket to Cooperstown!

All kidding aside, Gresham is #1 in my book! He’s a loving father, a
dedicated husband, a true leader, and a cherished brother.  He’s going to
make a great Governor for South Carolina. So, here’s what I’m asking of
his closest friends:  make this 49th birthday one to remember. And make my
little email a success by clicking here and making a contribution today!!!

It won’t be long before you start seeing those big Barrett for Governor
signs and my brother’s ads on TV. But they’re not free.  And your contribution will turn them from a concept into a reality. So thanks for hearing me out.  And thanks for pitching in to make Gresham’s 49th birthday special. I really appreciate it. And I know he does, too.

Sincerely,

Katherine (Barrett) Maxwell

“I am always a little skeptical when candidates announce their ‘jobs plans,’ because usually they amount to nothing more than a set of typical political talking points,” said Bob Hughes, President of Hughes Development Corporation. “But, that’s not the case with Gresham Barrett. He’s put together a specific set of actions to put South Carolina back to work. It’s no wonder the business community is rallying around his candidacy.”

Rob Motley, Managing Partner of Insurance Office of America added, “I think it is important that our next Governor is someone who has actually worked in the real world. Gresham Barrett is a businessman, like I am, and I think that gives him unique insights to the challenges facing our state’s employers. Those insights are reflected in the plan he’s crafted to create jobs and to turnaround our economy.”

“What I like about Gresham’s plan is that he gathered input from a cross-section of the business community,” said David White, Executive Vice-President of Shealy Electrical. “He talked to small businesses and major companies alike. As a result, he’s put together a realistic, workable plan that will go a long way towards putting our state back on track.”

Barrett is the first Republican candidate for Governor to outline a detailed plan to create jobs in the Palmetto State. His “Putting South Carolina Back to Work” plan can be downloaded from www.GreshamBarrett.com.

In 1998, John Elway led the Denver Broncos to his first Super Bowl win. Charlton Heston took the reins at the National Rifle Association, and Jesse “The Body” Ventura was elected Governor of Minnesota. And twelve years ago South Carolina was a regional economic powerhouse.

The Palmetto State had record low unemployment of 2.4%, great development prospects and strong tax revenues. We were the envy of the Southeast.

That was then.

In the years following, our unemployment rate increased gradually at first and then, late in 2008, took a steep upward climb which continues to this day. We have made some strides to improve South Carolina’s soil conditions for growth through significant tort reform measures and other business friendly policy initiatives. However, I fear our state’s deeply rooted economic development relationships that delivered so many success stories in the 1980’s and 90’s, under the leadership of Governors Carroll Campbell and David Beasley, have been allowed to dry up over the past decade.

A singular focus on improving soil conditions has failed to deliver the positive results our families need. Without an effective marketing mechanism, our product – our state – has often gone unsold for too long.

In the face of the highest unemployment rate in our state’s history, we should not neglect any aspect of economic development.

Our next Governor must lead a two-pronged approach to job creation that simultaneously seeks to create a commerce-friendly climate in South Carolina through legislative remedies that benefit existing industries while aggressively and effectively recruiting new businesses to our state by restructuring the Department of Commerce, updating our incentive packages and re-emphasizing key development relationships.

There is no greater obstacle to opportunity in our state than our archaic, job-killing tax code. As a result of the piecemeal approach South Carolina has taken to taxation throughout the years, we have inherited a tax code that punishes success, discourages economic growth and is overly complicated.

A recent example of the consequences of this failed approach can be found by examining the tax relief promised under Act 388. While some homeowners experienced a modest break on property taxes, those gains were more than negated by the increase in commercial and industrial property tax rates that have resulted in some of the highest business property taxes in the nation. For many potential employers that one obstacle alone has been enough to remove our state from consideration for investment.

These unfortunate facts underscore the need for comprehensive tax reform. As Governor, I will appoint a Blue Ribbon Commission comprised of business, legislative, and policy leaders whose goal will be to overhaul our tax code and introduce sweeping reforms by 2011 that result in both lower taxes and an improved business climate.

As we improve our business climate it is vitally important that we reform our Department of Commerce so that it becomes an aggressive job recruiting machine that delivers real results for our families. That process begins with hiring the best and brightest economic development and sales professionals. As Governor, I will conduct a nationwide search to find a head of marketing and business recruitment, and I will hire that individual on a performance-based contract that is not subject to political whims or cycles.

Then, together, we will assemble a highly incentivized sales force that is focused on closing deals for our state. A key performance metric for our commerce team will be relationship development and management. In the business world, relationships are key. That fundamental principle holds especially true for business recruitment. Local and State developers will work together once again and we will dust off and update our incentive packages so we can compete with all of our neighboring states.

With a comprehensive approach to economic development, we can take South Carolina somewhere she has never been before; where our children graduate to take jobs in Greenville or Charleston – not Atlanta or Charlotte; where the next job is across the street – not across the country; where small business and entrepreneurs are the engines of job creation – not government; and where our success is only limited by our willingness to succeed.

Source: http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20100202/OPINION/2020303/1016/Gresham-Barrett-State-needs-comprehensive-economic-plan

Greenville builder Doug Harper has been named one of four co-chairs for Congressman Gresham Barrett’s statewide gubernatorial campaign.

Harper, president of Harper Corp. and former chairman of the Upstate Alliance, the regional economic development organization, cited the jobs issue in a statement issued by the campaign.

“Gresham Barrett will aggressively promote innovative policies to make state government leaner, more effective and focused on economic development so that we can put South Carolina back to work,” Harper said.

Also announced as statewide campaign co-chairs were Peter M. Brown of Columbia, president of Colite International Ltd.; Cindy Costa of James Island, South Carolina’s chairwoman on the Republican National Committee; and Maj. Gen. (Ret) James Livingston of Mt. Pleasant, who received the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam.

Source: http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20100201/NEWS/100201013/1004/NEWS01/Greenville-builder-Doug-Harper-given-role-in-Gresham-Barrett-campaign

Dear Friends,

In campaigns we tend to measure days in terms of wins and losses. Well,
if last week is any indication, then Team Barrett is on a roll.

Let me hit on just a few of the highlights.

Early in the week, the Congressman rolled out his jobs plan at stops in
Greenville, North Charleston, West Columbia, Aiken and Greenwood. Gresham is the first Republican to offer a detailed strategy for economic
development. If you haven’t had a chance to read through the plan yet,
you can download your copy by clicking here: http://www.greshambarrett.com/home/jobs-plan/.

Prominent business leaders from across the state are taking notice of
Gresham’s vision for job creation. Here’s what some have to say about
his “Putting South Carolina Back to Work” plan:

“Reflecting the high-impact leadership of Carroll Campbell, I believe
Gresham Barrett is uniquely prepared to be South Carolina’s ‘job
creation Governor’ for the future,”
– Sam Konduros, President of SK Strategies, LLC

“Our ports are the front door to South Carolina. Billions of dollars in
products pass through them annually, and no one better understands how
vital they are to our state’s economy than Gresham Barrett.”
– Dave Posek, Past Chairman of the State Ports Authority

“With direct leadership and acute vision, South Carolina can regain its
place as a national leader in economic development. Gresham Barrett brings
both to the table. He has the personality and detailed plan needed to lead
an economic turnaround in South Carolina.”
– Steve Navarro, President and CEO of The Furman Co.

Gresham carried his momentum from the jobs tour into Thursday night’s
debate with a commanding performance that drew accolades from well-known Republicans, the press and political observers as well:

“Barrett is right at home discussing his vision for growing business in
South Carolina, including Charleston and its port. And it appears he’s
got the energy to get GOP voters excited about it, too.”
– Greg Hambrick, The Charleston City Paper

“Barrett talked about job creation and about cooperating with the
legislature the way the late Carroll Campbell did… Barrett’s
performance was refreshing… …Barrett won the debate and his line,
“it’s your question, but my answer,” to an interrupting Scarborough
was the most memorable line of the night.”
– R. Brian McCarty, Voting Under the Influence Blog

“I thought they all performed well… But I think Gresham Barrett
really talked about cooperating and collaborating with the Legislature
which is the difference that I think Republicans are looking for now.”
– Dr. Jeri Cabot, College of Charleston Political Science Professor

“Lots of candidates theorize about how we can create jobs. But, after
tonight’s debate, it is clear that Gresham Barrett is the only one with a
detailed plan to actually make it happen.”
– Barry Wynn, Former Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party

It was a great week and with your help, we can keep the ball rolling. We
would certainly appreciate your help by making a contribution
(http://www.greshambarrett.com/home/donate/) or signing up to volunteer by visiting www.IamWithGresham.com.

Putting South Carolina back to work is more than just a slogan – it’s
a common goal we can all unite behind!

Thanks for your support. We certainly appreciate all you do.

Sincerely,

Luke Byars
Barrett for Governor
Campaign Manager

COLUMBIA, SC – U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett’s gubernatorial campaign today unveiled its statewide campaign co-chairs. This core group of business, community and political leaders will provide guidance to the Barrett campaign as it continues to grow its grassroots organization throughout the Palmetto State. Peter M. Brown, Cindy Costa, Doug Harper and Maj. Gen. (Ret) James Livingston will serve as statewide co-chairs for the Barrett campaign.

“Having the right ideas isn’t enough anymore,” said Peter M. Brown, President of Colite International, Ltd. “We need a leader who can bring people together and get things done for South Carolina. As our next Governor, Gresham Barrett will not allow petty politics and false divisions to hold us back. He’ll take a new approach to leadership in South Carolina that unites individuals from all walks of life behind the common goal of moving our state forward.”

Cindy Costa, Republican National Committeewoman for South Carolina, added, “In a time when so many of our leaders are letting us down, Gresham Barrett stands tall on the strength of his conservative convictions. For his consistent conservative leadership in Congress, Gresham has earned a 98% lifetime score from the American Conservative Union and been repeatedly endorsed by the National Right to Life Committee and the National Rifle Association. And just this past year, he was named a Defender of Economic Freedom by the Club for Growth. The bottom line is this – lots of people talk about being conservative, but Gresham Barrett is the one candidate with the record to back it up.”

“As a businessman, I know that to be successful, you have to be on the cutting edge,” said Doug Harper, President of Harper Corporation. “Gresham Barrett will aggressively promote innovative policies to make state government leaner, more effective and focused on economic development so that we can put South Carolina back to work.”

“Duty. Honor. Country. Those are more than just words to Gresham Barrett – they’re a way of life,” said Medal of Honor Recipient Major General (Ret) James Livingston. “As a Captain in the U.S. Army, as a small businessman, and as a dedicated public servant at both the state and federal level, Gresham Barrett has shown the leadership our state needs to overcome the serious challenges it faces. I am proud to stand with Gresham Barrett.”

Congressman Barrett thanked his Statewide Campaign Co-Chairs, saying, “I am very proud of the team we are building, and I truly appreciate the leadership Peter, Cindy, Doug and Jim are providing to our campaign. Together, we will promote a new spirit of collaboration, cooperation and communication without compromising our conservative principles that puts South Carolina back to work.”

BARRETT FOR GOVERNOR STATEWIDE CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS

Peter M. Brown, of Columbia, President of Colite International, Ltd.

Cindy Costa, of James Island, South Carolina Republican National Committeewoman, past Presidential Appointment to the United Nations

Doug Harper, of Greenville, President of Harper Corporation

Major General (Ret) James Livingston, of Mt. Pleasant, Recipient of the Medal of Honor for heroic actions in 1968 during the Vietnam War

Republican gubernatorial candidate Gresham Barrett made a stop at Applewood Pancake House in Pawleys Island on Saturday morning. While there, Barrett focused on his platform of job creation.

“Our first plan was our jobs plan, putting South Carolina back to work,” Barrett said, “If you are going to break the cycle of dependency, one of the ways you are going to break it is to offer people opportunity, offer people real jobs.”

Barrett is just one of the candidates making a stop in the Grand Strand. The other GOP candidates are Andre Bauer, Nikki Haley and Henry McMaster. The Democratic candidates for governor are Dwight Drake, Robert Ford, Mullins McLeod, Vincent Sheheen and Jim Rex.

Voting Under the Influence’s R. Brian McCarty: “Congressman Gresham Barrett improved his performance greatly since the Newberry debate last year. …Barrett talked about job creation and about cooperating with the legislature the way the late Carroll Campbell did… Barrett’s performance was refreshing… VUI thinks Barrett won the debate and his line, “it’s your question, but my answer,” to an interrupting Scarborough was the most memorable line of the night.” (R. Brian McCarty, “Is SCGOP gubernatorial debate a preview of the primary,” Voting Under the Influence Blog, 1/29/2010)

College of Charleston Political Science Professor Dr. Jeri Cabot: “I thought they all performed well… But I think Gresham Barrett really talked about cooperating and collaborating with the Legislature which is the difference that I think Republicans are looking for now.” (WCBD’s “Nightly News,” 1/29/2010)

Barry Wynn, Barrett for Governor Campaign Finance Chairman: “Lots of candidates theorize about how we can create jobs but, after tonight’s debate it is clear that Gresham Barrett is the only one with a detailed plan to actually make it happen. He continues to set himself apart from the pack by offering real solutions – not just rhetoric – to the challenges facing South Carolina’s hard-working families.” (Barry Wynn, “Statement from Barrett Campaign Finance Chair,” 1/28/2010)

COLUMBIA, SC – On the heels of a statewide tour promoting his vision for job creation, Gresham Barrett’s campaign for Governor announced today that three key business leaders in the Palmetto State have endorsed Barrett’s “Putting South Carolina Back to Work” plan. Sam Konduros, Chairman-Elect of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, David Posek, Past Chairman of the State Ports Authority, and Steve Navarro, President and CEO of the Furman Co., Inc. all signed on to Barrett’s comprehensive approach to economic development.

“Reflecting the high-impact leadership of Carroll Campbell, I believe Gresham Barrett is uniquely prepared to be South Carolina’s ‘job creation Governor’ for the future,” said Sam Konduros. “In his ‘Putting South Carolina Back to Work’ plan, Gresham has laid-out a bold and comprehensive strategy that will make the Palmetto State a national leader in economic development once again. Gresham understands that there must be an equal focus on improving our climate for commerce and leveraging development relationships to achieve extraordinary results which will elevate quality of life for our state’s hard-working families.”

David Posek added, “Our ports are the front door to South Carolina. Billions of dollars in products pass through them annually, and no one better understands how vital they are to our state’s economy than Gresham Barrett. His plan to encourage additional public-private partnerships to update our ports so they outshine the competition is right on the money.”

“With direct leadership and acute vision, South Carolina can regain its place as a national leader in economic development,” said Steve Navarro. “Gresham Barrett brings both to the table. He has the personality and detailed plan needed to lead an economic turnaround in South Carolina.”

Barrett is the first Republican candidate for Governor to outline a detailed plan to create jobs in the Palmetto State. His “Putting South Carolina Back to Work” plan can be downloaded from www.GreshamBarrett.com.

COLUMBIA, SC – Congressman Gresham Barrett’s gubernatorial campaign today announced that Dr. Bob Taylor, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bob Jones University, and State Representative Wendy Nanney have endorsed Gresham Barrett for Governor of South Carolina. They will serve on Barrett’s Faith & Family Coalition Steering Committee, which the campaign announced earlier this month.

“Lots of people talk about putting faith and family first, but Gresham actually does it,” said Taylor. “His faith is the foundation of his ideology and the best interests of our families is his only interest. At a time when South Carolina is facing such uncertainty, we need a leader who relies on the certainty of Christian-conservative principles. I am proud to support Gresham in his bid for Governor.”

Wendy Nanney added, “When I was considering who to support for Governor, I wanted to choose a candidate that my children could look up to – someone who would make our state proud again by defending our way of life, creating jobs and putting South Carolina back to work. Gresham Barrett is that candidate, and I am excited about working hard to get him elected Governor.”

Barrett thanked his newest supporters, saying, “Dr. Bob and Wendy are a great addition to our team. They’ve earned a reputation throughout the state for standing up for life, faith and families. I am honored to have their support.”

###

Sen. Kevin Bryant, R-Anderson, will serve as committee chair.
“Gresham Barrett fights for the rights of all – unborn and newborn, young and old – all have a friend in Gresham Barrett,” Bryant said.

FAITH AND FAMILY STATEWIDE STEERING COMMITTEE

Sen. Kevin Bryant, R-Anderson – Chairman
Dr. Tony Beam – Radio Host of Christian Talk 660AM
Rep. Greg Delleney, R-Chester
Carl Falk – Co-Founder of Falk-Griffin Foundation
Marcia Falk – Co-Founder of Falk-Griffin Foundation
Dr. Mark O’Rourke – Greenville Citizens for Life
Hal Stevenson – CEO Grace Outdoor Advertising

Source: http://thestatecom.typepad.com/ygatoday/2010/01/barrett-forms-faith-and-family-committee-.html#comments

Anchor/Reporter

GREENVILLE, S.C. — In the race for South Carolina Governor it is issue number one, jobs. In the race for governor of South Carolina, the No. 1 issue is jobs; not just saving them but finding more.

On Monday, Republican Gresham Barrett released his, “Putting South Carolina back to work plan of action.”

Barrett said, “We are traveling around talking about how we can put South Carolina back to work.”

Barrett’s plan includes overhauling the Department of Commerce and hiring a new head of business recruiting.

He also wants to increase incentives for companies to move to the Palmetto State and wants to fill open jobs now.

For example, the Employment Security Commission says there are jobs available, however in many cases people are not qualified.

Barrett said that needs to change. “We can take workforce development funds take these employees put them to work immediately and train them on sight. It could be 20,000 jobs it could be 40,000 jobs but that is immediately putting people to work to help this economy.”

Meanwhile, a campaign video we found on YouTube, Republican Henry McMaster is also talking about how as governor he would change things.

He calls it his, “Path to Prosperity”, which contains what he calls 10 basic principles of economic reform.

It includes lowering taxes, creating a better-educated workforce, and not just more jobs but higher – paying jobs.

His proposal includes dozens of specific steps toward the goals of filling jobs immediately, overhauling the S.C. Department of Commerce, providing comprehensive tax and incentive reform, promoting tourism, making the state a leader in energy independence, improving infrastructure and fighting federal mandates and unfair labor laws.

“South Carolina is in its worst economic drought since the Great Depression. More than 270,000 of our state’s citizens are out of work. So today I am offering this aggressive plan to put South Carolina back to work,” he said.

With the state’s unemployment rate at a record level and among the worst in the nation, jobs are expected to be among the hottest issues in this year’s race. Barrett’s GOP primary opponent, S.C.

Attorney General Henry McMaster, laid out a 10-point “path to prosperity” economic development plan shortly after he entered the race in August.

Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and state Rep. Nikki Haley of Lexington are the other Republicans running for governor.

All are expected to participate in a GOP debate Thursday in Charleston.

On the Democratic side, gubernatorial candidate and state Sen. Vincent Sheheen of Camden said Monday that his plan to enact legislative oversight of state agencies is gaining momentum in the Legislature after his plan was folded into a reform measure to make the state’s Department of Disability and Special Needs a Cabinet-level agency.

“Too often our state government agencies are on autopilot, acting with limited accountability to the taxpayer,” Sheheen said.

The other Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls include Columbia lawyer Dwight Drake, state Sen. Robert Ford, Charleston lawyer Mullins McLeod and S.C. Superintendent of Education Jim Rex.

The filing period for candidates seeking political party nominations is March 16-30.

The plan includes overhauling the state Department of Commerce and tax code, prioritizing improvements to state roads, bridges and ports, and using lottery money to retrain workers for the up to 40,000 jobs currently available.

Barrett unveiled the plan at stops in Greenville, North Charleston and West Columbia.

“With a comprehensive approach to economic development, we can take South Carolina somewhere she has never been before,” Barrett said.

The jobs tour continues today with stops in Aiken and Greenwood.

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, who is running for governor, unveiled his “Putting South Carolina Back to Work” jobs plan today in Greenville and elsewhere in the state.

The key elements include immediate retraining of workers to allow existing jobs to be filled, an overhaul of the state Department of Commerce and comprehensive tax reform, Barrett said.

He said he would appointment a workforce specialist as advisor to the governor, create a public/private training council and seek legislative funding under the allocation of the state Education Lottery for scholarships to defray any training costs.

A national search should be undertaken to find a profession to head business recruitment and marketing in the Commerce Department. The job would be performance based to remove politics from the position.

Barrett also pledge to create a blue-ribbon committee to craft legislation to overhaul the state tax code in 2011, with the goal of reducing the tax burden and encourage economic development.

COLUMBIA, SC – U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett, Republican candidate for Governor, today at a series of stops in Greenville, North Charleston and West Columbia announced his jobs plan to put South Carolina back to work. Currently, South Carolina’s unemployment rate stands at a record high 12.6%. Barrett’s plan, which is available at www.GreshamBarrett.com, takes a comprehensive approach to job creation that focuses on improving our state’s climate for commerce while aggressively recruiting new businesses.

“Twelve years ago South Carolina was a regional economic powerhouse,” said Barrett. “Record low unemployment of 2.4%, great development prospects and strong tax revenues made us the envy of the Southeast. That was then.

“Now, South Carolina is in its worst economic drought since the Great Depression. More than 270,000 of our state’s citizens are out of work. So today, I am offering this aggressive plan to put South Carolina back to work. Under our plan, we will take immediate action to fill the thousands of jobs currently available in South Carolina, overhaul the Department of Commerce, provide comprehensive tax and incentive reform, reduce discretionary spending, fight unfunded federal mandates and unfair labor laws, improve our infrastructure, make South Carolina a leader in energy independence, and promote tourism.”

Barrett added, “With a comprehensive approach to economic development, we can take South Carolina somewhere she has never been before; where our children graduate to take jobs in Greenville or Charleston – not Atlanta or Charlotte; where the next job is across the street – not across the country; where small business and entrepreneurs are the engines of job creation – not government; and where our success is only limited by our willingness to succeed.”

Barrett will continue his jobs tour in Aiken and Greenwood tomorrow.

###

“On Monday, I will release a plan for economic recovery in South Carolina that is rooted in time tested free market principles and stands in stark contrast to failed stimulus plan, which I voted against, that President Obama and the Congressional Democrats shoved down our throats last February.

“I’ve said it before and I will say it again; if we are going to turn this country around then we are going to do it one state at a time, and I know that together we can put South Carolina back to work. To be clear, economic recovery does not begin in the halls of government but rather in the hearts and hopes of our entrepreneurs, small business people and hard-working individuals who are engines of job creation in our state.”

COLUMBIA, SC – U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett’s gubernatorial
campaign today announced that Congressman Barrett will participate in the Aiken County Republican Party gubernatorial debate in Aiken on Monday, January 18th.

Monday, January 18, 2010

AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA

WHO: Congressman Gresham Barrett

WHAT: Aiken County Republican Party Gubernatorial Debate

WHEN: Monday, January 18, 2010 at 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: Newberry Hall
117 Newberry Street Southwest
Aiken, South Carolina

###

At The Citadel Republican Society’s annual Patriot Dinner a straw poll was held to see which Republican candidates for Governor and Lt. Gov. were favored by the group.

The Post and Courier reports that with a pitch on economic reform, infrastructure, and education, U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett faired quite well. Not fairing as well was Attorney General Henry McMaster who didn’t attend.

Source: http://charleston.thedigitel.com/politics/us-rep-gresham-barrett-gets-thumbs-sc-governor-rac-18065-0116

“What we saw today was simply inspiring. South Carolinians from all walks of life united in one voice to defend those without a voice. The pro-life movement is strong in our state and I know that together we will do all that we can to protect the innocent lives of the unborn.”

###

GOP candidates attend Citadel dinner
By David MacDougall
The Post and Courier
Saturday, January 16, 2010

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett and S.C. Rep. Tim Scott emerged as victors Friday in the year’s first straw poll among Republican primary candidates for governor and lieutenant governor.

Barrett and Scott were among the five candidates who spoke at The Citadel Republican Society’s annual Patriot Dinner at the Holliday Alumni Center.

The dinner was attended by local Republican movers and shakers as well as cadets who are members of the Republican Society. It started with a prayer and a solemn playing of “Taps” by a bugler as images of the 15 Citadel alumni who have died in service to their country since 9/11 were displayed on a screen behind the podium.

All the candidates were invited, said Cadet Master Sgt. Steven Munoz, one of the event’s organizers. After dinner was served, each candidates was given six minutes to address the group. The candidates drew names to determine the order in which they would speak.

The gubernatorial candidates went first, and Barrett was the first of them to speak.

He identified himself as a conservative and said he believed in the sanctity of life and that leaders should do everything they could to defend the right to life.

He also pledged that he would not raise taxes to pay for government and said the state needs tax reform, a sound infrastructure of roads, bridges and ports, and an educated work force.

“At the heart of education is reading,” he said. No child should be promoted from third grade unless that child can read at a third-grade level, he said.

He pledged to recruit new businesses to the state and also said as governor, he would offer “leadership that will bring in a new era of cooperation, without compromising conservative principles.”

S.C. Rep. Nikki Haley then took the podium. She talked about her small-town roots growing up in Bamberg and how she started keeping the books for her parents’ small business when she was 13.

Her parents were immigrants, she said, and they instilled in her an appreciation for the unlimited opportunities in this country.

Haley, who represents part of Lexington County, said government spending needs to be curbed.

“The problem we face at the state level and the federal level is that government has no concept of the dollar,” she said.

She said all votes in the state Legislature that concern taxes or have an impact on taxes should be recorded so that everyone will know how their representatives voted.

She said there should be term limits on elected offices in the state, and that all government spending records should be online so residents can monitor that spending.

To attract more business to the state, she would work on the tax structure, eliminating small-business income tax so small businesses would then hire more workers, she said.

Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer said the state government needs a change in attitude to one of cooperation.

He said he would work as governor to encourage people to work, and he would discourage young people from having children too early in life.

“We have more people voting for a living than we do working for a living,” he said.

“Your next governor is going to be CEO of the state,” he said. He said he would encourage new businesses, work to keep the businesses already in the state and work toward a business-friendly tax structure.

“The next governor will have to travel the world and encourage people to invest in this state,” he said.

Candidates for lieutenant governor were up next, and first among them was Scott, who represents parts of Berkeley and Charleston counties.

“South Carolina needs a new direction, and that direction is forward,” Scott said.

He told the group that he was proud of his record of having never voted for a tax increase in 14 years of holding public office.

Scott, former chairman of Charleston County Council, said the state needs to build a private economy. “Government does not create jobs,” he said.

“Government can attract jobs.”

He said Republicans in government need to “stop spending like Democrats,” and that our state’s sovereign rights were the best tools with which to put a stop to the federal health care plan.

Scott said he would put forth a Senior Citizen Bill of Rights, and that among the candidates for lieutenant governor he offered proven leadership.

Bill Connor of Orangeburg said he was the only candidate who had never run for public office, and he was proud of that. “I’m not a career politician,” he said. “We’ve got too many of them.”

Connor, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and a 1990 Citadel graduate, said he sees the lieutenant governor’s job as being primarily to back up the governor.

He said he would work to end corporate income tax and personal income tax.

“Government is not the answer, freedom is the answer,” he said.

Another candidate, Ken Ard, was unable to attend, but a cadet read a brief message from him.

Among the Republican gubernatorial candidates, state Attorney General Henry McMaster did not attend.

After the speakers were done, the straw poll was conducted. Ballots had been given to each of the dinner guests.

The ballots then were rounded up and counted by cadets, under the scrutiny of representatives from the candidates.

Source: http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/jan/16/barrett-scott-win-vote/?print

Republicans are working together to do what everyone else said was impossible – electing a Republican to fill the U.S. Senate seat left behind by the late Ted Kennedy. The pundits, the press, the political experts all said it couldn’t be done.

But, guess what? They were wrong.

The hard work, the message and the momentum are paying off. According to many polls, Scott Brown is in the middle of pulling off a political shocker that is sure to go down in the history books. With a final 72-hour push, we can make sure Republican Scott Brown gets a key seat in the U.S. Senate and strike a serious blow to the Democrats healthcare takeover.

It’s time we do our part.

I know I usually ask you to help out with my campaign, and goodness knows we need it and appreciate it. But, from today until Tuesday (Election Day in Massachusetts) I want you to join the thousands of conservatives across this country uniting together in an unprecedented grassroots effort to elect Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate.

You’ll hear me say this a lot on the campaign trail – I’m running to offer leadership that ushers in a new era of collaboration, cooperation and communication without compromising our conservative principles.

Well, now is the time to put that message to the test and helping out is easy.

You can do three things starting right now to give Scott Brown the momentum he needs to claim victory on Tuesday and to send the Democrats in Washington a clear message about what we think of their plans to take over our health care.

1. Contribute to the Scott Brown campaign by clicking here.

2. Make calls on Scott Brown’s behalf. All you have to do is click here and start making calls today. Whether you make 10 calls or 1,000 – every little bit makes a big difference.

3. Come by our campaign office at 807 Gervais Street in Columbia on Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 6pm for a special Brown for Senate phone bank. For more info on the phone bank, email act@greshambarrett.com.

My friends, we can’t let this opportunity slip by. It’s just too important. Take a little time today, tomorrow and next week to help us elect Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate.

As always, thanks for all you do for the conservative movement!

Sincerely,

Gresham Barrett

COLUMBIA, SC – On the eve of South Carolina’s Stand-up for Life Rally, U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett’s gubernatorial campaign today unveiled its Faith & Family Coalition steering committee. The grassroots group is made up dedicated social conservative leaders from the pro-life and faith-based communities. State Senator Kevin Bryant (R-Anderson) will chair the committee.

“Gresham Barrett fights for the rights of all – unborn and newborn, young and old – all have a friend in Gresham Barrett,” said State Senator Kevin Bryant. “He is a man of character and principle, and nothing is more important to him than his family and his faith. With our state facing serious challenges we need a Governor who is grounded in the truth and who will humbly rely on God’s guidance to turnaround our economy, improve our schools and reform our government. I am excited to be a part of his campaign and honored to chair such a widely respected group of faith and family leaders.”

Congressman Barrett has repeatedly earned the endorsement of the National Right to Life Committee for his 100% pro-life position. Additionally, the Family Research Council honored Barrett with its True Blue award for his defense of faith, family and freedom. Barrett also holds a 98% lifetime score from the American Conservative Union.

Congressman Barrett thanked his Faith & Family Coalition steering committee members, stating: “The issues of faith, life and family are particularly important in these trying times. I am so honored to have the support of such committed, faithful and humble leaders from across South Carolina. I know that working together in a spirit of cooperation, collaboration and communication we can protect the sanctity of human life, defend traditional marriage and ensure religious freedom throughout our state.”

FAITH AND FAMILY STATEWIDE STEERING COMMITTEE
State Senator Kevin Bryant – Chairman
Dr. Tony Beam – Radio Host of Christian Talk 660AM
State Representative Greg Delleney
Carl Falk – Co-Founder of Falk-Griffin Foundation
Marcia Falk – Co-Founder of Falk-Griffin Foundation
Dr. Mark O’Rourke – Greenville Citizens for Life
Hal Stevenson – CEO Grace Outdoor Advertising

COLUMBIA, SC – U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett, Republican candidate for Governor, today announced he has signed the Americans for Prosperity No Climate Tax Pledge. The pledge states, “I, Gresham Barrett, pledge to the taxpayers of the State of South Carolina and to the American people that I will oppose any legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in government revenue.”

Barrett issued the following statement after signing the No Climate Tax Pledge:

“Any elected official who believes it is a good idea to pass a climate tax when families are struggling to make ends meet and when businesses are struggling to keep the lights on is either misinformed, out of touch or both.

“My focus is on creating jobs, not killing them and that’s why I am adamantly opposed to any form of cap and trade or climate tax. I believe innovation, not taxation, is the solution to our nation’s energy crisis and that South Carolina should be the national leader in energy independence. I am proud to be the first candidate for Governor in South Carolina to sign the No Climate Tax Pledge.”

###

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett raised $379,764 putting him past $2 million raised for his bid to become South Carolina’s next governor.

The Republican Congressman from Oconee has led the money race so far. Barrett’s closest challenger in the money race so far has been S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster. McMaster has raised more than $1 million this election cycle, and his $350,828 fourth quarter fundraising is slightly behind Barrett.

Barrett has $1.5 million in cash on hand to spend in what is expected to be a competitive race for the Republican nomination. Political insiders predicted the winner would have to raise at least $2 million to win. Voters will go to the polls in June to choose between five Republicans for the GOP nomination.

Besides McMaster, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, Lexington state Rep. Nikki Haley and Berkeley Sen. Larry Grooms are running for the GOP nomination.

The deadline to submit fundraising reports is today. But candidates can submit them up until Friday without penalty.

Source: http://thestatecom.typepad.com/ygatoday/2010/01/barrett-crosses-2-million-in-fundraising-.html

COLUMBIA, SC – The Barrett for Governor Campaign today announced via twitter [@greshambarrett] that it has raised more than $2 Million in the race for Governor of South Carolina. According to a state financial report the campaign will file Sunday, Barrett raised more than $379,000 in the final quarter of 2009, marking the fourth consecutive quarter that the campaign has exceeded the record-breaking fundraising pace set by Governor Sanford in the 2002 Republican Primary.

“Gresham’s finance totals are simply amazing given current economic conditions and the traditionally slow pace of fourth quarter fundraising,” said Barry Wynn, Barrett for Governor Finance Chairman and former Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party. “His consistent continued fundraising success underscores the fact that Gresham’s proven leadership and unique ability to unite people behind his conservative vision for job creation has captured the support of South Carolinians from all walks of life.”

Barrett raised nearly $328,000 in new money and transferred more than $51,000 from his congressional account to the gubernatorial campaign, a process the campaign will continue throughout the election.

Including the newly raised money and transfers, the Barrett for Governor Campaign now has over $1.5 million cash on hand.

###

Dear Friend,

As the Senate considers a health care bill that contains taxpayer funding for abortion, I could not help but think that the gift of life has special meaning this time of year.

2,000 years ago a young mother gave birth to the child that would be the savior for all humanity. Today as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, it is important that we all pause to give thanks for our blessings.

I am especially grateful for my three children, Madison, Jeb and Ross. As a parent, I know how precious life is and I am committed to doing all that I can to protect it. And it is because of my strong belief in the right to life that I was so disturbed by recent developments in the proposed federal health care legislation.

Senate Democrats carefully crafted legislative language that could potentially create a perpetual battle over taxpayer funded abortions in State Houses across the country. The Senate version of the health care bill mandates federal funding for abortion in all health insurance plans, provided that one policy not covering abortion is offered in each state. To bypass taxpayer funding for abortions, state legislatures would be required to pass a law prohibiting coverage of abortion through state health care. Even then, taxpayers would still be funding abortions, just not in their state.

The best chance we have for putting an end to this dangerous legislation is the collective voice of pro-life conservatives across the country. Will you stand with us in standing up for life? If so, please fill out the form below.

There is still an opportunity to make a difference on this legislation. In the coming weeks, a reconciled version of the health care bill will come up for a vote in the House, and with the support of like-minded Republicans and Democrats we can defeat it. But, we must act now. We must work together to defend innocent life, and we must make our voices heard.

I ask you to join with me in this fight to protect life by fill out the form below. As the bill makes its way through Congress, I will call on you personally to take action at a grassroots level to make sure the rights of the unborn are protected.

Thank you for all that you do, and thank you in advance for standing with me in defending the lives of the unborn.

Sincerely,

Gresham Barrett

While more than a quarter of a million unemployed South Carolinians were wondering how they will make ends meet, President Obama was halfway around the world focused on global warming, instead of job creation.

As another one of our state’s citizens was getting the bad news printed on a pink slip, our President was praising the international environmental accord reached in Europe over the weekend.

It’s a matter of priorities, and I believe President Obama’s are misplaced.

Instead of focusing on meaningful job creation measures, the President has put his full support behind a job-killer called Cap and Trade. Its effects would be nothing short of devastating to our already struggling economy. According to the Beacon Hill Institute at Suffolk University, Cap and Trade would cost South Carolina almost 19,000 jobs and $2 billion by 2020 and more than 220,000 jobs and nearly $17 billion by 2050.

With so many of our friends and neighbors out of work, Cap and Trade is one bill we cannot afford to let pass. I hope you’ll join me in calling on President Obama to put his focus on job creation through common sense initiatives like tax cuts and incentives for business to grow and expand, rather than pushing for job stifling energy taxes.

The Christmas Season is here, and I know you’re swamped with work, shopping, family, and everything else. Trust me. I get how crazy it is. We have all that at our house, plus three kids, two dogs, and a gubernatorial campaign, too!

And as you probably know, I don’t normally get involved very much with fundraising, but this year it’s different.

Can we count on you to make a $10 contribution?

If Gresham doesn’t hit certain goals, he will have to make more fundraising calls, travel the state for more events, and generally harass friends and family like you through the end of December.

I know it drives him crazy. I’m definitely no fan of all the calls, meetings, and travel. And my hunch is you have things you’d rather be doing over the Holiday too!

So that’s where this email comes in.

I’m asking our online friends and key grassroots supporters to make one more contribution of just $10 before the end of the year. By helping us finish the year strong, you’ll also be making sure that Jeb, Madison, and Ross spend quality time with their Dad over the holidays and that it doesn’t involve making more fundraising calls (haha)!

All kidding aside, your help will make a huge difference and would be a great way to close this year and kickoff the new one. Thank you for your time. Thank you for all you do for Gresham. And may you and yours have a blessed Holiday season.

Sincerely,

Natalie Barrett

P.S. Your $10 contribution today would be a huge help to Gresham’s campaign. Please click here to contribute.

Greenville Mayor Knox White said Wednesday he thinks U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett would do a better job at economic development than the other Republican candidates for governor.

White cited the importance of job creation in endorsing Barrett, congressman for the Upstate’s 3rd Congressional District.

“We need a partner in economic development for the Upstate and for South Carolina, and I know Gresham Barrett will play that role,” White said.

“He’s got the energy, he’s got the personality to sell South Carolina. And I think at the end of the day that’s very much what this election should be about,” the mayor said.

Also vying to top the GOP ticket are state Attorney General Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, state Rep. Nikki Haley of Lexington and state Sen. Larry Grooms of Berkeley County.

http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20091216/NEWS01/91216001/Greenville-Mayor-Knox-White-endorses-Gresham-Barrett-in-S.C.-governor-s-race

“Today’s vote by the Budget and Control Board for a 5% across the board cut to the state budget underscores the unfortunate condition of South Carolina’s economy. I am deeply concerned that cuts like these will continue until our state makes an economic recovery.

“I believe real economic recovery begins with job creation, and as Governor, I will make creating jobs my top priority. We must work together to re-establish our state as the South’s leader in job creation by reforming our outdated tax code, reducing discretionary spending, improving our infrastructure, educating our workforce and empowering our Department of Commerce.”

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A former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania considering a run for the presidency in 2012 spent Tuesday evening in Bluffton to support his friend U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, who is seeking the Republican party’s nomination for governor of South Carolina.

Rick Santorum, who Barrett introduced as a rock-solid conservative, praised his friend’s leadership abilities and traditional values.

“He’s a principled conservative (and) a born leader with a personality that can bring people together,” Santorum said. “What more could you want from a governor in this state?”

Santorum, who represented Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate from 1995 to 2007, has a brother, Dan, who lives on Hilton Head Island and is CEO of the Professional Tennis Registry.

Santorum said he wants to weigh in on issues important to the United States and be a part of the process that will determine who the Republican nominee for president is in 2012.

As for running himself, Santorum said: “I’m certainly considering it.”

Santorum and Barrett spoke at Beaufort County Councilman Jerry Stewart’s Sun City Hilton Head home, where a few dozen residents quizzed them over cheese and crackers on issues such as the Jasper Ocean Terminal, polarization in American politics and health care.

Barrett discussed job creation, tax reform, education and energy, including his goal of making South Carolina a national leader in the nuclear power industry. He said government in South Carolina must be restructured to make the state a leader in the right areas.

“Too many times when we’re first we need to be 50,” he said. “And too many times when we’re fiftieth we need to be first.”

Barrett and Santorum will appear at similar events in Rock Hill and Spartanburg today.

Barrett represents the state’s 3rd Congressional District and lives in Westminster.

Other Republican gubernatorial candidates include Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, state Sen. Larry Grooms, state Rep. Nikki Haley and S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster.

Santorum, a nationally-recognized leader in the conservative movement, said he believes the upcoming election for governor of South Carolina is critical to the state’s future. “South Carolina is facing serious challenges, and those challenges require serious leadership,” said Santorum. “Gresham Barrett has proven he has what it takes to lead an economic turnaround in South Carolina. He’s run a small business. He’s led men and women in the U.S. Army, and he is the only candidate to have served in elected office at both the state and federal level. But, most importantly, Gresham Barrett is a conservative who can get things done. He can bring people together from all walks of life, unite them behind his conservative vision for South Carolina and lead this state in a new era of economic prosperity.”

Santorum also highlighted Barrett’s conservative credentials saying, “You just don’t get much more conservative than Gresham Barrett. He has earned a 98% lifetime score from the American Conservative Union. He’s been repeatedly endorsed by the National Right to Life Committee, the National Rifle Association and the National Federation of Independent Business. Simply put, Gresham Barrett is a conservative’s conservative.”

Congressman Barrett thanked Senator Santorum for his support stating, “For almost twenty years, Rick Santorum has been on the frontlines of the conservative movement. He has earned the respect and admiration of countless Americans for his principled stands on the important issues facing our nation. I am honored to have his support and grateful to call him my friend.”

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According to a new poll out this morning from Rasmussen Reports, a nationally recognized and highly respected independent polling firm, Gresham Barrett is the strongest Republican candidate for Governor overall against the Democrats.

In general election matchups, Barrett outpaces Superintendent of Education Jim Rex and State Senator Vincent Sheheen by 6 and 22 points respectively. The other good news in the numbers is that Gresham is the only top polling GOP candidate who does not hold a statewide office. That means we’ve got plenty of room to grow.

These new numbers clearly show the momentum is with Gresham heading into the new year, and we couldn’t have gotten this far without the support of our more than 3,000 donors and volunteers, like you.

But, we cannot allow ourselves to become complacent. Now isn’t the time to rest on our laurels. We must keep pushing forward. This is a marathon not a sprint after all, and we’ve got a long way to run before next November.

That’s why we’re asking for your help today.

We need you to do two simple things. First, sign up to volunteer by clicking here. We need folks from all over the state to help us spread Gresham’s conservative vision for job creation in South Carolina. Whether you’re willing to make phone calls, stuff envelopes, write letters to the editor or canvass your neighborhood, there’s an easy way for everyone to get involved with our campaign.

Next, we need you to make a contribution online by visiting http://www.greshambarrett.com/home/donate/. No matter what you can give, know that every little bit counts and will make a big difference in our campaign to build a more prosperous South Carolina.

Thank you for all that you do. We truly appreciate your support.

P.S. – To view the full poll results, visit http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/south_carolina/election_2010_south_carolina_governor_election

The State: Barrett hires campaign manager

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, has hired Luke Byars, a Spartanburg native, to head Barrett’s run for governor.

Byars has served as U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint’s state director and has run numerous S.C. campaigns including Dole/Kemp in 1996.

Nationally, Byars served as a deputry director for the Republican National Committee.

“There is no one I would rather have running my campaign than Luke Byars,” said Barrett. “He has a track record of success that speaks for itself, and his addition to our team gives us a boost as we move into a critical phase of the campaign.”

Barrett is among five Republicans seeking the party’s gubernatorial nomination. The primary is in June.

COLUMBIA, SC – U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett, candidate for Governor, today announced that longtime Palmetto State Republican political operative Luke Byars will serve as his campaign manager. Byars’ experience and well-respected reputation among grassroots activists and donors alike coupled with Barrett’s proven fundraising prowess and strong conservative credentials gives Team Barrett a shot of momentum heading in to the new year.

“There is no one I would rather have running my campaign than Luke Byars,” said Barrett. “He has a track record of success that speaks for itself, and his addition to our team gives us a boost as we move into a critical phase of the campaign.”

Byars, a native of Spartanburg, is no newcomer to South Carolina politics. Directly prior to joining the Barrett campaign, he served as U.S. Senator Jim DeMint’s state director. He has also successfully managed numerous campaigns in South Carolina including Dole/Kemp ‘96. From 2003 to 2005, Byars served as the executive director of the South Carolina Republican Party overseeing one of the most successful periods in the history of the state party.

At the national level, Byars served as the Deputy Director of Voter Programs for the RNC, and shared his insights at various campaign schools throughout the country. In 2006, Byars was named a National Journal political insider and participates in weekly political surveys and commentary for the magazine. All together, Byars has assisted more than fifty Republican campaigns during his twenty-two years of political experience.

“Simply put, Gresham Barrett is the most qualified and most prepared candidate to lead South Carolina’s economic turnaround,” said Byars. “As our next Governor, Gresham will lean on his years of experience in running a small business, serving in the U.S. Army, and leading at both the state and federal levels of government to unite individuals from all walks of life behind his conservative solutions for creating jobs and moving South Carolina forward.”

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Lawmaker seeks to stop U.S. transfer

By Gresham Barrett

November 27, 2009

On Jan. 22, the day President Obama signed an executive order to close Gitmo, I vowed to “do everything I can to make certain that the terrorists held at Guantanamo Bay do not set foot on American soil.” As a father, husband and congressman, I was deeply concerned by the distinct possibility that the president would transfer these terrorists to the Naval Brig in North Charleston.

Recognizing the security threat such a move would pose to the citizens of our state, I immediately went to work with my colleagues in the U.S. House to offer legislation prohibiting such a transfer. I co-sponsored Congressman Henry Brown’s bill, H.R. 565, which would prohibit the use of funds to transfer anyone currently held at Gitmo to the Naval Brig in North Charleston. Additionally, I co-sponsored the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act, which would require the administration to first seek permission of state governors and legislatures before transferring one single terrorist to their respective states. Unfortunately, congressional Democrats refused to bring our bills to the House floor for a vote.

Over the following months, I continued to monitor the situation closely.

In late October, the seriousness of the situation escalated dramatically. I received word from congressional sources and news reports that the Obama administration had conducted an inspection of the Naval brig earlier this fall.

The purpose of the evaluation was to determine whether it is a viable option to house transferred terrorists from Guantanamo Bay in North Charleston, and whether military tribunals could be conducted at a nearby National Guard facility. I also learned that members of a Guantanamo Bay Closure Task Force are citing the brig as their leading option to house transferred terrorists because a U.S. citizen who was captured on American soil for terrorist activity was detained there. That is an important distinction since the individuals held at Gitmo are not citizens. Moving them to our country would require another executive order to circumvent immigration law.

Resolved to the fact that congressional Democrats would continue to block our legislative remedies, I determined that it was necessary to seek alternative avenues for preventing this possible threat from becoming a reality. To that end, I decided we needed to involve the governor.

I spoke with him directly and urged him to do everything within his power, including pursuing legal action if necessary, to make certain no terrorists enter our state. He was very responsive, and I am confident he will take steps at the state level to prevent the terrorist transfer Obama is considering.

I then asked our congressional delegation to set partisanship aside and join me in signing a letter to the president informing him that we believe any plan to move terrorists to South Carolina is irresponsible, ill-advised and that we will oppose it vigorously. I was honored to have Sen. Jim DeMint, Congressman Henry Brown and Congressman Joe Wilson co-sign the letter with me.

I asked my fellow gubernatorial candidates to sign a similar letter in an attempt to highlight awareness of the issue and to show the Obama administration that opposition in South Carolina is deep and will be manifest in not only this gubernatorial administration, but the next one as well. Some of the candidates seeking the governor’s office chose not to sign the letter, and while I respect their position, I am concerned that they fail to recognize the serious nature of the security threat posed by transferring terrorists to our state.

The situation escalated even further when it was announced that five Gitmo terrorists would be tried in open courts in New York City. I am sure there are some who will continue to criticize me for being out front on this issue. But, as someone who spent nearly five years in the Army defending our national security, I am not going to apologize for raising the alarm. Vigorously opposing this plan now will either create hesitation in the Obama administration or begin to build the kind of public opposition here in South Carolina that it will take to change their minds about taking this ill-advised security risk.

“Today’s numbers are staggering, disappointing and disheartening. We cannot allow ourselves to become overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the situation and lose sight of the fact that behind every cold unemployment statistic is the face of a South Carolinian struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table.

“The impact of joblessness can be felt in all aspects of our society. But, despite the challenges, South Carolinians will not be deterred. I believe in this state. I believe in its people, and I know that with the grace of God we can overcome any challenge put before us.

“Today can be a turning point for South Carolina. Not as Republicans, not as Democrats but together as a coalition of the willing we can unite behind the common goal of re-establishing our state as the South’s leader in economic development and job creation. We will create a climate for commerce where competition thrives and where entrepreneurship is encouraged. And together, we will build a state where our success is determined by our own will to succeed.”

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The campaign stated that county co-chairs play a pivotal role in Barrett’s statewide grassroots efforts by spreading hiss conservative vision for job creation, organizing their respective communities, providing the campaign with valuable feedback, and keeping local supporters up-to-date on campaign news and events.

Summer-Strait, former Union County Republican Party Chairman, highlighted Barrett’s commitment to job creation in voicing her support for the Upstate Republican.

“Union County has been especially hard hit by the recent recession,” Summer-Strait said. “People here are looking for leadership from our next Governor. We need someone who is focused on turning around our economy. I believe Gresham Barrett is that leader. He’s run a small business. He understands the challenges facing employers in these tough times. He’s prepared to lead our state’s economic recovery, and I am proud to support him.”

Shaver added, “I have been blessed with two children. I want to do everything I can to make sure they have a bright and promising future. That’s why I am standing with Gresham Barrett. He’s a good, honest man with strong conservative principles. He has a vision for our state and he is committed to making sure South Carolina returns to its rightful place of being the Southeast’s leader in economic development.”

Barrett expressed gratitude for his Union County Co-Chairs, saying, “Beth and Bryan are a welcomed addition to our team. Their leadership in Union County will be a bright spot for our campaign. I am excited and honored to have them on board.”

Several members of South Carolina’s congressional delegation decried Friday’s announcement that five Guantanamo detainees will be tried through the military commission process and feared it could lead to the relocation of detainees to the Navy brig in Hanahan.

Attorney General Eric Holder said no decision had been made on where commission-bound detainees such as Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, a major suspect in the bombing of the USS Cole, might be sent.

But Republican Rep. Henry Brown whose district includes the Charleston Naval Consolidated Brig and surrounding community, said it’s clear terror suspects soon will be moved to American soil. While Brown said he disagrees with that move, he added, “It gives me hope that the Naval Brig was not mentioned in the attorney general’s announcement, and I will deter further comment until a location for future military tribunals has been officially determined.”

Rep. Gresham Barrett, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor, said he is exploring legal options to try to block such a move. “Moving these terrorists to New York City or Charleston, South Carolina, or anywhere in our country puts our citizens at greater risk for future terrorist attacks, and that is irresponsible, ill-advised and simply unacceptable.” he said.

Not all of the state’s congressmen are lined up against the idea of using the Hanahan brig. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., said earlier this week that the brig’s purpose is to house detainees.

Republican Sen. Jim DeMint said he has talked with personnel at the Charleston Air Force Base who said they fielded questions about the logistics of housing a large number of people who would accompany the detainees. “They had not started any proceedings, but all I know at this point is questions have been asked about space and accommodations,” he said.

DeMint said the issue of closing prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was one of “international political correctness,” and said he wouldn’t like to be called for jury duty when terrorists are tried, adding, “I would fear for myself and my family, and I think we have every reason to because of the stuff that happens around the world when terrorists are taken to court.”

Republican Rep. Bob Inglis said he twice has advised President Barack Obama that he could defuse the issue best by taking journalists and foreign leaders to the prison for a tour.

For Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, the announcement that some detainees, including professed 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, would be tried in federal courtloomed larger than the possibility that some others might be detained in South Carolina.

Graham called the trial venue “one of the most important decisions we will ever make in the war on terror” and said the White House asked him to withhold further comment until he could meet with Obama personally.

Post & Courier

Senator Lindsey Graham says he has been asked by the White House to withhold comment about Friday’s Guantanamo Bay decision until he can meet face-to-face with the President after he returns from Asia. Graham says he will honor that request.

US Attorney General Eric Holder announced today that self-proclaimed September 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other Guantanamo Bay detainees will be brought to trial in a civilian federal courthouse in New York. Holder said the Sept. 11 defendants should be tried near the site of the terrorist attacks, where their crimes occurred. Prosecutors expect to seek the death penalty. Holder said five other Guantanamo detainees, including a major suspect in the bombing of the USS Cole, will be tried through the military commission process.

Meanwhile, Congressman Gresham Barrett organized a teleconference call on the subject with media. Congressman Bob Inglis and Senator Jim DeMint participated as well.

Demint says it’s a real possibility that the detainees would be housed at some point at the Navy Brig near Charleston. “We know that this is a real possibility,” said Demint, “because we’ve talked to officials at the Air Force base in Charleston and the administration has queried them on the space that would be available to house the administrators who would be necessary to move and manage six to ten terrorists on our soil, then move them back and forth to various court proceedings.”

Demint questioned why the President would send terrorist masterminds away from an island fortress off of American shores to trials in American courtrooms which he says will now become targets for enemy combatants. “I know I wouldn’t want to be called for jury duty when these people are tried and would fear for myself and my family and I would have reason to considering the kinds of things that happen around the world when these terrorists are brought to trial.”

Inglis says the move does not make sense. “It’s just nuts not make use of the hundreds of millions of dollars we’ve spent to make Guantanamo a top prison facility,” said Inglis. “It just defies logic that we would close it, and introduce risk for the American people when the same trial could be held at Guantanamo.”

The Guantanamo renovations cost American taxpayers $275 million.

Inglis says he has written President Obama two letters respectfully suggesting that he tour the Guantanamo facility. “I wrote, ‘Sir, why don’t you invite the media to come with you to Guantanamo, as well as several world leaders, and let them take pictures. I think the conclusion would be that it’s a nice place.’ “

Inglis says Guantanamo is no longer the facility pictured in negative news stories a few years ago. He says if a person has to be in prison, Guantanamo isn’t bad.

South Carolina Radio Network

WASHINGTON – Republican lawmakers Friday bitterly criticized President Barack Obama’s decision to try accused terrorists in the United States and warned against moving detainees to South Carolina.

But congressional aides said the accused mastermind of the October 2000 bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen, Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, could be detained and tried before a military commission at the Naval Weapons Station in Charleston.

Attorney General Eric Holder said four other detainees now held with al-Nashiri at the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, will be transferred to the United States for military commission trials.

Rep. Gresham Barrett, a Westminster Republican and gubernatorial candidate, said his staff is exploring possible litigation to prevent Guantanamo detainees from being moved to South Carolina.

“We are going to try to engage every piece of ammunition we have to make sure these terrorists don’t come to the United States,” Barrett said. “They have sworn their lives’ blood to bringing death and destruction on this country. They are the worst of the worst.”

Barrett added: “To put them anywhere in America is wrong.”

State Attorney General Henry McMaster, who is running against Barrett for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, said he is prepared to file suit if S.C. lawmakers in Washington don’t prevent the transfer of alleged terrorists to the state.

“If our congressional delegation fails to stop President Obama from transferring terrorists to American soil, Attorney General McMaster would consider using any tool at his disposal to stop terrorist transfers to South Carolina,” said Rob Godfrey, a McMaster spokesman.

Rep. Henry Brown of Hanahan, a Republican whose district includes the Naval Weapons Station, has introduced a bill to prohibit detainees from being brought to South Carolina.

Other U.S. House Republicans have advanced separate legislation to block the transfer of alleged terrorists to any site in the United States. Democrats, who control Congress, have stymied both measures.

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, a Columbia Democrat, and House Budget Committee chairman John Spratt, a York Democrat, declined to comment on Obama’s decision.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, self-professed mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and four other accused plotters of that assault will be brought from Guantanamo to New York for separate trials in civilian federal court, Holder said.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, who failed last week to block trials of the accused Sept. 11 plotters in civilian courts, said senior Obama aides asked him to withhold comment on Obama’s decision until the president could meet with him after Obama’s return next week from his trip to Asia.

“As our commander in chief, I will honor his request,” Graham said. “I look forward to discussing this issue further.”

New details about the potential transfer of accused terrorists from the Guantanamo prison to the Consolidated Naval Brig in North Charleston emerged:

- Pentagon officials recently traveled to the state and asked officers at the Charleston Air Force Base detailed questions about its office space and capacity for additional administrative personnel.

- The Air Force and the Navy are both involved in discussions because Guantanamo detainees would be flown to the Charleston Air Force Base and then transported to the Navy brig 12 miles away. The air base has more room for administrative staff than the naval facility does.

- Discussions focused on the number of support staff needed to provide sufficient security and logistical aid for holding six to 10 Guantanamo detainees in the brig at the Naval Weapons Station in Charleston.

- Detainees could be held in Charleston for military commission trials there or elsewhere. They might include al-Nashiri, who allegedly devised the plan to blow up the USS Cole.

The sprawling Naval Weapons Station takes up 35,000 acres, with its headquarters located in Charleston and the brig based in North Charleston.

The new details were disclosed by Sen. Jim DeMint and by Senate aides in separate interviews. They cautioned that no final decision has been made and that other military bases on the U.S. mainland are being considered as destinations for some of the 220 detainees at Guantanamo.

Pentagon officials had previously named the Charleston brig, Fort Leavenworth in Kansas and Camp Pendleton in California as potential sites for the detainees.

“We do not want some of the most dangerous people in the world transferred to American soil, and certainly not to a facility like we have in Charleston, which is a minimum-security facility,” DeMint said.

The Pentagon classifies the Consolidated Naval Brig as a “medium-security” prison.

Two days after taking office Jan. 20, Obama issued an executive order pledging to close the Guantanamo prison within a year.

The 2009 Military Commissions Act, which Graham helped craft, requires the president to give Congress at least 45 days’ advance notice of transfer of any detainees from Guantanamo.

That deadline is approaching if Obama is to meet his goal of closing the Guantanamo prison by Jan. 22, the one-year anniversary of his executive order.

“It is clear that the wheels are in motion to move terrorist suspects to American soils,” Brown said. “We have an obligation to protect Americans from these dangerous individuals. It is disconcerting that the Naval Consolidated Brig is being considered as a possible location for Guantanamo detainees to face trial.”

The State

Today, Gresham is starting out at the Oconee Chamber of Commerce and then heads to Aiken for campaigning with local Republicans.

As always, he’ll be talking about his conservative approach to job creation and economic development for South Carolina.

I believe it’s a message that’s catching on across the state, but you don’t have to ask me. Talk to any of the over 250 new grassroots members we added to the Barrett Brigade over the last two weeks.

From Steve Peper in Charleston to Michelle McCollum in Anderson and hundred of other folks scattered around the Palmetto State, people are coming on board with Gresham because they know he’s the only candidate who can bring real conservative solutions to Columbia.

Nowhere is our support stronger than back in Oconee County. Just last week, Oconee Republicans rallied for their hometown candidate, Gresham. It was our first (but certainly not last) Barbeque with Barrett. We had so many folks show up that we ran out of barbeque halfway through the event and had to send the caterer back for more!

So on that note, we hope you’ll come out early this Thursday for our next barbeque in Powdersville at Southern Oaks Golf Course. It begins at 5:30 PM. Click here for more information.

Special thanks goes out to Republicans in Oconee, Pickens and Anderson Counties for their help with our first two Barbeque with Barrett events.

Gresham’s support is strong across the Third Congressional District because those folks know and appreciate his record as a true conservative who isn’t afraid to stand up for our values and beliefs.

Speaking of standing up, Gresham is leading the fight to keep terrorists at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba from being relocated to South Carolina. Gresham wants to use every tool at his disposal to send a strong message to President Obama that bringing known terrorists to South Carolina is unacceptable because it endangers our citizens.

One way you can stand with Gresham is to join the grassroots movement by signing this letter to President Obama. Thousands have already signed up. I hope you’ll add your name today.

Finally, always keep checking our website for the latest updates on the campaign and new features, like the three new “Ask Gresham” videos at the top of our homepage.

Until next time, see you out on the campaign trail!

After you’ve watched video, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org and consider making a contribution of your time, talent or treasure to this amazing organization dedicated to empowering our injured soldiers.

If they are brought here, as it’s reported President Barack Obama is considering, it’s not a question about keeping them safe behind bars until or when they go to trial. The danger is what could happen outside the Naval Brig at North Charleston, where the Guantanamo terrorists would be housed. Other acts of terrorism there would have to be considered.

Where suicidal terrorists are concerned, there’s always the threat that one, or more, could and would blow themselves to bits if they could take Americans with them. Anyone who doubts that only has to look at how that tactic is an ongoing threat in Iraq and Afghanistan. If that’s not enough, recall the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City that killed almost 3,000 persons.

Woman? Children? It doesn’t matter. As long as they are American they are potential targets.

Some members of the South Carolina congressional delegation have registered opposition to the idea. U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., for example, says, “Let’s be perfectly clear; risking the safety of the people of South Carolina to curry favor with America’s enemies is foolish and unnecessary. These terrorist detainees can already be tried at Guantanamo Bay. The president should spend less time appeasing the United Nations, and more time defending America’s right to protect our own people. Bringing terrorists into our communities is unacceptable and I will fight any attempt to do so.” U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett is circulating a petition to thepresident to show the people’s objection to bringing the detainees to the Palmetto State.

State officials, too, oppose the idea. State Rep. Bobby Harrell, Speaker of the House of Representatives, who is from Charleston, says, “South Carolina will do everything in our power to protect the public, but the bottom line is that the president should not be allowing these terrorists on American soil.”

Other officials also are adamant about keeping the terrorists where they are. All should be heard. If the people object, as they likely do, they, too, should make their objections known, loudly and clearly.

Most, no doubt, have legitimate concerns about terrorists being given the same legal rights as American civilians. That, too, is a slap in the face of all Americans, particularly those who lost loved ones and friends on 9/11. It also is an insult to all Americans.

Index Journal

Barrett says the Obama Administration plans to transfer up to ten suspected terrorists to the brig. Low Country Congressman Henry Brown is an original co-sponsor of the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act. Together Brown and Barrett have co-sponsored legislation to restrict funding on moving any detainees to South Carolina.

Barrett has put up legislation that would require the prior approval of the governor and legislature of a state before detainees are relocated to that state.

Barrett says the port city could already be on the terrorist hit list. “I think Charleston is a tremendous target already,” says the Republican, “and to put another nail in the coffin, so to speak, is totally unacceptable.”

Barrett says housing terrorist suspects is serious business, not like the incarceration of dime store thieves.

Barrett is running for Governor. He wrote letters to other gubernatorial candidates, asking them to sign a letter to the President asking him to stop the transfer. Democratic candidate Mullins McLeod wrote him back, and told him that he could “take his letter and shove it.” But Barrett says he’s not going to support something just because the President says so.

“The way I read the constitution, it’s three equal branches of government,” says Barrett. “I’m in the legislative branch and I represent South Carolina along with other interests and I will fight the President hand in tooth on this issue.”

Lt. Governor André Bauer is asking that Governor Mark Sanford, State Adjutant General Stan Spears, and Attorney General Henry McMaster meet with him so the state’s top executive, legal, and military leaders can determine that civilian security is not threatened by the potential transfer of detainees to Charleston. Bauer says Charleston is one of the top tourist destinations in the US and he says state leaders can’t let the issue jeopardize the state’s economic interests concentrated around the port city, including shipping and aeronautics industries.

Fellow gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley, a state representative, says Barrett’s letter to candidates asking them to write the President in opposition strikes her as grandstanding.

“Well, you know, if keeping my state safe and secure is grandstanding, then I’m guilty,” says Barrett. “If not allowing a known terrorist to come to my state and make it a bigger target is grandstanding, then guilty. If continuing to do my job as US Congressman and being forward thinking is grandstanding, guilty. I think this is getting out in front and letting the Obama Administration know exactly where South Carolina stands.”

South Carolina Radio Network

Less than 24 hours before the meet-and-greet at Live Oaks Park, U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett was in Washington, D.C., voting against the House health care reform bill that passed 220 to 215.

“I was heart-sick last night,” Barrett said before more than 80 people gathered for the event. “It was a sad day for freedom. Coming back today gives me so much hope.”

All Republican candidates running for office in 2010 were invited to speak at the event hosted by the Beaufort Area Republican Club. Only two of

five gubernatorial candidates attended.

Barrett focused his speech Sunday on what he considers three areas the state must improve:economic development, education and energy.

South Carolina must have infrastructure in place that attracts business to the area, provide adequate funding for education at all levels and explore and use nuclear power, he said.

Barrett supports developing the proposed Jasper Ocean Terminal that he said would likely have a huge economic impact on six or seven counties — including Beaufort County — if developed.

State Sen. Larry Grooms of Berkeley also heralded the Jasper port as a huge economic opportunity for South Carolina. Grooms, who serves as chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, sponsored a recent bill to restructure the State Port’s Authority. Among other things, the bill directs development of the Jasper port and gives the authority a Dec. 31 deadline to sell the shuttered port of Port Royal.

All too often the Republican party elects candidates who don’t push traditional conservative values of limited government, Grooms said.

“You’re not responsible for your neighbor’s mortgage, you’re not responsible for the failed business down the street and you’re not responsible for your neighbor’s health care,” he said. “I jumped into this race later than the rest of (the other candidates) because I know what’s at stake.”

Republicans Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, state Rep. Nikki Haley of Lexington and Attorney General Henry McMaster of Columbia are also running for governor.

Lieutenant governor candidate Tim Scott and state Rep. Shannon Erickson, R-Beaufort, who’s running for re-election, also spoke at the event.

Scott, of Charleston, has 14 years of government experience and was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2008. He vowed to stop out-of-control spending, fight tax increases, reduce tax burdens on senior citizens by increasing the state’s homestead exemption level, and strengthen state rights if elected.

“We cannot have our federal government picking winners and losers in health care,” Scott said. “We need a lieutenant governor who will stand up and say ‘absolutely not here, not now, not ever.’ ”

Erickson, who was elected in 2007, said she has and will continue to “hold the line” on spending and taxes while fighting for Beaufort County and her constituents.

“We give and give and give from Beaufort County,” Erickson said. “The time has come where we can’t keep helping our friends when we are hurting ourselves.”

Island Packet

County GOP Chairman Jerry Strawbridge to Lead Barrett’s Grassroots Effort

COLUMBIA, SC – U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett’s gubernatorial campaign today announced that Jerry Strawbridge will serve as its Saluda County Campaign Chairman. County chairs play a pivotal role in Barrett’s statewide grassroots efforts by spreading Barrett’s conservative vision for job creation, organizing their respective communities, providing the campaign with valuable feedback, and keeping local supporters up-to-date on campaign news and events.

“Gresham’s roots are in the rural community of Westminster, SC,” said Jerry Strawbridge, Chairman of the Saluda County Republican Party. “He understands the unique challenges facing counties like Saluda. He recognizes the need for economic development here and throughout our state. I am confident that Gresham has the leadership and vision to help South Carolina realize its great potential. And I know that as Governor he will put a special emphasis on the small towns and rural communities that make our state such a special place.”

Congressman Barrett thanked Mr. Strawbridge saying, “Jerry is a well-respected Republican leader in Saluda County. He has a track record of success here and I am grateful to have him on my team. I look forward to working with him to make our state an even better place to raise a family and earn a living.”

Gresham Barrett is the only Republican candidate for Governor who has built an active statewide grassroots organization. Barrett leads all candidates for Governor, both Republican and Democrats, in fundraising with more than $1.3 million cash on hand at the close of the third financial reporting period.

###

COLUMBIA, SC – U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett’s gubernatorial campaign today announced Beth Summer-Strait and Bryan Shaver will serve as its Union County Co-Chairs. County co-chairs play a pivotal role in Barrett’s statewide grassroots efforts by spreading Barrett’s conservative vision for job creation, organizing their respective communities, providing the campaign with valuable feedback, and keeping local supporters up-to-date on campaign news and events.

Beth Summer-Strait, former Union County Republican Party Chairman, highlighted Barrett’s commitment to job creation in voicing her support for the Upstate Republican.

“Union County has been especially hard hit by the recent recession,” said Summer-Strait. “People here are looking for leadership from our next Governor. We need someone who is focused on turning around our economy. I believe Gresham Barrett is that leader. He’s run a small business. He understands the challenges facing employers in these tough times. He’s prepared to lead our state’s economic recovery, and I am proud to support him.”

Bryan Shaver added, “I have been blessed with two children. I want to do everything I can to make sure they have a bright and promising future. That’s why I am standing with Gresham Barrett. He’s a good, honest man with strong conservative principles. He has a vision for our state and he is committed to making sure South Carolina returns to its rightful place of being the Southeast’s leader in economic development.”

Congressman Barrett expressed gratitude for his Union County Co-Chairs, saying, “Beth and Bryan are a welcomed addition to our team. Their leadership in Union County will be a bright spot for our campaign. I am excited and honored to have them on board.”

Gresham Barrett is the only Republican candidate for Governor who has built an active statewide grassroots organization. Barrett leads all candidates for Governor, both Republican and Democrats, in fundraising with more than $1.3 million cash on hand at the close of the third financial reporting period.

###

Ashby Rhame, a retired Army Intelligence Officer, noted Barrett’s record of public service to the citizens of our state and our nation in discussing his support for the Republican Congressman.

“Gresham Barrett is a dedicated and humble public servant,” said Rhame. “He served our country in the U.S. Army as a Captain in the First Calvary, and he is the only candidate for Governor who has held public office at both the state and federal levels. I believe these leadership experiences make Gresham uniquely qualified to step in and serve as Governor from day one.”

Bob Reagan, Sumter District 2 School Board Trustee, added, “Gresham is focused on creating jobs for our hard-working families, and he knows that one of the keys to economic development is having an educated workforce. Gresham’s vision for improving our schools includes ensuring students have a safe and disciplined learning environment and that teachers have the freedom and tools they need for success. I look forward to doing all that I can to make sure Gresham Barrett is South Carolina’s next Governor.”

Congressman Barrett expressed gratitude for his Sumter County Co-Chairs, saying, “It means a great deal to me to have Ashby, Bob and Greg heading up our grassroots efforts in Sumter County. I am honored that they have bought in to our vision for a more prosperous and more promising South Carolina.”

Gresham Barrett is the only Republican candidate for Governor who has built an active statewide grassroots organization. Barrett leads all candidates for Governor, both Republican and Democrats, in fundraising with more than $1.3 million cash on hand at the close of the third financial reporting period.

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November 3, 2009

President Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500

Mr. President:

South Carolina faces numerous challenges. Our state’s economy is struggling. Unemployment is hovering near record highs and families are deeply concerned about their future.

According to some Congressional insiders and investigative news reports that surfaced late last week, your Administration conducted an on-site tour of the Naval Brig in North Charleston earlier this fall.  The purpose was, among other things, to determine whether it is viable to house transferred detainees from Guantanamo Bay in North Charleston and if they could conduct military tribunals at a National Guard facility nearby.

The people of this state have already made it abundantly clear that any plan to move terrorists to our soil is unacceptable.

We, the undersigned Republican and Democrat candidates for Governor of the State of South Carolina, strenuously object to the potential transfer of known terrorists from Guantanamo Bay Cuba to any federal or state facility inside the State of South Carolina.

Furthermore, we believe bringing known terrorists to South Carolina for a military trial endangers our state’s citizens and makes them potential targets for some future terrorist attack.

We strongly urge you, Mr. President, not to transfer any more of these known terrorists to American soil and we would support any legal or legislative remedy opposing more terrorist transfers to the State of South Carolina.

Sincerely,

Congressman J. Gresham Barrett

“Today’s announcement from Boeing must mark the beginning of a new era of economic prosperity in our state. The public and private sector worked hand-in-hand, side-by-side to bring these jobs to South Carolina.  It goes to show that when we work together, the possibilities for advancing our state are limitless. Going forward, we must take this same approach of cooperation and collaboration as we pursue additional economic opportunities for our state. I am truly grateful for all of those whose hard work and dedication made the Dreamliner a reality in South Carolina.”

###

COLUMBIA, SC – U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett, a Republican candidate for Governor, today announced Joan Wheeler and Dr. Ron Barrett will serve as his Cherokee County Co-Chairs, making his campaign the first to announce a grassroots organization in the county. Wheeler and Barrett will lead the campaign’s grassroots efforts in Cherokee County by spreading Congressman Barrett’s conservative vision for job creation, organizing their respective communities, providing the campaign with ‘on-the-ground’ guidance, and keeping local supporters up-to-date on campaign news and events.

Joan Wheeler, former President of the Cherokee County Republican Party, highlighted Barrett’s real life experience as giving him the skills needed to serve as Governor.

“People are ready for a breath of fresh air in government and I think Gresham brings that to the table,” said Mrs. Wheeler. “He has a track record of building conservative consensus, and getting things done. And Gresham’s life experiences of serving in the U.S. Army, running a small business and serving in elected office at both the state and federal level make him uniquely prepared to deliver real results as our next Governor.”

Dr. Ron Barrett, two-term past president of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, added that Congressman Barrett has a clear vision for leading South Carolina’s economic turnaround.

“Gresham has made economic development and job creation his top priority,” said Dr. Barrett. “As our next Governor, he will focus on re-establishing our state as the leader for economic development in the Southeast. Gresham will work tirelessly to better our business climate by restructuring and reforming our outdated tax code, reducing discretionary spending, and shifting funds to improve infrastructure. I am confident that Gresham has the leadership and the vision to lead an economic revival in South Carolina, and I am proud to support his candidacy.”

Congressman Barrett expressed gratitude to his county co-chairs saying, “Cherokee is an extremely important county in this election and we are building a grassroots team there that is second to none. I am so thankful to Joan and Ron for offering up their leadership. I look forward to working with them as we work together to make South Carolina more prosperous and more promising.”

Gresham Barrett is the only Republican candidate for Governor who has built an active statewide grassroots organization. Barrett currently leads all candidates for Governor, both Republican and Democrats, in fundraising with more than $1.3 million cash on hand at the close of the third financial reporting period.

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COLUMBIA, SC – The Gresham Barrett for Governor Campaign today announced Jeff Richards will serve as its Laurens County Co-Chairman. As co-chair, Richards will lead Gresham Barrett’s grassroots efforts in Laurens County by organizing his community, providing the campaign with feedback, and keeping local supporters up-to-date on campaign news and events.

Richards, owner of Badcock Home Furnishings Center of Clinton, noted Barrett’s conservative record as a chief reason for his support.

“Gresham is a true conservative, and if you need proof of that, you need look no further than his record in Congress,” said Richards. “He has a 98% lifetime ranking from the American Conservative Union and earlier this year the Club for Growth named him a Defender of Economic Freedom. You just don’t get much more conservative than Gresham Barrett.”

Congressman Barrett thanked Richards saying, “Jeff is a well-respected business leader and I can think of no one I would rather have leading our grassroots efforts in Laurens. I am grateful for his support and look forward to working with him as we move South Carolina forward.”

Gresham Barrett is the only Republican candidate for Governor who has built an active statewide grassroots organization. Barrett currently leads all candidates for Governor, both Republican and Democrats, in fundraising with more than $1.3 million cash on hand at the close of the third financial reporting period.

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]]> http://www.greshambarrett.com/home/2009/10/barrett-announces-laurens-county-chairman/feed/ 0 http://www.greshambarrett.com/home/2009/10/barrett-announces-kershaw-county-co-chairs/ http://www.greshambarrett.com/home/2009/10/barrett-announces-kershaw-county-co-chairs/#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:26:34 +0000 B.J. Boling http://www.greshambarrett.com/home/?p=828 BARRETT ANNOUNCES KERSHAW COUNTY CO-CHAIRS
Ed Galloway and Pat Stokes Will Lead Grassroots Efforts

COLUMBIA, SC – U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett’s gubernatorial campaign today announced Ed Galloway and Pat Stokes will serve as its Kershaw County Co-Chairs. County co-chairs play a pivotal role in Barrett’s statewide grassroots efforts by spreading Barrett’s conservative vision for job creation, organizing their respective communities, providing the campaign with valuable feedback, and keeping local supporters up-to-date on campaign news and events.

Ed Galloway, a Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor with an investment firm in Camden, underscored the need for South Carolina to have a business person as its next Governor.

“It is clear to me that we need someone who has run a business running our state,” said Galloway. “In the business world, you learn to be efficient. You learn to operate from a bottom-line perspective and that’s something we desperately need in Columbia. Gresham brings those skills to the table and I am confident he is the right candidate to lead South Carolina’s economic turnaround.”

Pat Stokes, a former educator with over thirty years experience in the Kershaw County School District, said she sees in Gresham many of the same qualities she saw in the late Governor Carroll Campbell.

“Carroll Campbell took ‘a get things’ done approach to government and economic development that yielded tremendously positive results for our state and our families,” said Stokes. “I see in Gresham many of those same leadership qualities. Like Campbell, Gresham is principled, honest and results driven. And Gresham is committed to finding conservative solutions for the challenges facing South Carolina. I am proud to serve as his Kershaw County Co-Chair.”

Congressman Barrett said he was grateful to have such strong supporters on his team in Kershaw County. “Ed and Pat are both highly thought of in Kershaw and that’s a reputation they’ve earned over the years through their public service and dedication to their communities. I am honored to have them on my team and I am excited about working with them as we work to take South Carolina where she has never been before.”

Gresham Barrett is the only Republican candidate for Governor who has built an active statewide grassroots organization. Barrett leads all candidates for Governor, both Republican and Democrats, in fundraising with more than $1.3 million cash on hand at the close of the third financial reporting period.

###

From the Hilton Head Island Packet:

Barrett, who represents South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District, devoted much of his 10 minutes to telling the group his plans to encourage economic development, improve education and create jobs.

“If we’re going to change this nation, we need to do it one state at a time,” Barrett said. “We need a plan for South Carolina. In our first 90 days in office, we will take South Carolina to where she’s never been before.”

Fundraising totals for the financial quarter are in, and U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett still holds the fundraising lead over other Republican and Democratic contenders running for governor.

Excluding the money candidates have transferred from other accounts, as well as loans and gifts they have given to their campaigns, Barrett, a Westminster businessman, has raised $1.3 million to date.

While Attorney General Henry McMaster has about $1 million on hand, about 73 percent of it was transferred from his attorney general re-election account.

“Congressman Barrett’s conservative vision for job creation in South Carolina has struck a chord with voters and donors throughout the state,” said B.J. Boling, Barrett’s spokesman.

Once carryover money, loans and gifts are discounted, Democratic front-runner Sen. Vincent Sheheen of Kershaw County comes in second place. He has raised more than $730,000 -about half of Barrett’s total.

And surprisingly, state Rep. Nikki Haley, who posted low fundraising for the financial quarter that just ended, comes in third place with about $359,000 raised since she announced her candidacy.

STRATEGIES THAT WORK

The way to the governor’s office is paved with money.

And the candidates are using various strategies to fill their war chests to pay for campaign events, travel, staff and, in 2010, take their message to the air waves.

- Candidates, including Haley and state Superintendent of Education Jim Rex, are using a straight-up strategy of asking supporters to write checks in lieu of loaning or giving their campaigns personal money. Haley, a Republican, brought in about $359,000 in the quarter that just ended while Rex, a Democrat, raised nearly $82,000.

- Some, like Attorney General Henry McMaster, are transferring money from other re-election accounts into their gubernatorial accounts. Nearly 73 percent, or about $800,000 of McMaster’s $1.1 million, has come from his attorney general account. When the transfers are excluded, McMaster’s team has raised nearly $303,000. Barrett transferred $328,0000 of his nearly $1.7 million total from his congressional account.

“We are extremely proud so many of Attorney General McMaster’s past contributors have given us permission to transfer their donations to his campaign for governor,” said Rob Godfrey, McMaster’s spokesman, noting that each donor has given written permission to transfer his or her donation from McMaster’s 2006 re-election campaign to his gubernatorial campaign account.

- Others, like state Sen. Larry Grooms of Berkeley County and Charleston attorney Mullins McLeod, are relying on large personal loans and gifts. Grooms, a Republican, took out a $260,000 loan to fund his campaign and raised about $74,000. McLeod, a Democrat, gave his campaign $100,000 and raised $280,000.

It doesn’t matter how candidates get the money, said Bruce Haynes, a Virginia-based political consultant who has worked on South Carolina campaigns.

It only matters that they have it to spend, he said.

“The strategy that works best is the one that gets you the most money in the bank the soonest,” Haynes said. “Most voters don’t look deep to understand the process of why you’re leading in fundraising. They just understand you have more money than anyone else and that superficially indicates that you have more support than anyone else.”

But political fundraiser Elizabeth Donahue disagrees. She said the amount a candidate raises, excluding loans and transfers, is the real test of his or her campaign’s strength and an indicator of how the candidate will fare in a race.

“It actually shows the level of support they’re getting from voters,” said Donahue, owner of the Columbia-based Donahue Agency. “The person who is really raising money, not taking out loans and doing transfers, is the front-runner.”

Dear South Carolina Republican:

What a beautiful state you have to call home! After spending the past few days in Charleston, I have once again seen the natural beauty and friendly people here. Y’all (that’s a new word for me) welcomed my family and me and for that I am indeed grateful.

The primary reason for my visit to the Lowcountry was to assist my good friend Gresham Barrett who is running to be your next Governor. From the time we first met in 2002, Gresham has not only been a reliable friend of mine—he’s been one of the most reliably conservative members of the entire Congress.

But that’s really not what makes Gresham Barrett so unique–and so uniquely qualified to be your next Governor. Gresham will make a great Governor, because Gresham believes as I do that for conservatives to succeed, we must not only stand firm and say “no” when the Democrats and the political left continue their never-ending quest to grow government…but we must also have our own plans (and health care is just the latest example of this.)

As Governor, Gresham will lead South Carolina’s economic turnaround. He will focus on reducing wasteful spending, reforming the state’s punitive tax structure, improving infrastructure, re-establishing the Port of Charleston as the gateway between the east coast and the world, bringing new businesses to the state and offering innovative incentives for native businesses to grow and expand.

I have said for years that I’m a proud conservative, “but a conservative with a smile on my face.”
Gresham Barrett has been one of those standing right by my side with the same smile on his face. Gresham is 100% pro-life. He’s been repeatedly endorsed by National Right to Life Committee and the NRA. He’s a six time recipient of the National Taxpayer Union’s Taxpayer Friend Award and holds a 98% lifetime score from the American Conservative Union. You don’t get much more conservative than Gresham Barrett.

I hope you’ll join me in supporting Gresham. He’s a good man. He’s a Godly man. He’ll make a
great Governor for your state.

Sincerely,

Congressman Mike Pence

Scores 87 Percent on CCAGW’s Congressional Ratings

Washington, D.C. – The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) today honored Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-S.C.) as a Taxpayer Hero for scoring 87 percent on its 2008 Congressional Ratings. The average for the entire House was 35 percent, and the average for the Senate was 38 percent; this makes Rep. Barrett’s achievement that much more impressive. Since 1989, CCAGW has tracked roll call votes to separate the taxpayer advocates in Congress from those who favor wasteful programs and pork-barrel spending.

The 2008 Congressional Ratings cover the voting year 2008, the second session of the 110th Congress. CCAGW rated 48 key votes in the House and 42 in the Senate.

“Rep. Barrett put the interests of taxpayers ahead of politics by consistently voting to cut wasteful spending, reduce the tax burden, and make government more accountable to taxpayers,” said CCAGW President Tom Schatz. “The 2008 Congressional Ratings show that many elected officials continue to demonstrate little regard for the harmful effect a large and cumbersome federal government has on taxpayers’ wallets. Out-of-control spending reigned over Capitol Hill, leading to a record $1.6 trillion deficit in fiscal year 2009, and an $11.8 trillion national debt. Rep. Barrett’s votes give taxpayers hope for the future.” House Democrats scored an average of 6 percent; House Republicans scored an average of 70 percent. In the Senate, the average for Democrats was 4 percent, and Republicans averaged 72 percent.

CCAGW’s website, www.ccagw.org, features the complete 2008 Congressional Ratings, including vote descriptions, scorecards for the House and Senate, and averages by chamber, party, and state delegation. In the House, Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.) was the sole “Taxpayer Super Hero” with a grade of 100 percent. In 2007, there were three House members with a perfect score. In 2008, there were 59 “Taxpayer Heroes” with a grade of 80 percent or above, the same as in 2007. The big difference was in the number of members with a perfectly abysmal score of zero. In 2006, there were nine House members with a zero rating, and in 2007 there were only two. In 2008, however, the number of members with a score of zero skyrocketed to 34; a 1,600 percent increase and an indication of growing partisanship as all of them are Democrats.

In 2006 and 2007, there were no “Taxpayer Super Heroes” (scoring 100 percent) in the Senate, and, unfortunately, that did not change for 2008. There were, however, a total of 14 “Taxpayer Heroes,” one fewer than the 15 in 2007. The two highest scores were achieved by Senators Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) at 98 percent. There were 17 senators with a score of zero, compared to 13 in 2007. Five senators scored zero for the second year in a row, including current Vice President Joe Biden (D-Del.), Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), then-Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), and Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.).

The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste is the lobbying arm of Citizens Against Government Waste, the nation’s largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.

The State: Barrett leading in race for cash
GOP congressman among candidates for governor

By GINA SMITH
gnsmith@thestate.com

So far this quarter, U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, a Westminister Republican, leads both the Republican and Democratic gubernatorial pack in fundraising.

Friday, Barrett’s campaign announced more than $400,000 in new money raised during the third quarter. He’s transferred another $140,000 over from his congressional fund and has $330,000 on hand.

“Thousands of people have invested in Gresham Barrett and his conservative vision for leading South Carolina’s economic turnaround,” Barry Wynn, Barrett for Governor finance chairman, said in a prepared statement.

Meanwhile, Democrat Dwight Drake, a Columbia attorney and former lobbyist, announced Friday he has raised more than $300,000 in the seven weeks since he announced his run. He enters the fourth quarter with nearly $231,000 in cash on hand.

“We are grateful for the strong, early support Dwight Drake is getting from South Carolinians who know he is the best, most experienced choice to get the state working again,” said Taylor West, Drake’s spokeswoman.

Sen. Vincent Sheheen, a Kershaw County Democrat, finalized his fundraising total Friday, announcing more than $230,000 raised.

“I’m humbled by the outpouring of support for my campaign,” said Sheheen, a Camden attorney who enters the new quarter with more than $627,000. “In every corner of this state, South Carolinians have thrown their support and energy behind my efforts to bring a new generation of leadership to our great state.”

Democrat Mullins McLeod announced his $210,000 quarter tally Thursday. That includes $100,000 the Charleston attorney donated to his own campaign.

Campaign adviser Lachlan McIntosh said the $100,000 is a sign of McLeod’s commitment to change in South Carolina.

The seven remaining candidates have yet to release their totals: Democrats Amos Elliott, a Charleston pastor; Sen. Robert Ford of Charleston; Jim Rex, state superintendent of education; as well as Republicans Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, Sen. Larry Grooms of Berkeley County, Rep. Nikki Haley of Lexington County and state Attorney General Henry McMaster.

They have until Thursday to report their fundraising totals with the state Ethics Commission without penalty.

Barrett continues to garner substantial support from a wide swath of South Carolinians. All told, he has received contributions from more than 2,500 individuals, businesses and entities.

“Thousands of people have invested in Gresham Barrett and his conservative vision for leading South Carolina’s economic turnaround,” said Barry Wynn, Barrett for Governor Finance Chairman. “They recognize he has the real world leadership experience, integrity and unique ability to bring people together to solve our state’s most serious challenges.”

In addition to the $400,000 in newly raised money, Barrett also transferred more than $140,000 from his congressional account to the gubernatorial campaign, a process the campaign will continue throughout the election.

Including the newly raised money and transfers, the Barrett for Governor Campaign now has over $1.3 million cash on hand. Additionally, the Barrett for Congress account still has more than $330,000 cash on hand available.

###

“Congratulations to President Obama on his prize. I’m not sure what the international community loved best; his waffling on Afghanistan, pulling defense missiles out of Eastern Europe, turning his back on freedom fighters in Honduras, coddling Castro, siding with Palestinians against Israel, or almost getting tough on Iran. The world may love it, but following in the footsteps of Jimmy Carter is not where America needs to go. Hopefully, this surprise award will give the President cause to reevaluate his current course.”

By Ashley Byrd
October 1, 2009

Third District Congressman Gresham Barrett has signed on to a letter urging Speaker Nancy Pelosi to fast-track an amendment to prevent abortions being covered by any health care plan that comes out of Congress.

It’s to bring attention to an amendment supported by anti-abortion advocates from both parties. Barrett says,”It was kind of co-authored by Bart Stupak from Michigan and Joe Pitts of Pennsylvania, two dear friends of mine, one Republican, one Democrat and pro-life members. what we’re doing is urging Mrs. Pelosi to allow us to have a vote on this amendment which would not allow state-sponsored or government-funded abortion.”

Whileto his knowledge, specific abortion funding is not in the bill, Barrett says this amendment would be a preemptive measure, asking that if any bill makes to the floor, there would be no way abortion is covered.

“The most important issue that we deal with is life and there are a lot of members–Republicans and Democrats—who do not believe in abortion and certainly not government-sponsored or government-funded abortion,” says Barrett.

A House committee already defeated Bart Stupak’s amendment to stop abortion funding, so the next step for him would be the House Rules Committee authorizing a vote for his amendment on the floor. Pelosi reportedly has agreed to meet with her party’s anti-abortion contingent.

http://www.southcarolinaradionetwork.com/2009/10/01/barrett-joins-call-for-anti-abortion-amendment-in-hr-3200/

Dear Gresham,

I just wanted to drop you a note and say thanks for everything you’ve done the past couple weeks. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your willingness to immediately stand up for me in the heat of battle.

Specifically, I want to thank you for writing the President and urging him to live up to his word by calling on his Democratic colleagues to end their attacks. I also want to express my gratitude to you for both your public and private statements of support during these past few weeks.

You and I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the conservative cause. Together, we fought the administration’s massive stimulus package. Together, we took on the excessive spending in Washington and together, we have worked to bring about the real health care reform our hard-working families deserve.

Thanks again for your support and I look forward to working with you in future.

Sincerely,

Joe Wilson
U.S. Representative

Dear Friend,

Semper Fidelis.

It means always faithful, and in the Marine Corps, it is more than a motto. It is a way of life.

The same holds true for Gresham Barrett. He is a good man and a strong leader who is true to his word, his convictions, his family, and his country.

I know a thing or two about challenges and the leadership needed to overcome them. I was blessed to humbly serve this country for more than thirty-three years in the United States Marine Corps. I led men into battle in Vietnam, and I retired as a Major General. Through my experiences, I have learned that, at its core, leadership is about character.

Throughout his life as a military man, a family man, a small businessman and public servant, Gresham Barrett has demonstrated the strong character our state needs in its next Governor during these challenging times.

I am convinced that Gresham is the leader our state needs. But, he cannot get there without our help.

I know times are tough right now. I know money is tight. But, to help get Gresham elected, to help turn South Carolina around and clean up the mess in Columbia we need a contribution from you. Whether $500, $100, $50 or $10 – your contribution will make a tremendous difference in his campaign. Contributing is easy. All you have to do is click here.

As our next Governor, Gresham will focus on making the Palmetto State the South’s leading economic development engine again, re-establishing the Port of Charleston as the central gateway between the east coast and the world, reforming our tax structure, reducing spending, recruiting new business, and rewarding companies who already call South Carolina home by providing them unique opportunities to grow and expand.

Tomorrow marks a crucial fundraising deadline. So, if you too stand with this good man – if you believe in a bigger and brighter future for this great state – it is especially important that you contribute today.

Thank you for your time and your consideration.

Sincerely,

Major General (Ret) James Livingston
Medal of Honor Recipient

Barrett focused on economic development, speaking specifically about the port in Jasper County and its potential economic impact if redeveloped.

His other priorities include making sure teachers “can teach and not spend all of their time bogged down in paperwork,” along with promoting South Carolina as a leader in clean nuclear energy production.

“I want to leave South Carolina better off,” Barrett said.

To read more about Gresham’s visit to the Lowcountry, click here.

“Tonight, Gresham Barrett proved why he is uniquely qualified to lead South Carolina’s economic turnaround. He is the only candidate who has run a small business, led as a Captain in the U.S. Army, and served at both the state and federal level in elected office. Those experiences have prepared Gresham to serve our state as Governor in these challenging times.

“You can sum up all of Gresham’s plans for South Carolina in one word – JOBS. As Governor, Gresham will focus on making our state the South’s leader in economic development, re-establishing the Port of Charleston as the gateway to the east coast, reforming our tax structure, reducing wasteful spending, recruiting new business, and rewarding companies who already call South Carolina home by providing them opportunities to grow and expand.”

Dear Fellow Republican,

A breath of fresh air.

It’s exactly what our Party and State needs in our next leader. And it’s exactly what Gresham Barrett displayed at tonight’s debate.

Gresham proved why he is hands-down the best candidate to bring real, conservative reform to Columbia.

His experiences as a small business owner, Captain in the U.S. Army, and elected official at the state and federal levels make him uniquely qualified to start leading on day one. His commitment to conservative principles and having a campaign of solutions elevates him above the rest.

Tonight, you have an opportunity to be part of this historic grassroots movement to change South Carolina and make our state great again by joining Gresham’s team.

We’ve quietly spent the last six months building what we call the Barrett Brigade – a strong, organized group of folks in all 46 counties who are committed to fighting for a better South Carolina. And in the weeks to follow, we’re going to unveil new, innovative ways to get involved in Gresham’s campaign as we march toward the primary.

From the re-launch of our website with new tools to empower our army of supporters to our upcoming “BBQ with Barrett” grassroots events where we’ll hear directly from you on how to improve our state, we’re running a ground-breaking grassroots operation that’s unlike any other campaign before. (And we even have a few plans that we aren’t ready to reveal just yet. So, stay tuned!)

But it’s not too late to get on board. It’s as simple as clicking here.

If you believe that we can again make South Carolina the South’s number one economic development engine, finally fix the education mess, expand health care choices with free market principles, dramatically cut unemployment, and really put South Carolina back to work, then this is the campaign for you.

Change doesn’t always come easy or without hard work. And the only way we’re going to be successful in this fight is to have Republicans like you on our team.

I hope you’ll join the Barrett Brigade today because we have a unique opportunity to make history. And in the weeks and months to come, we’re going to do just that.

Sincerely,
Justin E. Stokes
Political Director

P.S. Won’t you join the Barrett Brigade right now?

While the debate is sold out, we’ve got the next best thing going. Come out to the Opera House beforehand to show your support for Gresham and then join us to watch the debate from Flying Pie Pizza in Newberry. After the debate is over, stick around to meet and greet Gresham.

PRE-DEBATE RALLY
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Out Front of the Newberry Opera House
1201 McKibben Street
Newberry, South Carolina

DEBATE PARTY WITH GRESHAM BARRETT
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
7:00pm – 9:30pm
Flying Pie Pizza
1506 Main Street
Newberry, South Carolina

TO RSVP Click Here.
For more information, call 803.255.8095

COLUMBIA, SC – U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett’s gubernatorial campaign today announced that Gresham Barrett will campaign in York and Chester Counties on Thursday, September 17th.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA

WHO: Congressman Gresham Barrett

WHAT: Meet and Greet

WHEN: Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 8:00 a.m.

WHERE: Excel Staffing
1030 Edwards Street
Rock Hill, South Carolina

CHESTER, SOUTH CAROLINA

WHO: Congressman Gresham Barrett

WHAT: Chester County GOP BBQ

WHEN: Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 4:45 p.m.

WHERE: Chester State Park
729 State Park Drive
Chester, South Carolina

###

Gresham at the Apple Festival from Gresham Barrett on Vimeo.

Gresham and I enjoyed sharing Labor Day with so many of our “Barrett Team” volunteers and all the friendly folks in Chapin! We walked through the beautiful town of Chapin and saw many new and familiar faces.

About half way through the parade, I heard someone calling my name from their lawn chair. It was Barbie and Reed Creswell and their family. Barbie went to school with my sister, Leigh at Lander University. I had not seen her in years! Reed’s family is from McCormick and Barbie’s family is from Hampton, SC.

What a small world. Also, it was good to have some of our past Oconee neighbors walk with us in the parade. Todd and Catherine Latiff and their family have moved from Seneca to Chapin. They love living in Chapin and we can certainly see why. Chapin is one of those towns that you visit and think to yourself…”I could live here.”

Looking forward to seeing everyone this Friday at the
49th Annual Apple Festival parade. It starts at 4:00.

Hope to see you there!

In this Issue

A Note from Gresham | A Look Back at the Barrett Means Business Bus Tour |
Are You in 20 for 10? | In the News | Upcoming Events
A Note from Gresham

Dear Friend,

Fall is in the air. Football season has finally kicked off and our campaign is running full steam ahead. Every day we’re picking up momentum, and every day more and more folks are joining our team. I am humbled by and grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received.

Our positive message of job creation is really hitting home all across South Carolina. Whether I’m down in the Low Country, over in the Pee Dee or in the Upstate, people are telling me the same thing – we want a governor who will bring people together to turn our state around.

With your help, that’s exactly what we’ll have.

Thank you for getting involved. Thank you for standing with us, and thank you for helping to make South Carolina a better place to live, earn a living and raise a family.

God Bless,

Gresham Barrett

A Look Back at the Barrett Means Business Tour

Last month, Gresham set out on his Barrett Means Business Tour. In just four days, Gresham made seventeen stops across South Carolina. He met with some of our state’s brightest business and community leaders to find out what it’s going to take to turn around our economy and to create new, better-paying jobs.

Along the way, Gresham heard from employers of all shapes and sizes – major corporations like Timken in Gaffney to local mom and pops like Thayers Gifts in Greenwood. No matter where he went, folks wanted to know how Gresham would help create jobs for hard-working South Carolinians.

As our next Governor, Gresham will focus on re-establishing the Port of Charleston as the central gateway between the east coast and the world, cutting taxes and reforming our tax structure, reducing discretionary spending, aggressively recruiting new business, and rewarding companies who already call South Carolina home by providing them unique opportunities to grow and expand.

Gresham truly believes that together we can again make South Carolina the South’s number one economic development engine. Finally fix the education mess. Expand health care choices with free market principles. Cut unemployment in half. And really put South Carolina back to work.

Are You in 20 for 10?

20 for 10 is an easy way for our most dedicated grassroots supporters to make a positive impact on South Carolina’s future. By contributing $20 per month from now until the election, you can make sure Gresham has the resources he needs to get his positive message of job creation and economic opportunity out to the voters. Our goal is to sign up 20 members a month between now and the end of the year, and the sooner we get folks on board, the more it helps. So, sign up today and ask your friends to do the same!

In the News

‘Barrett campaigning for governor on jobs platform’ by Jason Evans One word sums up U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett’s campaign for governor. “The governor’s number one job is jobs,” Barrett said. “He should wake up every day and ‘What am I going to do for South Carolina? How am I going to create jobs?’” South Carolina should offer business packages that are competitive across the Southeast, he said. (The Pickens Sentinel 8/30/09)

‘Talk of health care split not flying with Gresham Barrett’ by Terry Cregar Talk of splitting a health-care reform bill that some U.S. lawmakers see as a way to get legislation through Congress isn’t swaying at least one Upstate congressman’s take on the measure. Speaking following an address to around 90 people packed into Taste of Distinction Restaurant and Catering near Easley on Thursday, 3rd District Congressman Gresham Barrett said he doubts the new strategy would change the overall tone of the proposed legislation. (The Greenville News 8/21/09)

‘Barrett: No. 1 concern as governor will be jobs’ by April Bailey Turning things around in South Carolina is all about jobs, jobs, jobs, said U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett. He stopped at Especially Seniors in Aiken Tuesday afternoon as a part of his “Barrett Means Business” bus tour across the state. The four-day tour began on Monday. During the tour, Barrett, who is looking to become South Carolina’s next governor, will visit businesses and colleges throughout the state to discuss job creation and economic development. (The Aiken Standard 8/11/09)

‘Private sector, not government, should grow economy, Barrett says’ by Lee Tant Congressman Gresham Barrett, R-S.C., says he’s running for governor to show that the bottom-up approach to government works. “I believe with all my heart if we’re going to change this country around, it’s going to be one state at a time,” Barrett said. “It’s all about jobs. It’s about empowering people and not the government. It’s growing the economy through the private sector, not the government,” he said. (The Orangeburg Times and Democrat 8/14/09)

Upcoming Events

Friday, September 11th | The Westminster Apple Festival Parade

Now that Labor Day has come and gone, campaign season is in full swing and we need your help. On Friday, September 11th, Gresham will walk in the annual Westminster Apple Festival Parade. And we want you there!

Participating in the parade is easy. All you have to do is let us know you’ll be there by emailing justin@greshambarrett.com and then, show up at Westminster Baptist Church | 212 E. Windsor Street | Westminster, SC at 3:30pm on Friday, September 11th.

We’ll provide the stickers, candy, signs and t-shirts. Remember to wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking. Feel free to bring your whole family and invite your friends and neighbors.

New unemployment numbers were released this morning, and the figures aren’t pretty:

• Nationally, the unemployment rate climbed by nearly a third of a percent; up from 9.4% in July to 9.7% in August.

• Last month, 216,000 Americans lost their jobs and the latest reports point to further weakness in the economy.

• And right here in South Carolina, our unemployment rate continues to hover above 12%.

In spite of the facts, the Obama Administration and Democrats in Congress continue to stand by the broken stimulus program insisting “we’re headed in the right direction.”

Their relentless commitment to staying the course of more government spending, increased intervention and forced takeovers isn’t the solution; it’s precisely the problem. Their plan takes us down a path of economic disaster.

We deserve better. And here in South Carolina, we can do better.

I have long said if we are going to take this country back, we’re going to do one state at a time. And it starts right here, right now.

We will chart a much different course than President Obama, and restore the Palmetto State to a leading destination for job creation and economic development. This goal is the primary focus of my campaign for governor. And it all starts with what I call “The Three E’s” – economic development, education and energy.

We have to once again create a free market environment in South Carolina where our job creators are unleashed. Where taxes are low, spending is down, and regulation doesn’t choke innovation. We need an education system that challenges our children with choice, rewards excellence, and graduates it too. We need schools that prepare our children not just for tests, but for success in the working world. And we need a state policy that recognizes energy as an engine for job creation and economic diversity. We need a plan that will make South Carolina the energy capitol of the nation within a decade.

But more easily, I can sum up my plans for South Carolina in one word: Jobs.

I’m a former small businessman who grew up in the family business. I know what it’s like to create jobs, cut through government red tape, and try to make a living. That’s why I have long fought for the taxpayers of South Carolina and opposed the culture of wasteful spending in our state and national capitols.

The reality is simple. Our economy is in trouble. People are hurting. And our job is clear. We have to convince people that the way out of the woods is not the way we got in. We cannot return to bigger government, more intrusion in our lives, or spending that we can’t afford.

As Governor I’ll work to replace government as our single largest employer, lead South Carolina to become the energy capitol of the South, and reestablish the port of Charleston as the central gateway between the east coast and the world.

And with your help, we can make that vision a reality.

The Congressman wants to know if you support or oppose President Obama’s takeover of government health care. To vote, click here.

And, as always, let us know what you think. We’re constantly looking for new and better ways to spread the Congressman’s vision for creating jobs in South Carolina online. We’d love to hear what ideas you have.

The single biggest government takeover of our economy in United States history is happening in Congress RIGHT NOW.

And I’m asking you to stand with me to stop it.

Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and the liberal Democrats in Congress are furiously pushing a no holds barred government takeover of health care. They want a Washington run monopoly that will put government in charge of the doctors you see and the treatment you receive.

And we cannot let that happen.

I’m running for Governor as a common sense conservative. My background is in small business. I’m a Citadel graduate, a former Army artillery captain, and a proud husband and father of three.

As a Congressman, I was honored to be endorsed by the National Right to Life Committee, the NRA, Citizens Against Government and to have received the National Taxpayers Union Taxpayer Friend Award six times.

And now I’m trying to take that conservative approach to state government.

As a candidate for Governor, I’ve spent the first few months of my campaign focused on a positive message of job creation and economic development. I’ve been traveling the state talking about how we can make South Carolina the South’s leading engine for economic development again by growing our economy, reducing government spending, and working together again.

And the response has been incredible. People want conservative leadership that works. They want to put the poison political in-fighting behind us and get back to the conservative principles that once made South Carolina great.

But to do that, we have to take care of some business in Washington first. The hard, cold reality is simple: If we let Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi take over 20% of our economy and hand it to government bureaucrats, it will set us back decades if not centuries. Their policies will raise hundreds of billions in taxes and bankrupt our country with over a trillion dollars in deficit spending. And absolutely no corner of South Carolina will go untouched.

As conservatives, we can and we must stop this massive government takeover.

Recently, Congressional Quarterly compiled national ratings on every Congressman in the country and their support or opposition to President Obama.

Because of my strong leadership against stimulus spending, cash for clunkers, and wasteful Democrat programs, they ranked me the second most opposed to President Obama of any Congressman in the country.

My response was simple: Second place isn’t good enough.

So know this:

When we’re done with the health care debate, no one in the nation will have opposed President Obama more.

As someone who ran a small family business, I know that we can’t afford a risky big government experiment with our medical care. I know we can’t afford a top down, Washington monopoly on health policy, or trillions in new spending to grow government.

They can call it a public option. They can call it government health insurance. But when we’re done debating it this fall, here is what we must call it: Dead, buried, and gone forever.

If you agree, please take a moment to get involved with our campaign and stand with me in opposition to this massive government takeover. And if you believe South Carolina can lead the nation in economic development and job creation the old fashioned way with pro growth policies diametrically opposed to President Obama’s, then join my growing South Carolina team.

And more importantly, thank you for your commitment to the conservative cause. It has never been needed more than now.

Columbia lobbyist and Democratic candidate Dwight Drake says as governor he’d wake up in the morning and go to bed at night thinking about job creation.

At his first press conference as a gubernatorial candidate, Republican Attorney General Henry McMaster’s carefully polished message was his 10-point plan for fixing the economy.

To no one’s surprise in a state with an unemployment rate of nearly 12 percent — highest in the South and sixth-highest in the nation — the economy is emerging as a hot issue in next year’s race to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Mark Sanford.

“I’ve seen a number of polls over the last two months, all of which indicate the economy is the most important issue by far,” said Columbia lawyer and Democratic activist Richard Harpootlian. “And education is No. 2.”

Political consultant Richard Quinn of Columbia said some 70 percent of South Carolina voters now cite economic issues as their top concern, the highest percentage he’s seen in nearly 30 years of polling.

“It’s the central issue on the minds of voters,” said Quinn, whose clients include McMaster and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham.

What the candidates propose to do about the economy is just beginning to emerge, with McMaster the first to release a formal plan last week. Among other things, it calls for an advisory forum of top business leaders, tax reform and improving children’s reading skills.

State Rep. Nikki Haley of Lexington, another Republican candidate, said she’d be releasing an economic development plan in coming weeks. In the meantime, she’s promising to spend more than half of her time as governor working to create jobs.

Charleston lawyer Mullins McLeod, a Democrat, vowed to make “job creation and economic development the No. 1 priority in my administration” and state Sen. Vincent Sheheen, Camden Democrat, said he’d “be personally involved in recruitment of industries.”

State Sen. Robert Ford, a Charleston Democrat, said he’d revive the video poker industry and tax it heavily to generate new jobs and new revenue for investing in the film industry and a tutoring program.

“The governor’s number one job is jobs,” Barrett said. “He should wake up every day and ‘What am I going to do for South Carolina? How am I going to create jobs?’”

South Carolina should offer business packages that are competitive across the Southeast, he said.

“That’s who we’re competing against,” Barrett said.

Government’s role is “to set the table,” he said.

“To make sure the infrastructure in place, to make sure the rules and regulations are not onerous, that we’re not over-burdening our businessmen and businesswomen,” Barrett said. “But once that table’s set, we get the heck out of the way.”

The three categories that fall under Barrett’s jobs platform are economic development, education and energy.

The Port of Charleston is essential to the state’s economic future, Barrett said.

“One out of every 10 jobs is directly related to ports,” he said. “We’ve got to make sure the Port of Charleston is our gateway to the coasts.”

“When the Panama Canal is widened in the next three years, container traffic will increase three-fold,” Barrett said. “Making sure we can move that container traffic is extremely important.”

Infrastructure is also essentially for attracting new industry, he said.

“You put the infrastructure in place and they will come,” Barrett said. “We’re a plug-in society. Businesses are the same way. They want to come in, they want to plug in and they want to start working today.”

The state’s tax structure needs to be brought into the 21st century, Barrett said.

“If you had a garden hose that’s been repaired as many times as the South Carolina tax code, you’d throw it out and get a new garden hose,” he said.

Barrett favors a holistic approach to overhauling the state’s tax structure.

Regulations are tying the hands of businesspeople across the state, he said.

“Government should be a partner, not a competitor, in business,” Barrett said. “These rules and regulations cost businessmen and businesswomen money every day.”

School districts are so strapped for cash that teachers are forced to buy supplies for their students.

“There’s something wrong with that picture,” Barrett said. “Why are these funds not funneling down to our classrooms?”

Barrett believes in helping not only K-12 classrooms, but higher education, including community college.

The governor should meet with education leaders every quarter, with the goal of constantly pushing education forward, he said.

“What are we going to do with all these young people we’re educating?” Barrett asked.

“Where are they going to work? Let’s put them to work in the energy industry. A nuclear reactor welder can make $40,000 – $70,000 a year.”

The four nuclear reactors in the works are each “$10 billion investments,” he said.

-The Pickens Sentinel

“With unemployment hovering around 12 percent, this is a time that South Carolina needs to be 100 percent focused on job creation and economic development.  And when we’re talking about impeachment, special sessions or this press conference, we’re not talking about jobs.  That’s why this continuing controversy only sets us back.  We need everyone in South Carolina working together to create jobs and fix our economy.  And unfortunately, that’s just not happening right now.
“I’m sure the Lt. Governor is trying to do what he thinks is right.  That’s what people elect us to do and in the end they get to judge for themselves.  But my position remains the same.  Regardless of what the Lt. Governor or legislature does or doesn’t do, I believe the Governor is the one person who can step up and put an end to this before it becomes a three ring circus.  I know that’s a tough decision.  I can only imagine.  But I know he loves South Carolina and my hope would be that he will look at this all carefully and decide to do the right thing.  South Carolina has to get back to the business of creating jobs again. And that is getting harder and harder each day.”

Speaking following an address to around 90 people packed into Taste of Distinction Restaurant and Catering near Easley on Thursday, 3rd District Congressman Gresham Barrett said he doubts the new strategy would change the overall tone of the proposed legislation.

“It’s not going to dramatically change the construction of the bill,” Barrett said. “I have a problem with both the bill’s funding and the nuts and bolts.”

Barrett touched on other issues, including cap-and-trade, taxes and cash for clunkers, during his 30-minute speech to members of Easley Chamber of Commerce and the Powdersville Council, but most of the focus was on health-care reform.

Top Democrats in Washington are hinting this week that they may abandon a bipartisan effort to pass reform, with the Senate considering action that would eliminate the need for Republican support. Called “reconciliation,” the legislative strategy allows legislation to pass with a simple majority, thus avoiding the 60 votes needed to break a filibuster.

The 48-year-old former Westminster businessman told a friendly audience that health-care reforms are needed, but the House bill he has read doesn’t address the current system’s high costs.

“The Congressional Budget Office has said costs will go up,” he said.

Barrett said he has introduced an amendment to the House bill that would require all members of Congress, congressional staff and senior administration officials to enroll in the government-run health-care program, a move that drew loud applause from the audience.

Barrett said the sometimes rowdy town hall meetings being held across the country this month are being attended primarily by citizens who are “doing what they’re supposed to do.”

“These aren’t radicals, or extremists or right-wing agitators. These are men and women, boys and girls, the old and the young, black, white — concerned citizens who are afraid of what’s happening in their lives,” Barrett said.

Barrett, who has been campaigning across the state for the GOP nomination for governor in 2010, said that while the federal Cash for Clunkers program is a good idea, he voted against the initial $1 billion allocation and the second round of funding because the government couldn’t afford it.

“We didn’t have the money to put into the program,” he said, “and now we have dealers across this state who literally are a week from closing or going out of business because they can’t get the government to honor the commitment on the cars they’ve sold.”

Administration officials have said dealers will get their money.

Greenville News

By Terry Cregar

http://www.aikenstandard.com/results/0812gresham#comments

The Aiken Standard: Barrett: No. 1 concern as governor will be jobs
By April Bailey

Turning things around in South Carolina is all about jobs, jobs, jobs, said U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett.

He stopped at Especially Seniors in Aiken Tuesday afternoon as a part of his “Barrett Means Business” bus tour across the state. The four-day tour began on Monday.

During the tour, Barrett, who is looking to become South Carolina’s next governor, will visit businesses and colleges throughout the state to discuss job creation and economic development.

The tour was also scheduled to make stops in Rock Hill, Lancaster and Columbia on Tuesday.

“It’s about putting people to work and growing the economy,” the Republican congressman said as he outlined his keys to economic growth for the state. Creating jobs begins with better utilizing the state’s ports, making infrastructure improvements and creating incentives for business owners to grow.

On the campaign trail, Barrett said what he hears most from South Carolinians, is “we want someone who will work for us.”

As governor, Barrett said his focus would be working to bring businesses to the state.

“In my opinion, the governor’s No. 1 job is jobs,” he said.

The state government also needs reform, according to Barrett.

“We’ve got businessmen and women working in the 21st century, and we’ve got a government that’s working in the 18th century,” he said.

Talk shifted to the national health care debate when Aiken resident Robert Whitehouse told Barrett he hopes the congressman will “vote down the expansion of national debt.”

Barrett said the proposed legislation is not the fix the country needs, making a comparison to the Cash for Clunkers program for vehicles.

“If we can’t handle a $1 billion program, how are we going to handle a $2 trillion program?” he asked.

Robbie Yarborough, owner of Especially Seniors, also expressed concerns about the health care proposal, saying he is unsure of the requirements that would be placed on business owners.

Barrett will take a break from campaigning today to be with his son, who is heading off to college.

The “Barrett Means Business” tour will start back up on Thursday and continue through Friday.

http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2009/08/12/met_544154.shtml

The Augusta Chronicle: Governor candidate Barrett talks issues in Aiken
Would-be governor talks about what state needs
By Preston Sparks | South Carolina Bureau Chief
Wednesday, August 12, 2009

AIKEN — U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett was in Aiken on Tuesday, stumping to be South Carolina’s next governor; but before things got started, an Aiken resident referenced another job.

“My name is Robert Whitehouse,” he said with a big smile. “Does that give you any inspiration?”

Laughing, Mr. Barrett responded, “Nice to meet you Mr. Whitehouse” and quickly began addressing several federal and state issues while visiting workers with Especially Seniors, which provides in-home care services for seniors.

It was the fourth and final stop of the day for Mr. Barrett, a Republican, along his “Barrett Means Business” bus tour.

After hearing concerns from Mr. Whitehouse about the growing national debt, Mr. Barrett said, “There’s only so many times you can take in $100 and spend $150.”

Mr. Barrett then heard from Robbie Yarborough, of Especially Seniors, who had concerns over how proposed health care reform might affect his business.

“This fix is not the fix we need,” Mr. Barrett said, later adding that he had heard similar worries from other businesses on his tour across the state.

Mr. Barrett talked about how as governor he would focus on job creation, strengthening South Carolina’s ports, improving the state’s infrastructure and restructuring government. He said businesses shouldn’t be taxed more as their profit increases and that they need an incentive to grow.

He said he would favor having a liaison who could streamline questions and concerns of businesses.

Asked about the current woes of Gov. Mark Sanford, Mr. Barrett simply said, “The only thing I can control is Gresham Barrett.” But he later added, “I think people are ready for some change,” contending that voters want an active governor who’s focused on jobs.

He said that’s why the governor’s race is getting so much attention 10 months before the primary.

“I believe with all my heart if we’re going to change America … we’re going to do it one state at a time,” Mr. Barrett said.

NBC Augusta: Gresham Barrett stumps in Aiken
Aug 11, 2009 at 11:15 PM
By Dustin Blanchard

South Carolina Gubernatorial candidate Gresham Barrett had jobs on his mind on Tuesday during a bus tour of small businesses in Aiken.

He talked to workers at Especially Seniors.

The in-home care workers shared their concerns about healthcare and business issues they encounter in South Carolina.

The US Representative told them, if elected governor, he’d have liaisons to help businesses navigate the state.

He says his platform is to rework the Governorship to help create jobs.

“We’re talking about education, energy, but it all boils down to jobs,” said Barrett. “Growing the economy through the private and not the public sector.”

Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer, Attorney General Henry McMaster and State Senators Nikki Haley and Larry Grooms are also running for the Republican nomination for Governor.

http://www2.scnow.com/scp/news/politics/local_govtpolitics/article/congressman_barrett_stops_in_florence_to_campaign_for_governor/69367/

The Florence Morning News: Rep. Barrett stops in Florence to campaign for governor

By Dwight Dana
Morning News reporter
Published: August 13, 2009

FLORENCE — “Come on in and sit down, we’ve got plenty of room,” Gresham Barrett said early Thursday as he made a campaign swing near Florence in a motor home. “I even brought the rain with me.”

Barrett is seeking the Republican nomination for governor of South Carolina. He currently represents the 3rd District as a U. S. Congressman.

Barrett was on the third leg of a four-day campaign swing throughout the state. He was heading to Myrtle Beach after Florence.

He said he was running for governor because “I believe with all my heart that if we’re going to change this nation, we’re going to do it one state at a time. And you will make this change from the bottom up, not the top down.”

The 1983 Citadel graduate is campaigning on three key issues, economic development, education and energy.

“But I think I can sum up my whole campaign with three words,” he said, “and that is jobs, jobs, jobs. We’ve got to put people back to work.”

Regarding economic development, he said the port of Charleston needs to be the gateway to the East.

“With container traffic increasing, it’s extremely important that our ports are number one,” he said. “One out of every 10 jobs is directly related to the ports. When I think about the businesses whose life blood is the port of Charleston, I think of Fuji, Caterpillar, Michelin and BMW.”

Barrett said infrastructure can’t be overlooked. He said infrastructure must be in place to entice business into the state.

In the area of government restructuring he said, “If we’re going to give the governor more responsibility, let’s give him the authority. And more than government restructuring, it’s taxation restructuring and we need to do it through a holistic view by looking at the tax code in its entirety.”

Barrett said discipline and accountability are needed in the public school classrooms. And he said the money doesn’t seem to be filtering down to the classrooms.

He said community colleges are a boon to the state because they are helping people that don’t have jobs to get jobs and people who do have jobs to get better jobs.

“I believe South Carolina can be and should be the nation’s leader when it comes to nuclear energy,” he said. “We’ve got four nuclear reactors in the state and those are $10 billion dollar investments. Nuclear energy is clean energy. The nuclear field can create jobs, economic opportunity and can lower the cost of doing business in the state.

“So I think when you put those three together, economic development, education and energy, you get politics out of government and come up with common sense solutions that work for the people. I think it’s a winning combination.”

Barrett said the motor home tour is giving him a chance to “sit down with folks.” He said it’s also a convenient way to travel because he can do paperwork and talk on the phone between destinations.

And what are the main concerns he’s hearing.

“I repeat, it’s jobs, jobs and jobs,” he said. “People are saying they want the government to be a partner, not an impediment. And many of those I talk to are nervous about President Obama’s health care plan.”

http://www.lcni5.com/cgi-bin/c2.cgi?151+article+News+20090811184835151151013

The Lancaster News: Barrett bus tour stops at USCL
By Christopher Sardelli

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett spoke with teachers, students and administration at the University of South Carolina at Lancaster on Tuesday at one of many planned stops on his “Barrett Means Business Bus Tour.”

Barrett, R-District 3, is hoping to be elected governor of South Carolina in 2010 and has been traveling around the state, getting the word out about his campaign.

While at USCL, he met with Dr. John Catalano, dean of the campus. The two discussed state funding for the school, as well as funding formulas and statistics about the school’s students. Catalano told Barrett that USCL accepts 99 percent of its applicants and has a 65 percent success rate, the second highest of any two-year campus in the state.

Catalano urged Barrett, if elected, to realize how beneficial USCL is to the surrounding communities.

“I hope that if you become governor, you will educate more and more students, not less,” Catalano said. “How does it help to close a campus like this?”

Incumbent Gov. Mark Sanford had proposed closing USCL as part of a plan to restructure the state’s college system. The proposal failed to pick up much support in the Legislature in the last session.

Barrett said he understood Catalano’s concerns.

“You could say they (USCL’s students) could go somewhere else, but, really, they might not be able to get in,” Barrett said.

Before moving on with the tour, Catalano joked about a pen he had just given Barrett.

“Notice there’s a 50th anniversary pen there,” Catalano said. “That would look real good in your shirt.”

Joining Barrett on his tour of the USCL campus were first-year student Ryan Payne and Bob Bundy, a biology and chemistry professor at USCL.

“It was a very good honor to meet him,” said Payne, a political science major. “This was very interesting.”

As part of his platform, Barrett is emphasizing economic development, education and energy issues. If elected governor, Barrett said he plans to stimulate economic growth by upgrading the state’s ports and infrastructure.

He’s also placing an importance on job creation, businesses and limited government intrusion.

“Everything I’ve said can be boiled down to one word – jobs,” Barrett said. “The government has to set the table, but once we do that we get out of the way. There should be as little intrusion as possible.”

Barrett is serving his fourth term in the U.S House of Representatives. He serves on the Financial Services Committee, the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Ethics Committee.

http://www.thetandd.com/articles/2009/08/14/news/doc4a861ea7a14e3492837009.txt

The Times and Democrat: Private sector, not government, should grow economy, Barrett says

By LEE TANT, T&D Staff Writer
Friday, August 14, 2009

Congressman Gresham Barrett, R-S.C., says he’s running for governor to show that the bottom-up approach to government works.

“I believe with all my heart if we’re going to change this country around, it’s going to be one state at a time,” Barrett said.

“It’s all about jobs. It’s about empowering people and not the government. It’s growing the economy through the private sector, not the government,” he said.

Barrett, who is effectively giving up his U.S. House seat to run for governor, made a campaign stop at Cox Wood Preserving in Orangeburg on Friday.

He said Orangeburg County officials have the right idea by marketing the area as a national and international center for transporting goods. Barrett said the county’s Global Logistics Triangle can capitalize on the expansion of the Port of Charleston.

“As the ports grow, we can take advantage of the additional business. It will give people jobs and put them to work. It really turns this economy around not only in Orangeburg but South Carolina in general,” Barrett said.

Barrett said the state’s public schools need more discipline in the classroom and less paperwork for teachers. He noted he is a public school graduate and his wife, Natalie, is a first-grade teacher.

“My wife says she spends 95 percent of the day disciplining kids and doing paperwork and there’s little time to teach. We’ve got to make sure teachers have the flexibility to meet (accountability) standards but to go outside those standards,” he said.

In addition, he said more of the state’s money needs to reach the classroom. If that happens, Barrett thinks that will put more highly qualified teachers in updated facilities.

He also feels higher education institutions need to cooperate more instead of competing with each other.

“I think the governor can be a catalyst for that,” he said.

As governor, Barrett said he would hold a quarterly meeting with all state agency heads to discuss how they are moving the state forward.

Matt Yaun, the director of sales and marketing at Cox Wood, told Barrett his company is concerned about how cap-and-trade legislation in Congress would affect business.

The bill would cap the greenhouse gases that businesses could emit. Companies could then reduce emissions to meet the target or buy credits from those that have reduced their emissions.

Yaun said a large percentage of Cox Wood’s customers are energy providers.

“It will make us less competitive in an extremely negative way,” he said.

The cap-and-trade bill passed the U.S. House earlier this year. Barrett is opposed to the legislation. If the bill does pass the Democrat-controlled Congress, Barrett wants to see provisions that will promote nuclear energy.

“I think South Carolina can lead the nation when it comes to nuclear power. If we’re going to solve our baseload capacity issues, that’s the only way we’re going to do it,” he said.

Barrett also said President Barack Obama’s push to reform the health care system does nothing to address cost. He fears Obama’s proposal will take health care decisions away from doctors and patients and put them in the hands of a federal bureaucrat.

“We do need reform. … But the Obama plan is not the way to go,” Barrett said.

Yaun told Barrett he doesn’t like federal interference with private business, saying all Cox Wood’s employees already have health insurance.

Barrett said he brings real-world experience to the table. He cited his service in the U.S. Army and owning a furniture store as examples.

“The number one thing is cooperation, people working together. That’s my philosophy,” he said.

http://www.thesunnews.com/news/local/story/1021606.html

The Myrtle Beach Sun News: Rep. Barrett pushes gubernatorial message early
Republican talks economy on bus tour
By Claudia Lauer
clauer@thesunnews.com

The race for governor in South Carolina may still be a blip below the radar for a lot of people, but Republican U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett is banking on hitting the ground early and hard to help him stick out in an increasingly crowded field of potential and confirmed candidates.

Barrett began the “Barrett means Business” bus tour this week, which is taking him around the state to talk business and economy to small business owners and the state’s unemployed workers. The bus stopped in Socastee and Pawleys Island on Thursday.

“One prerequisite that I have for any public official is that they have experience in business,” Barrett told Don King, owner of King’s Florist in Socastee. “Whether you’re a florist or a school board member … 90 percent of what we do is personal relationships. Something we’ve been lacking, or something I want to see, is a governor who brings people together.”

A handful of local politicians including Horry County Councilman Gary Loftus and S.C. Rep. Alan Clemmons showed up at the florist shop for Barrett’s stop, and mostly employees sat in on the meeting in Pawleys Island at technology firm Mercom Corp. Barrett said he plans to circle back to the area in other legs of his campaign. The former S.C. representative represents a district that borders Georgia and North Carolina, making name recognition an uphill battle and crisscrossing the state a necessity.

King said he was excited for the stop at his shop, and to hear Barrett’s stance on issues that affect small businesses.

“If we brought factories or something that would enhance this area, it would make it better for everyone,” he said.

While riding the bus from Socastee to Pawleys Island, Barrett outlined his plans to deal with some of the economic issues affecting the state, including what he said was a need for tax reform and a focus on bringing industry and businesses to the region. Barrett called renewing the focus on the ports and increasing infrastructure major parts of his economic plan.

He has been dealing with backlash from a vote to support the $700 billion bailout. He’s been voting against stimulus plans since then, but during a stop in Greenville earlier this year, Barrett was booed almost off stage during an anti-tax tea party.

Barrett was careful when answering questions about bringing money to South Carolina if he is elected governor.

“I think the governor was right, but the legislature was right, too. It’s important that we live within our own means, but once the battle lines are drawn, those are monies set for South Carolina, and if we don’t take advantage of them …,” he said, trailing off.

When asked about the repercussions from Gov. Mark Sanford’s affair with an Argentinian woman and possible misuse of state-owned planes, Barrett was silent. He has backed down from his call a few weeks ago for the governor’s resignation.

“I can only answer for myself. I am Gresham Barrett, and I am pitching my vision for South Carolina. I’d like to let the past be the past,” he said.

Politics1.com, a Web site that keeps tabs on state and national races and keeps links to candidate Web sites, listed 16 potential and confirmed candidates and two politicians who have dropped from the running for the governor’s race. Only three states have more crowded gubernatorial races for the upcoming election cycle.

Other Republicans seeking the nomination for governor include Attorney General Henry McMaster, S.C. Sen. Larry Grooms, S.C. Rep. Nikki Haley and possibly Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer as well as a few other S.C. senators. There are five Democrats who are officially running and a handful of others who are potential candidates in the Democratic bid.

Well, we’re just about to roll into the parking lot here at King’s Florist, but check back later!

WESTMINSTER — “Barrett for Governor” signs lined the windows of the luxury tour bus that Congressman Gresham Barrett came to Westminster in Monday.

The Westminster native officially kicked off the “Barrett Means Business Bus Tour” at his brother’s downtown business, Barrett Trading Company.

He plans to visit 17 locations throughout the state, making his case to be the next governor and promoting the role of small business in the state and in nation.

“In South Carolina, there are 82,000 small business,” he said. “That’s 97 percent of total businesses. There needs to be incentives for them. We need to empower people, not the government.”

And Barrett had no problem summing up his entire reason for the tour.

“I’ll spell it out, J-O-B-S,” he said.

Barrett added that, for South Carolina, honing in on our port capabilities, sewer and water availability, as well as improving roads and bridges would be the cornerstone to turning the state around for the better.

“It’s great to have these industries like Fuji and Caterpillar, but we need to take a two-prong approach,” he said. “Small business needs to stay strong as well. That’s what I want to see.”

And, while acknowledging that the term “shovel ready” was a bit overused, Barrett said he doesn’t want to see potential industries opting to start up in another state.

“Volkswagon was considering setting up here,” he said. “But because we only had the land and no road access, water, etc, they decided on Chattanooga, Tenn. The plant was lost because the Tennessee site could show the necessary infrastructure and the South Carolina site couldn’t.”

Barrett will be visiting Lancaster, Columbia, Aiken, Florence, York, Charleston, Sumter, Orangeburg, Newberry and Greenwood. The tour will conclude back in Oconee County on Friday.

“I see great things for South Carolina, and I also believe fully that I can beat (Attorney General Henry) McMaster,” Barrett said, referring to the Republican primary candidate expected to give him his most difficult race.

SC Radio Network News: Barrett bus tour in high gear

by Tom Hayes on August 11, 2009

Republican gubernatorial candidate, U.S. Representative Gresham Barrett, began a four day statewide bus tour in the Upstate Monday. Barrett is visiting businesses and colleges to discuss job creation and economic development. “If we’re going to turn this thing around, government is not going to turn this thing around. It’s about empowering people, putting people to work, growing the economy through the private sector, not the government sector. It’s all boils down to one word and that’s jobs.”

Barrett made stops Monday in Westminster, Anderson, Piedmont, Duncan and Gaffney. Gresham’s bus pulls into Columbia Tuesday.

Barrett says South Carolina continues to be a fertile environment for attracting new business and industry. “We need to make sure that when businesses and industries come looking , whether their looking in Oconee, or Columbia, South Carolina, or Charleston they have an opportunity to see what’s available all over this state because what affects Spartanburg directly or indirectly affects every part of this state.”

The Augusta Chronicle: Barrett brings campaign to Aiken

AIKEN — U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett was in Aiken today, stumping to be South Carolina’s next governor, but before things got started an Aiken resident referenced another job.

South Carolina governor candidate Gresham Barrett, center, speaks with Especially Seniors owner Robbie Yarborough, left, and Andrew Siders, of Vista Bank, during a visit to Especially Seniors in-home care in Aiken.

“My name is Robert Whitehouse,” he said with a big smile, shaking Mr. Barrett’s hand. “Does that give you any inspiration?”

Laughing, Mr. Barrett responded, “Nice to meet you Mr. Whitehouse” and quickly began addressing several federal and state issues while visiting with workers at Especially Seniors, which provides in-home care for seniors. It was the fourth and final stop of the day for Mr. Barrett, a Republican, along his “Barrett Means Business” bus tour.

After hearing concerns from Mr. Whitehouse about the growing national debt, Mr. Barrett said, “There’s only so many times you can take in $100 and spend $150.”

Mr. Barrett then heard from Robbie Yarborough, of Especially Seniors, who had concerns about how proposed health care reform might affect his business.

“This fix is not the fix we need,” Mr. Barrett said, later adding that he had heard similar worries from other business people on his tour of the state.

At the Aiken business Mr. Barrett talked about how as governor he would focus on job creation, strengthening South Carolina’s ports, improving the state’s infrastructure and restructuring government. He said businesses shouldn’t be taxed more as their profit increases. He said businesses need an incentive to grow.

He said that he also would favor having a business liaison person who could better streamline questions and concerns of businesses.

http://www.independentmail.com/news/2009/aug/10/barrett-launches-statewide-tour-hometown/?printer=1/

The Anderson Independent Mail: Barrett launches statewide tour in hometown

By Ray Chandler
Originally published 04:19 p.m., August 10, 2009
Updated 04:19 p.m., August 10, 2009

WESTMINSTER — Standing in the doorway of his brother’s new store Monday, U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett sounded the theme he hopes will carry him to the South Carolina governor’s mansion.

”My whole theme is J-O-B-S, jobs,” said the three-term Republican congressman. “I want to empower people (to create jobs). Government’s job is setting the table and then getting the heck out of the way.”

Setting the table, Barrett elaborated, meant expanding South Carolina’s port facilities, improving roads and bridges, boosting water and sewer availability and even facilitating development of Internet access.

As an example, Barrett pointed out that Volkswagen had considered a site in his own Third District for a new plant before ultimately choosing to go to Chattanooga, Tenn.

“In great part,” Barrett said, “the plant had been lost because the Tennessee site could show the necessary infrastructure and the South Carolina site couldn’t.”

Also critical, Barrett said, is a better approach to the state government’s relationship with business development.

“We have businesses operating in the twenty-first century but a (state) government operating in the eighteenth century,” he said.

Barrett emphasized that while large-scale businesses were important, small businesses, such as his brother Lee’s new sporting goods store, Barrett Trading Co., were the backbone of the state.

”We have 80,000 small businesses,” he said. “That’s 97 percent of the businesses in South Carolina.”

Barrett’s appearance in his hometown Monday morning kicked off his Barrett Means Business listening tour that will spend the next few days traveling the state with his message of economic revitalization.

From Westminster, the tour went to Anderson, where Barrett was to tour the Glen Raven mill on the Liberty Highway and later Vulcan Materials in Piedmont.

Other planned stops include Lancaster, York, Columbia, Florence, Aiken and Charleston before beginning a swing back toward the Upstate with stops in Sumter, Orangeburg, Newberry and Greenwood.

Historically, South Carolina politics has revealed a rivalry between the uplands and the coastal areas. However, Barrett said he was confident that he could compete with Attorney General Henry McMaster, considered a main contender for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, even in the lower part of the state.

© 2006 The Anderson Independent Mail

by Michael Brown on August 7, 2009

Third Congressional District Congressman Gresham Barrett has offered an amendment on the new government health care program. Barrett’s amendment requires members of Congress and senior administration officials to enroll in the program because he says “if the plan is good enough for American families, it’s good enough for Washington bureaucrats.”

“I think you gotta get back to basics. Jim DeMint has been a stalwart, especially in the Senate when it comes to this health care debate because he’s speaking the truth,” says Barrett.

Barrett spoke with Charleston affiliate WTMA, and agreed with Senator DeMint’s opposition to President Obama’s health care plan. He says people across the nation are starting to realize the plan is not all it was intended to be; originally Obama’s Health Care Reform Bill called for $1 trillion, now, Barrett says it is costing nearly $2 trillion.
“It’s gonna be an organization of the federal government that’s gonna tell me and you, with the help of a federal bureaucrat, how we are going to take care of our health and our children’s health, rather than me and you and our doctor. I think people are starting to realize what change has meant. President Obama has said he was gonna bring change, and this is the change,” says Barrett.

Barrett also says change has taken place in the Republican party as well.

“In 2006 when the Democrats took over, all we had to do, all the Republicans had to do, was look in the mirror. Government was out of control, big spending was out of control. We had become the party of big government, and the people said ‘you know what, I think the Democrats can do better,’ and now, I think they are starting to see a little buyer’s remorse,” says Barrett.

The congressman says there’s plenty of blame for both parties.

Barrett is also a candidate in the 2010 gubernatorial race for South Carolina.

http://www.independentmail.com/news/2009/aug/07/barrett-planning-statewide-campaign-bus-tour/

By Rick Spruill (Contact)

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett will travel the state in a motorcoach next week, listening to what people have to say.

Barrett, a Republican from Westminster, is a candidate for governor.

Beginning Monday at 9:45 a.m., he will kick off a Barrett Means Business bus tour in his hometown of Westminster, and spend the next several days “listening and gathering the best ideas from our brightest business and community leaders” from across the state, Barrett said Friday.

“One of our goals is to turn around our economy, and get South Carolina moving forward, and to create jobs,” he said. “We need everyone working together toward that common goal.”

Barrett will tour the Glen Raven mill on the Liberty Highway in Anderson beginning at 11 a.m. Monday, followed by a 12:15 p.m. stop at Vulcan Materials in Piedmont.

He will spend the next three days traveling to places such as Lancaster, Columbia, Florence, Aiken and Charleston before beginning a swing back toward the Upstate with stops in Sumter, Orangeburg, Newberry and Greenwood.

Log on to www.greshambarrett.com/home/2009/08/barrett-means-business-bus-tour/ for more details.

by Michael Brown on August 7, 2009

An Upstate South Carolina congressman running for governor explains what government needs to do to see real change. On the list of candidates for the 2010 gubernatorial race for South Carolina is 3rd Congressional District Congressman Gresham Barrett.

“I believe our forefathers had it right, if you’re gonna institute real change in America, you’re gonna have to do it from the bottom up, from the states up, and I still believe in the Tenth Amendment, I believe in the state’s rights,” says Barrett.

Barrett made his comments on Charleston affiliate WTMA’s Rocky D show this week, and said what needs to happen if government really wants to change things around.

“We’re going to empower people, not government. We’re gonna help business and industry supply an environment where people can live, thrive and survive, and then get government out of the way, and I think we can do that in South Carolina,” says Barrett.

Barrett says growing the government is not the way to grow the economy.

Next week, we’re hitting the road on the Barrett Means Business bus tour. For four days, we’ll travel the highways and biways of South Carolina meeting with our state’s brightest business and community leaders to find out what it’s going to take to turn around our economy and to create new, better-paying jobs.

I truly believe that together we can again make South Carolina the South’s number one economic development engine. Finally fix the education mess. Expand health care choices with free market principles. Cut unemployment in half. And really put South Carolina back to work.

So, check www.GreshamBarrett.com often as I plan on doing some live blogging from the road. Can’t wait to get out there!

Met Gresham in Columbia on Tuesday night. We had dinner with Richard and Melba Jackson and had a great evening. Gresham is working in the Charleston area today and will be home later tonight.

We are excited about our “Barrett means Business” Bus Tour next week. We will kick off the week in Westminster visiting friends and family on Main Street. Then, we will make our way to Anderson, Spartanburg and Gaffney and hit most of the state over the next four days. We are looking forward to meeting new business leaders as well as catching up with old friends along the way!

We had a great weekend with the family. Gresham didn’t get out of DC until late Friday night, so he didn’t get to make the trip to Goose Creek. We were happy because that meant more time for him to spend with us at home. We had lunch at a diner in Westminster and got to see some of our past customers from our furniture store. It was great to see familiar, warm, caring folks from home! Many of them have urged Gresham to run for Governor because he stands for character, integrity and possesses many qualities that aren’t always associated with politicians. They believe in him and his principles as a devoted husband, father and public servant. However, a few people warned that if you run for state office, it will not be a pleasant experience just because that is the nature of “politics.” I hope we can prove them wrong!

My sister has shared an awesome tomato pie recipe with me and I tried it this weekend!! I only like tomatoes this time of the year when I can go to my dad’s house and get them fresh off the vines. I will put the tomato pie recipe in my next blog in case you want to try it!! My daughter and I are also working on a family cookbook. I come from a long line of excellent cooks and we want to share some of our recipes. If you like to cook as much as I do, you will enjoy it!!

Now that Congress has let out for the recess, I’m excited to be back home, traveling the state, and campaigning. It’s a lot of work. But it’s a lot of fun, too. And after 7 months of fighting President Obama and Washington Democrats, I can’t wait to hit the trail with you!

I believe campaigns are about ideas. And I firmly believe ours is taking off because of them. Our commitment to change South Carolina has excited a lot of people.

Job creation, tax reform, energy independence, spending cuts, and education reform are all things South Carolina needs. And all things I will fight to deliver on day one as Governor.

We just can’t afford for state government to remain our state’s single largest employer. The Port of Charleston must once again become the central gateway between the east coast and the rest of the world. To grow new and old business, we have to make our corporate tax rates the most competitive in the South. Discretionary spending must be cut so we live within our means. And we have to make education successful, by challenging our children and giving more choices to parents.

Click Here to Donate

Our conservative principles and commitment to change Columbia with real reforms that will impact every one of our citizens is precisely why our campaign has taken off. You may remember that some tried to declare our campaign over shortly after it began. But it will take a lot more than wishful thinking by our political opponents. Not only is our campaign far from finished, but the accomplishments we have
achieved together have set the bar in this race.

• We’ve raised nearly a million dollars in less than four months. Almost DOUBLE our nearest opponent, with DOUBLE the number of donors, and roughly 1.5 million available in campaign accounts.

• Last quarter, we raised almost as much money as the entire prospective Republican field PUT TOGETHER.

• Our burn rate is nearly HALF that of our top opponents.

• We are the ONLY candidate for Governor with a strong statewide grassroots organization active in every target county.

• Private and public polls show this race a DEAD HEAT even though two of our opponents are known statewide, and we still have room for tremendous growth. Poll

• In the past few weeks, our statewide JOBS tour received rave reviews, the national taxpayer watchdog group Club for Growth gave us their “Defender of Economic Freedom” award, and Congressional Quarterly reported that I’ve OPPOSED President Obama more than any other member of Congress in the nation but one.

Click Here to Donate

Clearly, this has all been fabulous news for our campaign. Our momentum is real. Our crowds are growing. And we’re exactly where we want to be as we wrap up this summer and move this campaign into the fall.

But we must be diligent. Our political opponents and those opposed to changing Columbia aren’t going to go easily. As our campaign continues to pick up steam we can count on them to say or do anything. But phony accusations will only hurt their campaigns, not mine. And we will expose these tired tactics with facts and recognize their efforts for what they are – desperation politics.

South Carolina deserves better. And together, that’s what we’re going to give her.

I truly believe that together we can again make South Carolina the South’s number one economic development engine. Finally fix the education mess. Expand health care choices with free market principles. Cut unemployment in half. And really put South Carolina back to work.

Click Here to Donate

And I absolutely believe that together, these strong conservative ideas will continue to drive our growing momentum all the way to the Governor’s office.

Thank you for your support. As always, I appreciate your time, money, and work. Because of you, we have a unique opportunity to make history. And in the weeks and months to come, I look forward to doing just that.

God Bless,

Gresham

PS- Don’t wait around! Get even more involved today! Just click here.

For more information, visit http://atr.org/south-carolina-gubernatorial-candidates-sign-taxpayer-a3622

Barrett was 1 of 52 members of Congress to earn award based on support for economic growth issues in Congress

WASHINGTON, DC – Chris Chocola, President of the Club for Growth, the nation’s leading free-market advocacy organization with over 40,000 members announced that Congressman Gresham Barrett has earned the annual Defender of Economic Freedom award. The award honors members of Congress who have a strong voting record on economic growth issues.

“With his score of 91, Gresham Barrett is a champion of the pro-growth agenda,” said Chocola. “As 1 of 52 congressional members to earn this award, Congressman Barrett has demonstrated a strong commitment to economic freedom and free-market principles.”

This award is based on certain votes in 2008 that the Club for Growth tracks on its scorecard. The study included a comprehensive examination of each lawmaker’s record on pro-growth policies and computed an Economic Growth Score on a scale of 0 to 100. A score of 100 indicates the highest support for pro-growth policies. Those lawmakers scoring 90 or higher receive the Defender of Economic Freedom award.

“The scorecard is an important tool in providing constituents the opportunity to see how their representative and senators vote,” Chocola added. “These bills promote economic growth and create more jobs for all Americans. We hope that in each year to come, support for commonsense, economic principles will continue to grow, allowing more members to earn this award and more Americans to benefit.”

The rating examines legislative actions that reflect the Club for Growth’s immediate pro-economic growth policy goals, including cutting and limiting government spending, lowering taxes, expanding free trade, regulatory reform and deregulation.

###

Gresham Barrett Talks About His Tour of TCL from Gresham Barrett on Vimeo.

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2009

Meet and Greet
4:30 p.m.
Home of Norma and Jerry Stewart
11 Teaberry Lane
Bluffton, South Carolina

MONDAY, JULY 27, 2009

Meet and Greet
8:30 a.m.
Blackstone’s Cafe
205 Scott Street
Beaufort, South Carolina

Meet and Greet
2:00 p.m.
The Home of James Wedgeworth
56 Brams Point Road
Hilton Head, South Carolina

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, R-Westminster, and South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster are dominating the battle of the bucks. Both gubernatorial hopefuls are reporting more than $1 million in their respective campaign funds after successful fundraising quarters.

“I wouldn’t say anyone is necessarily out in front at this time. It would seem, though that Rep.. Barrett and McMaster would be in my top tier,” Bruce Ransom, political science professor at Clemson University said.

Barrett’s campaign has raised more than $560,000 in new money in the second fundraising quarter, bringing his total cash on hand in that fund to $975,000.

That does not, however, account for the $500,000 expected to be gradually transferred in from his existing congressional re-election fund, which will be completed upon getting the okay from those donors. That puts his estimated true cash on hand at nearly $1.5 million.

Barrett’s campaign contribution list boasts some 1,700 donors, most of whom are in-state. David Woodard, a political scientist for Clemson University specializing in conservative and Southern politics, said Barrett’s campaign has quickly rebounded from a stinging reception at a South Carolina tea party protest in April, where he was booed. The rebound has been sped along by a diverse group of contributors, donating anywhere from $50 to $3,500.

“If you compare it just to the Obama campaign, Obama surprised everyone by getting a lot of small donors,” Woodard said. “Gresham is doing the same thing. He’s showing a very broad appeal.”

McMaster, meanwhile, turned in a $230,000 second quarter effort, leaving him with $1.1 million on hand, also on the strength of in-state donations. McMaster certainly does not lack name recognition in the Palmetto State, having been involved in the South Carolina political scene for decades. He ran unsuccessfully against Fritz Holling for the U.S. Senate in 1996 and unsuccessfully again for lieutenant governor four years later. He’s served as chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party, as well as a member of the Republican National Committee.

“He’s well-known and connected. He knows everybody,” Woodard said. “In terms of the political establishment, Henry is a very familiar name. He’s already shown that as he’s been able to raise money.”

While he may not boast a strong centralized base from any particular region in the state, Woodard said, in truth, Barrett’s strong presence in the Upstate does not necessarily give him an advantage.

“Henry doesn’t have a strong political base in any particular region, but to tell you the truth, Gresham’s base is not in a major media market or particularly wealthy,” he said.

THE SANFORD EFFECT

Ransom said he believes Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer will end up being plenty relevant, as well. Bauer, a 40-year-old Charlestonian who has had at times a frigid relationship with Gov. Mark Sanford, raised $121,000 in the second quarter, giving him $570,000 on hand.

The recent scandal involving Sanford’s marital infidelity and inexplicably abandoning his position can hurt and help someone’s campaign, experts say. Rep. Nikki Haley’s candidacy for governor is a keen example. Haley, who has a paltry $193,000 on hand in her war chest, was publicly lauded by Sanford on multiple occasions as being a champion for low taxes.

“At this point, it’s (her association with Sanford) not helpful,” Ransom said. “The question I have in particular is whether or not Republicans in general might suffer that problem. It might help someone like Bauer, who does not have a great relationship with the governor.”

Woodard agreed, saying Haley has become a “damaged candidate” since the scandal due to her Sanfordesque ideology.

“She could have staked everything on being the next step in the Sanford legacy. Now no one’s interested in this legacy anymore,” he said.

Barrett, who rarely injected himself into the Sanford scandal, may benefit the most from the media circus surrounding it, Woodard said.

“I would say the events of the Sanford scandal have helped Barrett. He looks above the fray, away from the problems,” he said. “Symbols are reality in politics. It’s the way people feel about things that often matter, not the facts. The other players, Bauer and McMaster look kind of pedestrian by comparison.”

While the perception may be that Barrett is not in any way a player in the Sanford saga, his similarities to the current governor are there.

Sanford served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1992 to 2000 before going home to run for governor. Barrett, widely known as a fierce fiscal conservative, has been in the House since 2003.

“It was Carroll Campbell who did the same thing. We kind of have a pattern here of elected representatives being from Washington coming home to be governor,” Woodard said. “That helps him (Barrett).”

The wild card looks to be Rep. Vincent Sheheen, a 38-year-old Democrat with Upstate connections. A Clemson graduate and lawyer, Sheheen is a former student of Woodard’s and looks to be a formidable challenger, by experts’ accounts.

“Right now Sheheen is pretty much the one person I would think probably has a real shot on the Democratic side,” Ransom said.

The Camden resident currently has $460,000 in his war chest and has a mainstream appeal that could make him a threat.

“He represents a new wave of Democrats,” Woodard said. “If there is a divisive Republican primary, it is entirely possible that a conservative Democrat like him could get conservative votes.”

“The Republicans won’t coast this year. The general election is by no means decided.”

Seneca Daily Journal
By Andrew Moore

MANNING — Local Republican Party officials got a chance to see one of the 2010 gubernatorial candidates up close Friday as Rep. J. Gresham Barrett, R-S.C., made a lunch stop at the French Hens in downtown Manning. In the afternoon, he spoke to a similar group at Logan’s Roadhouse in Sumter.

“This is a chance for us to present our local party leadership with one of the candidates for the governor’s race,” said Clarendon County Republican Party Chairman Moye Graham. “We’re going to have all of the candidates come throughout the next few months and see where they stand on the issues.”

Barrett represents the state’s third congressional district, which includes all of Abbeville, Anderson, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Oconee, Pickens and Saluda counties and about half of Aiken County. A native of Westminster in Oconee County, he said he wanted to run for governor in order to help “South Carolina get to where she’s never been before.”

“I believe if we’re going to turn this nation around, we’re going to do it one state at a time,” he said. “And, of course, I think I bring some qualities to the table.”
Barrett said his experience in business helps him understand what is needed to turn the economy around.

“I was a small businessman,” he said, referencing Barrett’s Furniture, a business his family owned for 48 years and which he operated from 1993 to 2006. “I know what it’s like to deal with rules, regulations, banks, customers and payroll. At the same time, I have a family, I’ve been in the military as an executive officer in a field artillery unit and I have state and federal experience. I believe that the next leader in South Carolina is going to have to bridge a lot of gaps between a lot of groups and get politics out of government.”

Barrett said his political philosophy is much like one espoused by the late former Gov. Carroll Campbell, who had to work with a Democratic Party-controlled State House and a Democratic lieutenant governor during his two terms.

“Gov. Campbell was someone who was able to get down to an issue and find common ground that everyone could recognize,” Barrett said. “That’s what we need to be focusing on in our government.”

Barrett said that the next governor needs to focus on small businesses, particularly making sure that regulations don’t stifle their growth and adaptability.

“If we’re going to turn this malaise around, we’re going to do it through the private sector, not the public sector,” he said. “The free market creates jobs; government doesn’t do that. As a state government, we need to be a partner, not an impediment. We need to be making sure the regulations aren’t stifling businesses and that we have the resources for businesses to thrive in our state. Small businesses are still 97 percent of businesses in South Carolina.”

Barrett, who has served in Congress since 2003, previously served as a state representative from 1997 until his election to national office. Barrett graduated from The Citadel in 1983 and served five years in the Army’s field artillery unit before resigning his commission with the rank of captain.

He is currently facing four other candidates for the Republican nomination in the governor’s race: two-time Attorney General Henry McMaster; Greenville resident Brent Nelson, who is chair of Furman University’s Political Science Department; Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau; and Rep. Nikki Haley, R-Lexington. Primary elections will take place in June 2010, and Barrett is positive about his chances.

“My campaign is picking up steam,” he said. “We raised $566,000 in in-kind donations, which blew everybody away. We’re leading the pack in donations right now, which I think shows that people are supporting us and are excited about the issues.”

Barrett did admit that he was unsure what the future Republican candidate might have to face after Gov. Mark Sanford’s infidelity scandal.

“I don’t know if that will affect the race or not,” he said. “What we’re going to do is concentrate on the future. We’re going to be talking about jobs and growing the economy through the private sector and empowering people through that. And we’re excited by how many people are coming to that message.”

“The unemployment rate announced today is unfortunate, but not surprising. And one thing is clear; more fabricated government stimulus is not the answer. While it is not government’s role to create jobs, I do believe we have a responsibility to work with business and industry leaders like North American Rescue and Colite International, two companies I met with earlier this week, to help improve South Carolina’s economic climate.

“What I am hearing from business leaders is that we must focus on making the Palmetto State the South’s leading economic development engine again. And I believe we can do that by re-establishing the Port of Charleston as the central gateway between the east coast and the world, improving infrastructure, cutting taxes and reforming our tax structure, reducing discretionary spending, aggressively recruiting new business, and rewarding companies who already call South Carolina home by providing them unique opportunities to grow and expand.”

###

South Carolina’s unemployment rate reached a record high of 12.1 percent last month. More than 265,000 of our friends and neighbors have lost their jobs. Those disheartening figures only serve to reaffirm what we have known all along: Government stimulus does not create jobs. That’s why I opposed the stimulus plan from its outset, and that’s why I voted against it.

The fundamental flaw with the Democrats’ stimulus plan was that it failed to recognize a key principle of free market economics: The private sector, not government, is the engine of growth. Couple this flaw with billions in spending that had nothing to do with job creation, such as green golf carts and turtle bridges, and it is not surprising that unemployment rates here in South Carolina and across the country have steadily increased since the bill was passed in February.

The continuing decline in employment, not to mention the numerous misallocations and missteps in the program’s implementation, is proof enough that the stimulus has failed and that it is time to change course. We must return the fate of our economic destiny to the hands of entrepreneurs, employers and individuals, who are truly the driving force behind a flourishing economy — an economy where optimism, ideas, well-reasoned risk-taking and hard work yield success and well-earned reward. Only after we have brought about this economic restoration will we see a significant increase in job creation.

To understand what it will take to bring about this economic restoration, we must have a clear understanding of the problems facing entrepreneurs and employers in our state. We must know what causes our native businesses to close their doors and what deters new ones from opening their doors in South Carolina. Then, we need to take a new spirit of cooperation and collaboration to offering comprehensive solutions.

Working together, we have to reform our tax, fiscal and regulatory structures. The need for this reform is clearly illustrated by the state’s corporate tax structure. Currently, South Carolina has the highest assessment ratio in the country for industrial property, and the seventh-highest for commercial property. A percentage point here and there has a major impact on a business’s bottom line. If a potential employer is considering our state against another, we must be the more attractive choice, and that means reducing our corporate tax rates. Such a reduction also will benefit businesses already operating within our borders, potentially affording them the ability to keep current or even hire new employees.

We also must invest in our infrastructure. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, more than a quarter of South Carolina’s roads are in poor or mediocre condition, 40 percent of our major urban roads are congested, and 23 percent of our state’s bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Crumbling roads and broken bridges hinder commerce. If we are going to bring in business and if we are going to keep the businesses we have, then we must do our part to make sure basic infrastructure needs are being met. And that effort must include re-establishing the Port of Charleston as the central gateway between the east coast and the rest of the world.

Lastly, we cannot bring about a true economic recovery without an educated workforce, and that starts with schools that work. We need well-qualified teachers, 21st Century resources and facilities, and a secure and disciplined environment so teachers can teach. Every child in South Carolina should have access to the ideal classroom, whether it’s public, private, parochial or a school by any other name. And it’s not just K-12. To be competitive we must graduate more students from our state universities and community colleges.

You can sum up all of my plans for South Carolina in one word: jobs. We have to take the politics out of governing and deliver real solutions. Together, we can take South Carolina where she has never been before: where our children graduate to take jobs in Greenville or Charleston and not Charlotte or Atlanta; where small business is the engine of job creation — not government; and where achievement is determined by our own will to succeed.

Mr. Barrett, who represents the state’s 3rd congressional district, is a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor.

Columbia (WLTX) — Third District Congressman Gresham Barrett stopped by WLTX-DTV studios to talk about his run as a Republican candidate for South Carolina governor in the next election.

Barrett is currently serving his fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, and has spent six years serving in Congress.

Barrett says he has experience in a number of fields that would help him lead the state.

According to the congressman, “I feel like I bring several different ‘experiences.’ First of all, being in the military, commanding soldiers, running a small business, which is the heart and soul of this state.”

Barrett, who grew up in Oconee County in the Upstate, graduated from the Citadel in 1983 with military honors, and served five years in the United States Army following his graduation.

The congressman says he married his high-school sweetheart, Natalie, 25 years ago. He has two children in college and another is a senior at West-Oak High School.

Barrett says he moved back to his hometown of Westminster to run his “mom-and-pop” furniture store, a business he ran for 14 of its 48 years owned by the Barrett family.

“There are several things that we’re interested in,” Barrett said, “But I think you can wrap my campaign up with one word: that’s J-O-B-S, jobs.”

By Rudolph Bell
Staff Writer

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett has pulled ahead of rivals in fundraising for the 2010 governor’s race, assuming he will be able to tap all of the nearly $1.5 million he has collected in separate campaign accounts.

The Republican congressman reported raising more than $500,000 during the second quarter for a total of about $975,000 in his gubernatorial campaign account. He’s got another $500,000 in his congressional campaign account, an aide said, which he can use to run for governor if donors approve.

Barrett’s closest competitor in the money chase as of Monday was Attorney General Henry McMaster, another Republican, who reported raising more than $230,000 during the quarter to end up with about $1.1 million cash on hand.

On the Democratic side, state Sen. Vincent Sheheen of Camden led the field with about $460,000 available to his gubernatorial campaign at the end of the quarter on June 30. Charleston lawyer Mullins McLeod came in second among Democrats with more than $155,000 cash on hand.

Political analysts said Barrett needs all the money he can get to keep up with McMaster and another potential Republican rival, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer.

McMaster and Bauer both hold statewide office and thus have statewide name recognition, while Barrett will have to buy media time to introduce himself to voters outside of the 3rd Congressional District, said Scott Huffmon, a professor of political science at Winthrop University in Rock Hill.

Bauer’s latest campaign disclosure report remained unavailable Monday.

He reported having about $500,000 at the end of the first quarter, less than half what McMaster and Barrett had at the time.

By JOHN O’CONNOR
joconnor@thestate.com

If Holiday Inn had not redesigned their logo, Colite International owner Peter Brown said it would be a tough year for his Richland County sign-making business.

How to expand businesses such as Colite, which has 130 employees in Northeast Richland, will be a central issue in the 2010 race for governor.

South Carolina has the nation’s third-highest unemployment rate at 12.1 percent, with new data expected Friday.

On Monday, U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett visited Colite, Greer manufacturer North American Rescue and the Port of Charleston, some of the first stops on the 2010 campaign trail.

Barrett is one of six contenders who have announced or are considering a bid for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. They include: Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, state Sen. Larry Groom, state Rep. Nikki Haley, Attorney General Henry McMaster and Furman University political scientist Brent Nelsen.

State economists largely agree South Carolina’s economy will not rebound by the end of next year. Political scientists agree the economy will be a top issue in the governor’s race.

Barrett said putting state residents back to work will be his top concern.

“I believe that is the governor’s job,” Barrett said of leading state job creation efforts.

“(Colite) is a business that is growing and expanding, and what is out there to help them in the process? Absolutely nothing.”

Colite’s Brown and North American Rescue owner Robert Castellani are both Barrett campaign donors.

Brown’s company ships signs across the country and to more than 100 nations. Clients include Holiday Inn, Alltel and Bank of America. From start to finish, most orders are completed in about 30 days.

Brown told Barrett that he needs better educated workers, because the company trains its employees in many parts of the sign-making process — machine-cutting plastic letters, wiring light-emitting diode signs, painting and assembling finished signs.

Brown said the state also can help business by limiting regulation and clarifying how the rules should apply.

But more important, Brown said, is focusing on businesses in the state rather than trying to lure out-of-state companies here.

“The way it’s structured,” Brown said, “the best company we have is the one in North Carolina we don’t have.”

Barrett said he is still learning about the state’s economy, and tours such as Monday’s are one way to develop a plan if he becomes governor.

He thinks expanding energy production and research, particularly nuclear, could be the fastest way to create new jobs.

Barrett said his priorities include restructuring the state’s tax system — including the 2006 statewide property tax reform plan — streamlining state government and improving schools and colleges.

GREER, SC – U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett visited North American Rescue, Inc., a Greer-based business specializing in the manufacturing of emergency medical and rescue equipment, to discuss job creation and economic development.

“North American Rescue is adapting and using ingenuity to not only survive but thrive in these challenging economic times,” said Congressman Barrett. “Their innovative partnership with SC Vocational Rehabilitation provides them with the flexibility needed in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace.”

For over a decade North American Rescue has served the growing community of first responders, health care professionals and security forces defending our country from threats both foreign and domestic. North American Rescue’s mission is to provide solutions that have a direct correlation to decreasing preventable death on the battlefield, within urban areas and under austere conditions.

Barrett added, “While it is not government’s role to create jobs, we have a responsibility to work with businesses and industry leaders like North American Rescue to help improve South Carolina’s economic climate. And we can do that by restructuring our punitive tax and regulatory systems, reducing government spending, improving infrastructure and rewarding companies by providing them unique opportunities to grow and expand.”

Barrett’s visit to North American Rescue was the first stop on a daylong tour during which he will meet with business leaders in Charleston and Columbia to discuss economic development and job creation.

###

COLUMBIA, SC – U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett today visited Colite International, Inc., a family owned, Columbia-based company that has been in the sign business for more than sixty-years. Barrett’s visit to Colite was the last stop of a daylong tour during which he met with business and industry leaders from across the state to discuss job creation and economic development.

“When Marty and Peter Brown took the reins of Colite International from their father in 1992, they immediately recognized the challenges of the new global economy,” said Barrett. “They changed the way Colite operated, developed contacts worldwide and shifted the company’s focus to the selling and implementation of sign programs across the country and across the globe. Their foresight combined with their streamlined manufacturing system, cutting-edge equipment, and highly trained personnel has allowed Colite to grow and expand even in these tough times.”

Colite International, as of today, has exported signs to over 110 countries. The company’s services include engineering, design, project management, surveys, installations, permitting, manufacturing and maintenance. Colite’s clients include Holiday Inn, Tiffany & Co., Alltel, Thompson Reuters and many other globally-recognized businesses.

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CHARLESTON, SC – U.S. Congressman Gresham Barrett visited the Port of Charleston today as part of a daylong tour during which he met with business and industry leaders from across the state to discuss job creation and economic development.

“The impact that the Port of Charleston has on South Carolina’s economy cannot be emphasized enough,” said Congressman Barrett. “International trade through this port and others in the Palmetto State provides 260,000 jobs paying more than $11 billion in wages to South Carolinians. Re-establishing the Port of Charleston as the central gateway between the east coast and the world is critical to growing our economy.”

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GREER, S.C. — U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett stopped in the Upstate Monday morning to kick off a listening tour of the state.

He’s running for governor against three Republicans so far.

Job creation and sustainability are his biggest priorities he said among a group of employees from North American Rescue.

He toured the Greer business Monday morning, after holding a private meeting with management to ask them what they needed from the government.

Rep. Barrett said it’s businesses like these that are being inundated with regulations from the federal and state government.

Barrett said, “We’re always concerned about new business, bringing new businesses to the state. That’s wonderful and that’s very important, but as a former small businessman, I understand it’s more cost effective to spend money on existing customers. I was in the furniture business. It was more effective to spend money on existing customers then it was many times to bring in new customers. We need to have rules and regulations where we can help existing businesses. I think is extremely important.”

Bob Castellani is the CEO of North American Rescue.

He said he was blindsided by all the new tax regulations when the new president took office. He said most of the regulations are coming from the federal level, and he’d like help from the next governor to defer that on the state level.

Castellani said, “We knew they were coming, the problem is there is so much coming, and tell me that what’s not going to come next week!”

Barrett said he’s on this listening tour of the state to hear from business owners about what they need from government.

He made two other stops in the state Monday.

Currently Nikki Haley, Brent Nelsen and Larry Grooms have all announced they’re running for the Republican gubernatorial nomination as well.

State Attorney General Henry Mcmaster and Lt. Gov. Andre Bauers have indicated they plan to run, also.

By JOHN O’CONNOR
joconnor@thestate.com

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett has raised more than a half-million dollars in the past three months for his 2010 gubernatorial efforts, according to his campaign.

Barrett, a Republican, has raised more than $800,000 since officially entering the six-person field in early March. The deadline to file second quarter campaign reports is Friday.

“I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish from a finance standpoint in this unprecedented economic downturn,” Barrett finance chairman Barry Wynn said in a written statement. “A lot of the so called experts said we’d never exceed our first quarter tally, but when we’re finished counting, I’m confident we’ll demonstrate that we’ve kept the momentum from the 1st quarter going.

Staff said they could not yet determine how much cash the campaign had on hand because of issues with transferring money from Barrett’s federal account. Both Barrett and potential gubernatorial candidate Attorney General Henry McMaster reported more than $1 million on hand after the first three months of 2009.

Other candidates in the field include Berkeley state Sen. Larry Grooms, Lexington Rep. Nikki Haley and Furman University political scientist Brent Nelsen. Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is also weighing a run.

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, R-Westminster, has tapped former state GOP chairman Barry Wynn to lead his 2010 gubernatorial campaign’s fundraising efforts.

In an e-mail to supporters, Wynn said he signed on with Barrett because “character still counts and Gresham Barrett has got it in spades.” Wynn is president of Spartanburg investment firm Colonial Group Inc. and spearheaded former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani’s short-lived S.C. presidential campaign.

Joining Wynn on Barrett’s finance team are Greenville developer Bo Aughtry, and Columbia residents Peter Brown, a leader in former Massachussetts Gov. Mitt Romney’s S.C. presidential campaign, real estate executive Joe Edens and city councilman Kirkman Finley.

Barrett is one of a half-dozen GOP candidates seeking the GOP nomination.

– John O’Connor

The Politico: S.C. GOP: Sanford must go
By: Andy Barr and Jonathan Martin
July 1, 2009 05:12 PM EST

Gov. Mark Sanford’s long and emotional interview with The Associated Press Tuesday appears to have been the final straw for South Carolina’s Republican establishment, much of which is now actively seeking his resignation.

While Sanford seemed to have weathered the storm in the brutal days immediately following his admission of an affair with an Argentine woman, his support has cratered in the wake of the AP interview in which he talked of his “tragic” and “forbidden” love for his “soul mate” and admitted to having “crossed lines” with a handful of other women.

Fourteen GOP state senators — more than half the Senate Republican caucus — have already called for Sanford’s resignation, joining a list that, as of Wednesday afternoon, included 11 Republican members of the state House and six of the state’s biggest newspapers.

And three leading South Carolina Republican officeholders, including the state’s two U.S. senators, called Sanford today for what sources close to the lawmakers described as frank conversations about the governor’s ability to carry out his job.

Sens. Jim DeMint and Lindsey Graham, as well as Rep. Gresham Barrett, talked to Sanford Wednesday, according to three top South Carolina GOP sources who confirmed the calls, but were hesitant to say whether the lawmakers had directly urged Sanford to resign.

But Wednesday night, Barrett told the Associated Press that he had in fact asked Sanford to step down during their conversation. Two Barrett advisers subsequently confirmed the resignation request. In doing so, Barrett becomes the first member of the South Carolina congressional delegation to publicly say he thinks the governor should quit.

Of the three, Graham is probably closest to Sanford, serving as godfather to the governor’s youngest son. Barrett, who represents an Upstate district, is running for governor next year.

“The conversations are clearly geared toward doing the right thing,” said one top South Carolina Republican.

Another top Republican in the state said of the governor: “His support has collapsed.”

By placing private phone calls to the governor, the GOP sources suggested, their hope is for him to step down without further public pressure.

“Two days ago there were very few people calling for his resignation,” said Rep. Bob Inglis (R-S.C.), who has not called for Sanford’s resignation. “It came out of that interview.”

Even state Sen. Tom Davis, the close friend Sanford mentioned frequently in his June 24 press conference, stopped short of backing the governor.

“Before any important decision I make comes due diligence, and I owe it to my constituents to perform that due diligence before taking a public position on an issue as important as whether to call for the resignation of a duly-elected statewide official,” Davis said in a statement Wednesday after meeting with Sanford. “I expect to form my official position very shortly.”

Republican Harvey Peeler, the state Senate majority leader, said the Sanford “romance novel” is beginning to wear on lawmakers who had previous held back on calling for the governor’s resignation.

“The pressure is mounting and he just keeps talking and changing his story almost hourly,” said Peeler, who in an interview with POLITICO referred to Sanford as “Governor Fabio.”

“I’m shocked that he’s stayed in office this long,” he added.

State GOP Chairwoman Karen Floyd, who had been quiet on whether Sanford should resign, released a statement Wednesday acknowledging that “there is clearly a growing view that the time may have come for Gov. Sanford to remove himself and his family from the limelight, so that he can devote his efforts full-time to repairing the damage in his personal life.”

Republican state Sen. Larry Grooms, who describes himself as a longtime Sanford friend and ally, told POLITICO he called the governor following the AP interview to tell him that he would be calling on Sanford to resign.

“Your effectiveness as governor has weakened to such a point … that we won’t be able to pass any of your legislative agenda,” Grooms said he told Sanford over the phone in explaining why he planned to join those calling on the governor to step down.

“Senator, you need to understand something,” Sanford answered, according to Grooms. “This is a story about true love.”

Grooms then told Sanford that he “was destroying the Republican Party, the party of personal responsibility,” to which the governor did not respond.

In hanging up, Grooms told the governor that he would keep him in his prayers.

“He asked me to continue to do that,” Grooms said.

Sanford has shown no signs that he is willing to step down.

“The governor has given a full and truthful account, and he is finished discussing this matter,” said Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer. “He is focused on being governor, on rebuilding his marriage and on building back the trust of South Carolinians.”

“This thing is real fluid,” said Katon Dawson, an influential former state party chairman who has not called on Sanford to resign. “The facts are that the governor of South Carolina does not have to resign today and does not have to resign tomorrow. Those are the facts, and I deal in facts.”

But many state Republicans have their doubts that Sanford’s focus really is on South Carolina.

“His physical presence may be in South Carolina, but I think his mind is in Argentina,” Grooms said.

One top South Carolina political insider said the unusually personal details of the interview have been “very harmful” to the governor.

“The last thing you need to do is say you’re going to come clean and then not come clean. It’s this extraction of information every day that is causing this erosion of trust,” the insider said. “You would think that at the press conference that he would have vaguely confessed to unfaithfulness and said, ‘The rest is between my wife and I’ and then walked away.”

“It seems like he is coming unhinged,” the longtime South Carolina pol added. “He needs to really go take a hike this time.”

Numerous South Carolina Republicans were so taken aback by the governor’s remarks Tuesday that they speculated about Sanford’s mental health after watching his life and political career unravel in short order.

“I think it’s obvious that he needs some help,” said GOP state Sen. Larry Martin. “He needs to quit talking to reporters and go get some professional help.”

Martin said the interview may have been “geared to pre-empting some other information that might come out” but turned into a disaster for Sanford.

“I think he was trying to do some damage control and it just got out of hand,” he said. “I can’t imagine his staff would have ever agreed to him doing that if they didn’t think there was some upside to it.”

Martin added: “I’m just sad for him.”

Peeler also said the interview left him personally concerned about the governor.

“Those were the ramblings of a troubled man,” he said. “I’m not a lawyer. I’m not a doctor. But I know when I see it. That man needs help.”

Asked about the press conference, Inglis said Sanford’s “close aides don’t need all those details and the state certainly doesn’t need all those details,” adding that any media handlers would “be telling him ‘you don’t need to tell them all that.’”

The GOP congressman said he was not particularly disturbed by Sanford’s comments to The Associated Press because “Mark tries to not be affected by being governor. So it’s his usual nonaffected behavior that is getting him in this case. ”

Inglis said he believes that because of the scandal, Sanford could have his best 18 months as governor if he chose to stay in office.

Sanford’s tenure could now be more effective, the congressman said, because of “the humility that can come out of this humiliation.”

But after watching the avalanche of statements on Wednesday calling for the governor’s resignation, GOP state Rep. Lanny Littlejohn estimated that Sanford will likely only be able to hang on to his seat for another week, an outcome he would not have believed only a few days ago.

“I can’t believe all this is happening. It’s like a dream. It’s unreal,” he said. “It’s just gotta be the shock of the year that things are playing out the way they are.”

The Greenville News: Pressure on Sanford mounts
Governor’s closest ally signals doubt as resignation calls grow

By Tim Smith
Capital bureau

COLUMBIA — The Senate’s leader said Wednesday that Gov. Mark Sanford had lost the support of the people, and his most trusted friend in the Legislature signaled he might ask Sanford to leave office, clear signs that the governor is facing intense pressure to resign.

By Wednesday night, at least 14 of the Senate’s 27 GOP members had either called for the governor’s resignation or said they believed it was the right thing for him to do.

The comments came the day after Sanford gave an interview with The Associated Press in which he changed his story about some of the details of his extramarital affair, first disclosed last week, and said he had “crossed lines” with other women during his 20-year marriage though he had not had sex with them. He also described his Argentine lover as his “soul mate” but said he was trying to fall back in love with his wife.

Joel Sawyer, Sanford’s spokesman, said Wednesday the governor didn’t plan to resign.

“The governor has given a full and truthful account, and he is finished discussing this matter,” Sawyer said. “He is focused on being governor, on rebuilding his marriage, and on building back the trust of South Carolinians.”

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett of Westminster, who is running for the Republican nomination for governor, on Wednesday became the first member of the state’s congressional delegation to call for Sanford to resign.

“This is an extremely difficult situation for all of South Carolina,” Barrett said in a statement issued to The Greenville News . “I’ve had two long conversations with Gov. Sanford in the past two days. Yesterday and today I told him what I believe to be the painful truth: The situation had spiraled out of control. It continues to spiral by the minute. And that for the sake of our state, for the sake of his family, and all of us who love South Carolina, he needs to step down.

“Unfortunately, it is clear to me that in this environment, the governor is no longer capable of effectively leading the state. We have an economy in crisis and the third-highest unemployment rate in the country, and just too many serious challenges for this to be consuming our state. I think we all wish it was different. But it isn’t.”

Sen. Tom Davis, a Beaufort Republican, Sanford’s former chief of staff and a friend Sanford singled out in last week’s press conference, met with the governor and his staff Wednesday, as well as others, and said afterward he would announce a decision on his support soon. Davis said he also spoke by telephone with Jenny Sanford.

Davis said he planned to talk with Attorney General Henry McMaster and State Law Enforcement Division Director Reggie Lloyd about the review of Sanford’s travel records in connection with the affair.

“I can assure you that whatever official position I ultimately reach will be one that I truly believe to be in the best interests of the people of Beaufort County in particular and the state of South Carolina in general,” he said in a statement.

Other Sanford political allies were conspicuously silent Wednesday, including U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, who spoke last week and Monday of giving the governor a second chance, and John Rainey, the businessman and lawyer who first convinced Sanford to run for office and said Monday he shouldn’t resign.

Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell said Wednesday he wants Sanford to “do the right thing” but stopped just short of calling on him to resign.

The Charleston Republican said in a statement that Sanford needs to decide immediately if he is an asset or a liability to the state.

“Neither I nor my colleagues in the General Assembly can require that the governor resign,” McConnell said. “That decision is his alone. I do believe, however, that the governor has lost the support of the people that is needed to govern. Therefore, I would ask the governor to look in his heart and decide whether with his family situation and the public uproar over what he has done and said locally and nationally whether he can lead our state for the remainder of his term.”

However, U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis of Travelers Rest told The Greenville News on Wednesday that Tuesday’s disclosures hadn’t shaken his belief that Sanford should remain.

“I don’t think he should resign,” he said. “I think the 18 months left could be the most effective 18 months of Gov. Sanford’s tenure, if this humiliation brings a humility in approaching the challenges of the state and his willingness to work with other people to come up with solutions.”

Inglis said he expects more details to come out.

“That’s what you have to expect in a scenario like this,” he said. “Once a person starts confessing, you can expect for more and more to come out. But a lot of the details from here out won’t add to the essential matter, which is that Mark has confessed to infidelity. I think he’s pretty clearly a broken man because of it.”

McConnell’s statement follows those of a dozen senators since Tuesday who have called for the governor to step down or said they favor it. Among them are Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Hugh Leatherman.

House Speaker Bobby Harrell has said he wants to await the results of a state review of Sanford’s travel records before deciding whether to call for his resignation.

Many House members said Wednesday they believe Sanford should resign.

McConnell’s request that Sanford “do the right thing” was similar to that of U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, who told a national television news show Wednesday that the governor should make the “right decision,” without elaborating what that was.

“A lot of us are talking to him behind the scenes in hopes that he’ll make the right decision about what needs to be done,” the first-term senator said. DeMint’s spokesman told The News that the senator wouldn’t comment further on the issue on Wednesday.

State Treasurer Converse Chellis, a former legislator, also said late Wednesday Sanford should do “what is in the best interest of the state of South Carolina.”

Among the senators who said they believe Sanford should leave office were Sen. David Thomas, a Greenville County Republican, and Sen. Danny Verdin, a Laurens County Republican.

“With all of the information that has come to light in the past few days, particularly the truth, which differed from his original news conference, I believe he should resign,” said Thomas, chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. “If it is proven that he misused state money to conduct the affair, he should be impeached.”

Verdin, chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, said he was “stunned, sickened and disgusted” by continuing revelations from the governor.

“I feel his resignation would best serve him, his family and the citizens of South Carolina,” Verdin told The News .

Other Senate leaders who said they believe the governor should go include Sen. Larry Martin of Pickens, chairman of the Senate Rules Committee; Sen. Larry Grooms of Berkeley County, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee; and Sen. Thomas Alexander of Walhalla, chairman of the Senate General Committee.

Meanwhile, a prominent Democrat blasted leaders in both parties for dragging their heels on the issue.

“This is a matter of basic principle, and their reaction has been cautious political calculations of what is in their own best interest,” said Phil Noble, president of the South Carolina New Democrats, in a statement.

“They are asking ‘what’s in it for me’ — resign or not resign — and not what is in the state’s best interest. This applies to many politicians of all stripes, and it shows just how broken and dysfunctional our state’s politics has become.”

Noble said Sanford should resign.

“Sanford repeatedly lied to the people of the state,” Noble said “He brought shame and dishonor to the office he was elected to hold, and he has embarrassed and humiliated the people of the state that he is supposed to lead. This is all that matters. In a democracy, anyone who so violates their public trust should resign any public office or position they hold — from dog catcher to president.”

Also on Wednesday, Sawyer said Sanford had paid another $334 in addition to the $2,969 he paid Tuesday evening to reimburse the state for expenses incurred to Buenos Aires during a state-funded economic development trip to South America last June. Sanford announced last week he was paying the money because he met his lover during the trip.

Sawyer said the amount was calculated by the amount of airfare from Brazil to Buenos Aires on the trip, plus lodging, meals and other expenses for himself and a state Commerce Department official who went with him. He said the return airfare for the trip wasn’t included because he would have had to return anyway.

He said because of a spreadsheet error, the governor paid less than required Tuesday.

Reporter Rudolph Bell contributed to this story.

AP NewsBreak: SC congressman calls for gov to quit

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett has become the first South Carolina congressman to ask Gov. Mark Sanford to resign, saying people have lost confidence in him after his extramarital affair was revealed. The Republican told The Associated Press he called the governor Wednesday and told him it would be best for him to quit.

Barrett says Sanford can no longer be the effective leader the state needs as South Carolina’s unemployment rate tops 12 percent.

Barrett joins several fellow Republicans who have asked for the governor’s resignation after Sanford revealed new details this week in an interview with the AP about his affair with an Argentine woman.

Barrett is running for governor next year. Sanford can’t run again because of term limits.

“Today’s unemployment figures reaffirm what we have known all along; the Democrats’ $789 billion government stimulus bill isn’t creating jobs. That’s why I opposed the stimulus plan from its outset, and that’s why I voted against it. The Democrats stimulus plan was flawed not just because it included items that had nothing to do with job creation, like Green Golf carts and turtle bridges, but because the private sector – not government – is the engine of growth in a free market economy.

“You can sum up my campaign for Governor in one word: Jobs. To get South Carolina working again, we have to create a climate for commerce in our state that rewards entrepreneurs, empowers employers and allows businesses to flourish. We have to establish South Carolina as the leading southern state for free enterprise. We have to reform our tax, fiscal, and regulatory structures. We have to invest in infrastructure. We have to re-establish the Port of Charleston as the central gateway between the east coast and the world. And we have to replace government as the single largest employer in our state.”

###

“I believe it is unwise to rely on short-term federal funds to solve what are clearly long-term problems. But, the Court has made its decision and the process has run its course. I think it is critical for the future of South Carolina that we break this cycle of increased dependence on government and focus on what really creates jobs – the private sector. We need to encourage entrepreneurship, empower employers and enable individuals by reducing spending and by restructuring our tax and regulatory systems.”

“…Jim DeMint and Gresham Barrett supported the solid initiatives to bring fiscal sanity back to Washington, but a majority of their Republican colleagues did not.” – The Greenville News, 7/6/04

“During his tenure, Barrett has sought to restrain the spending excesses of his own Party and his efforts earned him high ratings from the American Conservative Union.” – The Greenville News, 10/27/06

“…Gresham Barrett of Westminster [was] among the 38 Republicans to vote against the $820 Billion [Medicare Expansion] Spending Bill…” – The Greenville News, 12/13/03

The Barrett Record

• Named Defender of Economic Freedom by the Club for Growth
• 98% Lifetime Score from the American Conservative Union
• Six-time Recipient of the National Taxpayer Union “Taxpayer Friend” Award
• Repeatedly endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business
• Previously endorsed by Citizens Against Government Waste PAC
• 4th Most Conservative Member of the U.S. House according to National Journal
• Vehemently opposed President Obama’s Stimulus Package
• Authored the Government Waste Reduction Act

Travis A. Butler, Gresham Barrett’s campaign treasurer, announced Thursday that Barrett’s gubernatorial campaign had raised more than $371,000 in three weeks, bringing his cash on hand to more than $1 million.

In the upcoming weeks, the Barrett campaign plans to announce its finance committee and unveil county leadership, while also launching a Web site.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Gresham Barrett announced Thursday he has raised $371,000 in the three weeks since he announced his 2010 run.

That gives Barrett more than $1 million cash on hand to take on what is likely to be a crowded GOP field.

Attorney General Henry McMaster reported $1 million on hand earlier this week. Other announced or presumed candidates have yet to release their numbers.

Republican Rep. J. Gresham Barrett raised more than $300,000 to run for governor of South Carolina since announcing in early March that he is in the 2010 race for the post.

Barrett, who is forgoing a bid for fifth House term to run for governor, announced in a release Thursday morning that he pulled in $371,000 in receipts for his campaign in the first quarter of the year, and ended March with more than $1 million in cash on hand.

Said Jim Dyke, the campaign’s senior adviser, “The fact that Gresham was able to go out in what everyone would agree is a challenging fundraising environment and raise, in three weeks, what most candidates would hope to raise in three months is a sign that he is right on the issues.”

Barrett’s haul topped that of state Attorney General Henry McMaster, a likely opponent in the Republican primary for governor, who told The State newspaper in Columbia Wednesday that he raised $287,000 in the first quarter of 2009. McMaster also said he has more than $1 million in campaign cash reserves — ostensibly for a 2010 Attorney General race, but which could also be transferred to a campaign for governor if he opts to get in that race.

The candidates are positioning themselves for the contest to succeed Republican Gov. Mark Sanford, who was elected in 2002 and 2006 and has hit the state’s two-term limit. First quarter fundraising reports for the race, which cover the activity from Jan. 1 through March 31, must be filed with the state ethics commission by Friday.

Barrett’s cash could help him raise his profile in the state in advance of what is likely to be a crowded primary. He currently is best known in his largely rural western South Carolina congressional district, which includes the small cities of Anderson, Aiken and Greenwood, and he lacks the statewide name recognition enjoyed by McMaster and another likely Republican candidate, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer.

On the Democratic side, state Sens. Vincent Sheheen and Robert Ford are making moves to run, and House Minority Leader Harry Ott is also reportedly interested. Jim Rex, the current state superintendent of education, is another Democrat who garners mention.

Brent Nelson, chairman of the political science department at Furman University in Greenville, is also running. Another possible Republican candidate is Carroll “Tumpy” Campbell III, a lobbyist, former Ports Authority board member and namesake son of a late popular South Carolina governor.

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett made it official Wednesday: He’s running for governor.

And the Westminster Republican said economic development is his top issue for the 2010 race.

“It’s all about jobs,” Barrett said. “It’s all about economic development and bringing an economy to South Carolina that is second to none.”

Other Republicans considering bids to succeed term-limited Gov. Mark Sanford are Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and Attorney General Henry McMaster.

A fourth Republican, Brent Nelsen, a political science professor at Furman University, said last week he plans to raise money for a possible campaign.

On the Democratic side, state Sen. Vincent Sheheen of Camden has also announced plans to raise money for a possible campaign.

Barrett, 48, graduated from The Citadel and served as a captain in the Army before returning to Westminster, his hometown in Oconee County, to run his family’s furniture store. He served three terms in the South Carolina House before being elected to Congress in 2002. Since then, he’s been re-elected three times to represent the 3rd Congressional District.

Barrett opposes abortion, supported George W. Bush for president and has advocated for a new nuclear reactor at the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site in his district.

He and his wife, Natalie, have three children: Madison, 21; Jeb, 19; and Ross, 17.

Barrett told The Greenville News that economic development is his No. 1 issue and that he thinks South Carolina can become a national leader in the field of energy.

“If we are going to really turn this economy around, if we are going to empower people, one of the key factors has to be breaking our dependency on oil,” Barrett said. He favors new nuclear plants such as the one Duke Energy Corp. plans in Cherokee County, as well as the development of hydrogen, wind and so-called “clean coal” as energy sources.

“I think we can lead in all those areas,” Barrett said.

Oconee County native Gresham Barrett officially announced his intentions Wednesday to run for governor of South Carolina. The Westminster businessman currently serves as the representative for the state’s third congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“It’s no small secret that for some time I’ve been giving serious consideration to running for Governor,” Barrett wrote in his official announcement. “This past weekend, after a great deal of thought and prayer, after talking things over with my family — with my wife, Natalie and our children Madison, Jeb and Ross — and after seeking the advice of close friends, I‘ve made my decision.”

Barrett also released a short video providing his goals for the state should he be elected in 2010, detailing objectives such as fostering a business-friendly environment, eliminating wasteful spending, reforming health care with free market solutions and improving the state’s education system.

Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and Attorney General Henry McMaster also are considering running for the Republican nomination. McMaster’s re-election account has $778,426 on hand, according to his most recent state filing, after raising $110,750 in the fourth quarter of 2008. Bauer’s account had $435,757 after raising $160,978. Their accounts can be converted to gubernatorial bids.

Barrett joins Furman University political science professor Brent Nelsen in formally announcing a bid for the nomination. Nelsen last week announced his plan to run. Nelsen’s initial campaign finance report shows $5,912 on hand.

Democratic state Sen. Vincent Sheheen of Camden announced plans for a gubernatorial bid last month. Sheheen has formed an exploratory committee, making him the first Democrat in the race.

Rep. Bill Sandifer, who served for six years in South Carolina’s General Assembly alongside Barrett, was informed of the news last night and quickly endorsed Barrett’s candidacy.

“It’s thrilling. I’m extremely pleased that an Oconee native son is seeking the highest elected office in our state,” Sandifer said. “I’ve known Gresham since the mid-’90s. He and I were desk mates and office mates for six years, and I’ve followed his career throughout his tenure in Congress.

“In my opinion, there is no one in the state of South Carolina nearly as qualified as Gresham Barrett to hold the office of governor.”

Barrett’s gubernatorial ambitions had been spoken off long before Wednesday’s formal announcement, with the Westminster-native acknowledging his interest in the position to the Daily Journal/Messenger last March as was reported then. Now that he has officially announced his candidacy, Sandifer said he was eager to rally support for his campaign.

“Gresham brings a few things to the table. The first is he’s a true and staunch conservative. Secondly, he understands South Carolina and its unique problems,” Sandifer said. “Lastly, he connects with people and has the best interest of the people of South Carolina at heart. I’ve pledged to help him in whatever capacity I can.”

Sen. Larry Martin of Pickens predicted Gresham would be one of the strongest, leading contenders for the Republican Party’s nomination, also adding that the assumed field of McMaster, Barrett and Bauer provides South Carolinians with tremendous depth in the party’s choices.

“He will be a strong contender for the nomination. He faces formidable opposition from Henry McMaster and most likely Andre Bauer, but it will give the party, I think an excellent choice,” Martin said.

Martin described Barrett as “down to earth,” and commended his experience in both the state and national levels of government.

“All the candidates bring something a little different, but the unique thing from our point of view is Gresham is a native of our corner of the state. He’s familiar,” Martin said. “Right out of the gate, he brings a high comfort level with a lot of Republicans as someone we can get behind. He also brings a business background to the race that I think will resonate with a lot of folks, particularly in these economic times.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett — South Carolina’s first well-known Republican to officially enter the 2010 gubernatorial race —said if elected, he would put economic development at the top of his priority list.

“It’s all about the economy. It’s all about jobs,” he said Wednesday. “Too many people think that government is the answer, that government can solve problems. They have forgotten about the hardware store in the middle of the block.”

Barrett announced his candidacy as expected via a Wednesday morning e-mail.

Gov. Mark Sanford cannot seek a third term. Lt. Gov.
Andre Bauer and S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster, both Republicans, also have expressed interest in running. On the Democratic side, state Sen. Vincent Sheheen of Camden has set up a fundraising account for a gubernatorial bid, and other Democrats also are considering a run.

Barrett, who represents the 3rd District seat formerly held by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, said his other priorities would include saving money through government restructuring, health care reform, improving education and respecting the state’s culture.

He previously served in the S.C. House from 1997-2002, and that’s where he scored his favorite legislative victory.

“My proudest accomplishment period, state and federal, was helping lead the fight in South Carolina on partial-birth abortions,” he said. “It was a wonderful thing to be involved in. We were successful in South Carolina.”

Although Barrett hails from the Upstate and ran a business in Westminster, he has at least one Lowcountry tie: He graduated from The Citadel in 1983. Barrett said he will run only for the governor job and will not seek re-election to the congressional seat that he has held since 2003.

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett entered the 2010 Republican gubernatorial race Wednesday, sending a video announcement by e-mail to supporters.

Money — including the economy, job creation and campaign funding — is likely to be the race’s top issue, Barrett, consultants and others said.

Barrett, a former state lawmaker and three-term U.S. representative from Westminster, is the first big-name Republican candidate to enter the race, following Furman University political scientist Brent Nelson. Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and Attorney General Henry McMaster also are considering bids.

That field would represent a replay, of sorts, of the 2002 race between Mark Sanford (then an ex-congressman), Charlie Condon (then the state attorney general) and Bob Peeler (then the lieutenant governor).

“These are uncertain times and I think I bring some certain qualities to the race,” Barrett said, referring to his military background and U.S. House service.

“I can bring people together. Bring the Legislature together, bring the business people, bring the laypeople.”
Barrett said economic development is his top issue, particularly focusing on the state’s more than 80,000 small businesses.

The economic conditions could work against Republicans who thrive among middle- and upper-class voters, said University of South Carolina political scientist Blease Graham. South Carolina has the nation’s third-highest unemployment rate, likely to soon exceed 10 percent.
“At 10 percent unemployment,” Graham said, “we’re all Democrats.”

Graham said Barrett faces more of a challenge than Sanford did in 2002, since Sanford’s contrarian positions had drawn national and state attention.

The candidate who can best convince voters that he is the true fiscal conservative, Graham said, will have the best shot in the GOP primary.

“Sanford didn’t start from scratch,” Graham said. “I think (Barrett’s) got a steeper hill to climb.”

Barrett’s internal polling data backs that up, with just half of S.C. voters recognizing his name. About 89 percent of those polled recognized Bauer, while 75 percent knew McMaster.

The poll of 500 voters was conducted by Virginia-based Ayers McHenry & Associates.

Winthrop University political scientist Scott Huffmon said Barrett announcing early allows him to introduce himself on his own terms.

“You want to be the proactive person in defining yourself,” rather than leaving that to opponents, Huffmon said.

Barrett said he also looks forward to one-on-one contact with voters. State observers say those kinds of contacts may be mandatory, considering that campaign funding won’t be easy to get in this economy. economy.

Jim Dyke, Barrett’s Charleston-based campaign adviser, estimates the 2010 GOP gubernatorial primary could cost $4 million. Others have estimated the total primary and general election costs at $8 million to $10 million.

According to his most recent federal campaign finance report, Barrett has $725,000 on hand. McMaster has $778,426 in his re-election account, while Bauer has $435,757. Both McMaster and Bauer raised more than $110,000 during the fourth quarter.

Republican fundraisers have said they are having a tougher time coaxing money from donors and expect donations to be down 25 to 30 percent than during a typical election year.

Less money, Graham said, could affect how much television and other advertising a candidate can afford to purchase.

“They need to be making the speeches, grabbing the hands, making the fundraisers,” Graham said.

In an e-mailed newsletter, U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett announced Wednesday that he will run for governor in 2010.
“It’s no small secretly that for some time I’ve been giving serious consideration to running for governor,” Barrett, a Republican, said in the e-mail.
While acknowledging it is early in the process, Barrett asked readers of the newsletter to do three things: pledge their support to his gubernatorial race, donate money and pray for God to give him wisdom and strength.
The Upstate congressman said he made the decision to enter the race this weekend after “a great deal of thought and prayer” and conversations with his friends and family, primarily his wife, Natalie, and three children: Madison, Jeb and Ross.
Barrett is a 1983 graduate of The Citadel and was elected to his fourth congressional term in November.
His run has been widely anticipated by business groups in the Charleston region, some of whom have asked him to speak at various industry gatherings. For instance, he was the keynote speaker at the recent 75th anniversary gala celebrating The Propeller Club of Charleston, a maritime group.
State law prohibits Gov. Mark Sanford from seeking a third term. His current term expires in January 2011. The race to replace Sanford is likely to be an expensive one. Along with Barrett, Furman University professor Brent Nelsen has announced plans to run. Nelsen has never run for public office, but other current S.C. officeholders are likely to join the mix, such as Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer. Bauer has not yet made an official announcement.
In the e-mail, Gresham said, “The one question that I received over and over again when I was talking with my friends and family about running was, ‘Why do you want to be Governor?’
“My answer is really very simple: I believe South Carolina has tremendous potential, despite our serious challenges. I feel God has blessed me with strong experiences — in running a small business, raising a family, serving in our military and leading in elected office — that give me a unique conservative perspective on the challenges we face and how to fix them. I believe I have certain strengths in these uncertain times. And I believe we have to hold on to our conservative values and change the things that hold us back.”

Barrett said his priorities as governor would be to:
• Make South Carolina a national model for job
creation by incentivizing existing and new business
to invest in our people and communities, creating
thousands of high-paying jobs and getting the
economy back on track.
• Reduce government spending by restructuring,
eliminating wasteful spending and making the tough
decisions to cut government fat even when times
are good.
• Reform health care with common-sense, free market
solutions that empower patients and doctors to
make decisions and control costs.
• Fix K-12 education with new ideas for old problems
— innovation, competition and accountability — that
work for children and parents and reward good
teachers.
• Respect our culture, promote families and protect
life. Government shouldn’t dictate our values, but it
should reflect them.

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett is officially a candidate for governor, as the Oconee Republican made an announcement with a mass e-mail and video Wednesday morning.

In the video entitled “Opportunity,” Barrett plays up his deep South Carolina roots at his family owned furniture store in the Upstate and as a Citadel cadet. He also touches on his leadership experience as a former Army officer. Barrett served three terms in the S.C. House before making his run for Congress in 2002, where he captured the 3rd Congressional District seat once held by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Barrett is the first of the three most well-known Republicans who have shown public interest in the race to make an official campaign announcement. Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer said he is likely to make an official announcement soon. Attorney General Henry McMaster has publicly expressed interest in running for governor but has not made an official announcement.

Congressman Gresham Barrett announces bid for governor today

The Associated Press

March 4, 2009

COLUMBIA — South Carolina Rep. Gresham Barrett says he’s running for governor.

The Republican told The Associated Press that he plans to launch his bid today with a mass e-mail that will link to a short Internet video. He becomes the first well-heeled candidate to announce a run for the GOP’s 2010 nomination.

“Tomorrow morning, bright and early, we’re going to send out an e-mail to our supporters announcing my intentions,” Barrett said Tuesday by phone from Washington.

“I’m going to work my fingers off: working, getting to know people in South Carolina, sharing my vision, seeing people,” Barrett said of a race that will hinge on him building a statewide profile and running what promises to be a record-setting primary for money in tough times.

“When I enter this race tomorrow – tonight – I’m going to be the underdog again and I think what’s going to show off is hard work,” Barrett said.

Barrett, 48, wants to replace Republican Gov. Mark Sanford, who can’t run for a third term because of term limits.

The next governor, Barrett said, needs to emphasize economic development, spur energy production and revamp education.

“Number One is economic development. We need to make sure that our economy in South Carolina is second to none,” said Barrett, who has served in the U.S. House since 2002 after three state House terms.

The economy has been a lingering issue for South Carolina, which has the nation’s third-highest unemployment rate – 8.8 percent in December. But it also is a problem for political campaigns.

Barrett has substantial cash on hand already. His most recent federal campaign finance report shows he has $725,000 and he expects to use most of that money for his gubernatorial campaign.

Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and Attorney General Henry McMaster also are considering running for the Republican nomination. McMaster’s re-election account has $778,426 on hand, according to his most recent state filing after raising $110,750 in the fourth quarter of 2008. Bauer’s account had $435,757 after raising $160,978. Their accounts can be converted to gubernatorial bids.

The recession and tough fundraising atmosphere “means that you’ve got to get serious about it and work, work, work,” Barrett said.

Barrett, a Westminster resident who used to manage his family’s furniture store in that Oconee County town, has been a proponent of offshore drilling for oil and natural gas as a way for the U.S. to become energy independent.

The former Army artillery captain in November won his fourth term in the House by defeating Democratic challenger Jane Ballard Dyer, a political newcomer and former Air Force pilot.

He serves on the Committee on Financial Services, the House Committee on International Relations and the House Ethics Committee. His 3rd Congressional District runs along the Savannah River in the northwestern corner of the state.

Barrett joins Furman University political science professor Brent Nelsen in formally announcing a bid for the nomination. Nelsen last week announced his plan to run. Nelsen’s initial campaign finance report show $5,912 on hand.

Democratic state Sen. Vincent Sheheen of Camden announced plans for a gubernatorial bid last month. Sheheen formed an exploratory committee, making him the first Democrat in the race.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — South Carolina U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett announced Wednesday that he wants to be South Carolina’s next governor.

Barrett joins Furman University political scientist Brent Nelsen as the declared Republican candidates for next year’s election.

Barrett represents the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Pickens, Oconee, Anderson, Abbeville, Greenwood and Laurens Counties in the Upstate and also runs along South Carolina’s border with Georgia near Aiken.

He was a state legislator until he won the seat in 2002. Barrett succeeded Sen. Lindsey Graham in Congress.

Barrett said that he will focus on Economic Development, Energy and Education, what he calls the “Three E’s”

WYFF News 4’s Nigel Robertson interviewed Barrett. That interview will air on WYFF News 4 on Wednesday.

Barrett said that that despite winning four congressional elections, he is nervous about the upcoming campaign leading up to the GOP primary in June 2010 and, if he wins the nomination, the general election in November .

“It’s a good nervous,” Barrett said. “My wife and I and my family have thought about this a lot. We’re praying about it and I feel like this is a direction that the lord’s is leading me and no matter what the outcome, it’s going to be the outcome that he wants.”

Barrett wants to succeed Gov. Mark Sanford, who is prohibited from running for a third term.