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.

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.”

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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.”

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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

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.”

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

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)

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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

“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 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.

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.

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.

“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.

###

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

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.”

“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).

###

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.”

###

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.

“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

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.

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.

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.”

“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.”

###

“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.”

###

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.

They all recognize one thing; Gresham is the only candidate for Governor who can bring us together to make our state the South’s leader in economic development.

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.

We hope to see you there!

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.

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, 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.