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Thu Sep 03, 2009 at 10:43:15 AM EDT
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| During a town hall forum Tuesday in Orangeburg, State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex told the audience that he would not seek re-election in 2010. And this morning, South Carolina's only statewide-elected Democrat issued the following statement explaining his decision:
"I have decided that I will not seek re-election to the Office of State Superintendent of Education in 2010, regardless of whether or not I decide to run for Governor. It is clear from my time in this office that there is a limit to what we can accomplish to move South Carolina's schools and our state forward so long as we do not have someone in the Governor's office who is making education, jobs, and economic development the top priorities of this state. I am in the final stages of making a decision about whether or not to offer myself to South Carolinians to be that kind of Governor - a "turnaround" Governor - or whether to return to the private sector and continue to work to make a difference there. Sue and I appreciate the support and encouragement we have received as we have moved around the state in these last few weeks, and I look forward to a final decision very soon."
Today's announcement comes as little surprise. For weeks now, the Superintendent has been touring the state, raising money under his new gubernatorial campaign account and discussing job creation, the economy, and Mark Sanford as much as education. While Rex says he'll wait two more weeks before making a final decision on whether or not to enter the governor's race, all signs appear to indicate that Jim Rex is in.
The real question now for SC Dems: who will step forward to take Rex's place in next year's Superintendent of Education race? |
| Jennifer Read :: Jim Rex Won't Seek Re-Election, Eying Governor's Race |
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