Harry Ott Endorses Sheheen

by: Snead

Tue Aug 18, 2009 at 11:11:15 AM EDT

Hot and fresh off the e-presses:

Following his announcement over the weekend that he would not run for governor, House Minority Leader Harry Ott announced today that he is endorsing state Senator Vincent Sheheen in the race for governor.

South Carolinians are yearning for a trustworthy, hard-working governor – one who can build the coalitions and provide the leadership necessary to address the challenges we face,” said Ott. “On the issues that will define the success or failure of our next governor – particularly creating good jobs and revitalizing our public schools – Vincent Sheheen is the candidate with the independence, experience and vision to move South Carolina forward.”

Ott and Sheheen served together in the South Carolina House from 2001 – 2004. Since 2004, Sheheen has served in the state Senate, where he represents Chesterfield, Kershaw and Lancaster counties.

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Vincent over the last decade and I believe, without a doubt, that he and I share a common vision of what South Carolina can be with the right person at the helm,” Ott continued. “Vincent has a longstanding reputation for forging partnerships and getting results. And perhaps most importantly, he believes deeply, as I do, in the value of our public schools and knows that they are the cornerstone for economic development and job creation.”

"South Carolina is at a pivotal juncture,” Ott said. “I believe it’s time we elect a governor we can all be proud of – one who has the character and integrity to help this great state find its way again. Vincent Sheheen is that person. I am excited to endorse Vincent Sheheen for governor of South Carolina, and I will work to help him get elected."

Inez Tenenbaum not running for governor in 2010

by: Jennifer Read

Thu Mar 19, 2009 at 15:31:24 PM EDT

One of the highest profile Democrats in South Carolina tells The (Sumter) Item that she has no plans to run for Governor next year:

Inez Tenenbaum will not be running for governor in 2010.

The former two-term state superintendent of education announced Wednesday that the race to the Statehouse will not be in her future.

Early polling conducted by PPP last summer showed Tenenbaum likely would have fared well against potential GOP challengers Henry McMaster and Gresham Barrett in a head to head match-up. However, Tenenbaum says she doesn’t feel this is the right race for her at this time:  

"Every race I've ever run, I always knew it was my race with my name on it and I just don't think this is my race," she said. "You've got to listen to that. It just didn't feel like my time. I can't explain it any other way."

So far, state Sen. Vincent Sheheen of Camden is the only Democratic candidate to formally enter the race for governor. Other Dems rumored to be considering a 2010 bid include House Minority Leader Harry Ott, state Sens. Brad Hutto and Robert Ford, and Charleston attorney Mullins McLeod.

Dem Leader Harry Ott calls out Sanford, Taylor

by: Jennifer Read

Tue Feb 10, 2009 at 20:51:05 PM EST

Democratic House Minority Leader (and rumored Guv hopeful) Harry Ott (D-Calhoun) released a statement today denouncing Commerce Secretary Joe Taylor's comments Monday that potential workers who fail drug tests are part of our state’s growing unemployment problem.

"I reject the ridiculous claim that Secretary Taylor made in regards to our staggering unemployment figures. He and the Governor are so out of touch with the people of South Carolina that they are willing to accuse our citizens of baseless claims of drug use. Therefore, I would like to formally invite Secretary Taylor and Governor Sanford to my district to meet the men and women who are struggling to find any job at all.”

According to the State Employment Security Commission, over 200,000 South Carolinians are currently out of work, and economists warned Tuesday that South Carolina’s unemployment rate could rise from 9.5% to 14% by this summer.

Ott said Democrats in the House are committed to passing legislation that will protect and create new jobs in South Carolina during the current economic recession. The House Minority Leader then challenged the Governor to do the same.

“The Sanford administration's inability to create and protect jobs in South Carolina is the reason for our economic crisis," Rep. Ott said. "Perhaps the Governor's advisors should stop scheduling his next out-of-state speech and begin working on creating jobs for the people of South Carolina."