Weathers announces bid for ag commissioner

JIM DAVENPORT, Associated Press

COLUMBIA -- The man Gov. Mark Sanford appointed to run the Agriculture Commission launched his bid Monday for the Republican nomination for the job.

So far, Bowman dairy farmer Hugh Weathers is the only Republican to announce for the statewide office. Lachlan McIntosh, executive director of the state Democratic Party says he does not expect a Democrat to step forward this week, but at least one candidate is considering a bid for the office.

Sanford appointed Weathers to run the Agriculture Commission after Charles Sharpe, elected to the office in 2002, was indicted following an FBI investigation of a cockfighting operation. In January, Sharpe admitted in federal court he took $10,000 to protect a cockfighting organization from legal trouble. He is serving a two-year prison sentence.

Sanford has proposed eliminating elections for the ag commissioner and most other statewide offices, saying those positions should be filled by gubernatorial appointees.

While he'll be on the ballot, Weathers said it would be fine if future agriculture commissioners are appointed by governors. "With the proper criteria, the industry can be served through the appointment process. But those criteria are a critical part of that."

So far, only the South Carolina House has gone along with plans to eliminate elections for the secretary of state and education superintendent.

Weathers said he has several priorities, including opening up a new state Farmers Market and increasing the state's agriculture-related businesses.

The design work on a new market is being completed now and a groundbreaking is expected early next year, he said. The move should happen by 2008, he said.

The current "market has served us well for 54 years," Weathers said from inside a huge shed where farmers sold watermelons and vegetables. "It's time that a new market can serve us well in the future."

Weathers says he's also working to bring more businesses to the state to process agricultural goods.

"In South Carolina, we need to keep more value for those crops here," he said. "All of our peanuts are hauled out of state for processing. If we can attract investment in processing facilities here, we'll keep more value of our crops in South Carolina."

High gasoline prices have led to increased inspections of service stations to make sure pumps are accurate.

"It's painful enough at the gas pump without having to worry: Are you getting a gallon when you're paying for a gallon," Weathers said.

High gas prices have increased as hurricanes damaged or threatened Louisiana and Texas refineries and pipelines this summer.

The hurricanes may bring some businesses to South Carolina -- such as fish and shrimp processing operations, Weathers said.