State Treasurer Grady Patterson wants to make it a perfect 10.

The 82-year-old Democrat has filed for re-election to what would be his 10th term in office.

If he’s successful, he would become the state’s longest-serving constitutional officer.

The World War II veteran is the last of the old-guard Democrats who once ruled S.C. politics. And, with Education Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum’s decision not to run again, he is the only incumbent Democrat on the statewide ballot in November.

“The treasurer’s office has been instrumental in attracting new businesses like the Vaught Industries project in the Lowcountry and the ICAR project in the Upstate,” Patterson said in a campaign statement. “Helping bring these projects to fruition is how we increase the standard of living in our state.”

Patterson also said he is looking forward to the campaign.

“I love getting the chance to see all my longtime friends across South Carolina. I have done my best to serve the people of South Carolina according to the morals and values we learn in church every Sunday and on the farm I grew up on in Abbeville County.”

Patterson has no announced primary opposition. There are three announced Republican candidates: state Sen. Greg Ryberg, R-Aiken; former House Majority Leader Rick Quinn, R-Richland; and developer Jeff Willis of Easley. Only Willis has filed for the race. Patterson made his filing last week.

The state treasurer is one of five members of the State Budget and Control Board, which has wide power to impact state spending and financial policy.

Patterson often sides with House Ways and Means chairman Dan Cooper, R-Anderson, and Senate Finance chairman Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, in split votes against Gov. Mark Sanford and Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom.

A change in the treasurer’s seat could mean the board’s decisions fall in Sanford’s direction.

Patterson is not immune to defeat. In 1994, he was swept out of office in the Republican tide that saw the GOP capture the House and most of the statewide offices.

But Patterson rebounded and won back his office in 1998. He held off a strong challenge from Ryberg in 2002.

Reach Gould Sheinin at (803) 771-8658.