Clearwater Democrat runing for governor
By BEN BAUGH Staff writer
S.C. Senator Tommy Moore has thrown his hat into the ring and formally announced his intentions to enter the gubernatorial race in Columbia at the state Democratic Convention Saturday.
Moore, D-Clearwater, who has been a force in politics on the state level since 1979 and has served in the South Carolina state Senate since 1981, is seeking the Democratic nomination in an attempt to unseat Republican incumbent Mark Sanford, in the 2006 gubernatorial election. Moore believes many issues can be resolved through solidarity, rather than partisan politics.
"I want to have a state where our differences no longer divide us, and we'll be able to forge new ideas and pathways," Moore said.
More said a plethora of issues continue to plague the state, and he believes his practical approach and experience will help resolve a number of concerns that need to be addressed. At the forefront of Moore's campaign is an issue concerning many Americans and South Carolinians – education.
"There are so many issues, including highways, jobs and improving education," Moore said. "Public education at this time, and at all times in the history of South Carolina, needs to have someone who defends education unequivocally."
The Aiken County-based legislator said he recognizes the importance of education, and he said finding ways to strengthen the academic system are paramount to establishing a solid foundation for the future. Moore has received plaudits from educators for his unwavering commitment to improve South Carolina's education system.
The Clearwater businessman represents District No. 25, which encompasses all of Edgefield and McCormick counties, as well as part of Aiken County. The 54-year-old is the son of Lucius L. Moore Jr. and Mae R. Harrelson. He is a graduate of the USC Aiken, where he received a bachelor's degree. He married Dale Johnson in 1971 and has two children Baylen and Brent.
"There's a lot of key ideas and things need to be done," Moore said. "Education is the key to earning higher wages and employment. We can't give up on the education system."
The state's economic health has also been an issue of great concern. Moore said a strong education system can stimulate the economy, as well as provide a workforce willing to embrace the challenges of the future.
"One of the state's major employers in less than five years is going to lose 50 percent of its staff to retirement," Moore said. "South Carolinians need to be sufficiently prepared."
Moore also addressed Gov. Sanford's budget cuts that have severely impacted the state's education system. He also noted that there are alternatives to improve and upgrade a system and its funding that in his estimation has floundered since Sanford has been in office. Moore has worked diligently in his attempts to raise per-pupil spending. The two have taken opposing views on several issues.
"Educational facilities need to meet the bill," Moore said. "We need to have a higher pay scale for teachers, stricter classrooms, more parental involvement and better classrooms. We can't expect this to be done overnight, but we're certainly not going to accomplish this by cutting $500 million from education over the last three years. We can't accomplish this by funding less money."
Moore had sought higher office previously. In 1993, he failed in a bid to win the Democratic nomination for the Third District Congressional seat that had been held by retiring U.S. Representative Butler Derrick and that was eventually won by current U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham.
Ways of working towards solidarity and experience are among the strengths Moore said he brings to the table at a time when Sanford appears vulnerable.
"The state needs to be unified, and I bring that leadership," Moore said. "We need to improve, excel and progress. We need solutions, not sound bites."
Bipartisan support seems to loom large in the upcoming election as Sanford seems to have fallen out of favor with certain factions in his own party.
"My candidacy is for all South Carolinians, and I'm receiving support from all parties," Moore said.
Moore was a major proponent of a plan that would have increased the state's sales tax by two cents on the dollar, and raised cigarette taxes, which was part of the state's budget debate. The combination would have provided tax relief according to Moore, and eliminated income taxes for people who have a state taxable income of $15,000 or less, cut property taxes and provided more funding for Medicaid programs.
However, Sanford is more intent on seeing through to fruition a tax cut that will help small business owners and will serve as a way of attracting more affluent people, including wealthy retirees and executives. The property taxes have received less attention, because Sanford says they aren't directly controlled by the state.
And with the 2006 gubernatorial election less than a year and a half away, Sanford has already generated more than $3 million for his war chest. Moore recognizes the challenges and will have a number of fundraising mechanisms in place to help provide funding for what is sure to be a long road ahead.
"There are a lot of ways that we'll be able to raise money," Moore said.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.