(Published August 26‚ 2003)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Thomas Ravenel, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, will begin running campaign ads on television next week.

The Charleston real estate developer will air two-minute television spots in all of South Carolina's seven media markets beginning Sept. 2, said campaign spokesman Kris Wustrow.

Ravenel, 40, is the first of the candidates seeking retiring Democratic U.S. Sen. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings to air commercials.

"Thomas Ravenel does not have the advantage of having been one of the Washington insiders," Wustrow said. "He doesn't have the name identification."

Three others are seeking the GOP nomination, including former state Attorney General Charlie Condon, U.S. Rep. Jim DeMint of Greenville and Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride.

Democrats seeking Hollings' seat include Columbia Mayor Bob Coble, state Education Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum and Camden native Marcus Belk.

Ravenel's ads will introduce him to the voters of the state, Wustrow said. The ads give background on Ravenel's business experience and his family. Ravenel's father is state Sen. Arthur Ravenel, R- Mount Pleasant.

Ravenel will discuss the need for tort reform and tax cuts and stress the importance of small businesses on the economy, Wustrow said.

The ads also will invite voters to call a toll-free campaign number and discuss issues of concern, Wustrow said.

The ads cost more than $300,000, Wustrow said. Ravenel's campaign announced in mid-July it has more than $1 million on hand for the race.