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Published September 13, 2005

Floyd sets pace in race for education chief

Teresa Killian, Staff Writer

Spartanburg Republican Karen Floyd emerged Monday as the sole candidate campaigning for state superintendent of education after an Anderson educator withdrew from the race.

Dan Hallman announced his decision not to run and threw his support to Floyd at a barbecue restaurant in Pendleton Monday night during the Anderson County Republican Party Bronze Elephant Dinner.

Last month, Democratic incumbent Inez Tenenbaum announced that she would not seek a third term in 2006.

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Gov. Mark Sanford said if everything continues as is, he sees a bright political future for Floyd.

"It's my personal opinion that Karen Floyd will be elected the next superintendent of education," Sanford said Monday after speaking to a Republican group in Spartanburg.

Floyd said the announcement does not change her campaign plans, which are simply to work as hard as she can.

"Every day I get up and I'm meeting with parents, teachers and groups of individuals to get the message out about education reform for the state of South Carolina," Floyd said.

Today, after she drops her kids off at school, Floyd said her schedule calls for her to drive to Columbia for a series of appointments that will mean returning home about 11 p.m.

"Until the last vote is cast, no one can ever be confident about an election," she said.

Hallman said he withdrew from the race out of a desire to spend more time with his grandchildren and caring for his ailing 92-year-old mother, who has come to live with him and his wife.

He also said he thought he would enjoy campaigning more than he did and that campaigns cost money.

Floyd announced her intent to seek office in April. She is a former Spartanburg County Council chairwoman and owner of the public relations firm The Palladian Group.

"Karen now has a clear path to sweep the election for superintendent of education," said Rick Beltram, chairman of the Spartanburg County Republican Party. " …There is a rumor that Democrats will come up with somebody, but whoever it is I don't see them becoming a formidable candidate."

He added that Hallman's decision is a compliment to voters and residents of Spartanburg County.

"A strong candidate coming out of Spartanburg County seems to make others cower," Beltram said.

Stephanie Tracy at the Anderson Independent-Mail and Staff Writer Luke Connell contributed

to this report.

User Comments

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Re: QualificationsI'll list her Qualifications
and thoughts for her that i dont know who placed, and everyone is of course following
1. Former School Board Member
2. Former SChool Board Member
3. Former School Board Member (which several local school board members have expressed displeasure in her while she was on board)
4. Married 3 or 4 times
5. Attended in 92'Bill Clinton's Presidential Inaguration
6. Went to the Clinton inaguration with the Spartanburg Democratic Party (reason why I know this, I had some relatives who were on the trip with her, but you wont ever see the HJ ever print anything like this)
Now, I'm not saying that she wouldnt be a good candidate, but again....all these high hopes
- Common Sense Politics
QualificationsWould someone please post Floyd's qualifications for the office?
I'm seeing mostly useless propaganda in the SHJ and getting little more than spam from her campaign in my e-mail. I've asked people all over the northern half of the county about her--a former school board member, current school employees in different districts, retired teachers, local republican activists.
No one can even tell me anything memorable she did on county council. (I RTB SC about the time she departed county council.)
So far all I can determine is that she is a bored, rich house wife with too much time on her hands.
I wonder if she can match Inez' highest qualification -- helping JC call ordeers at The Beacon.
- john doe
Re: GOP politcs| The job of the GOP Chairman by definition is to make the Democrats look bad. Our team has done a good job. Thank you for the vote of confidence. We now yield over 70% of the Spartanburg County vote.....very convincing!
| Rick Beltram
LOL...No wonder half the spartanburg republican delegation has nothing to do with the party besides the (R) behind their name. A "chairman" who is proud of his use of lies, racist tactics, threats, etc. to tear opponents down instead of intellect and reason to win a vote for the "cause." How proud the delegation must be!
I would recommend a muzzle...The rest of the state will have a field day with this guy...what fun it should be when these comments make it to some of the state's larger papers...They are bound to help Karen's campaign...she must be thrilled...
- tdreamweaver
Surely we have someone better!Come on SC! Surely there is someone out there who actually has experience educating children and managing schools. Please don't elect some politico to watch over our children!
It is really, really sad she is the only one running. Why do some find that to be good news? This job is way too important just to give it to someone!
- None None
Karren was great on County CouncilI remember there was a time that I had a need. I called her and she responded and took care of the need right away. Floyd did a GREAT job on County Council. I can't wait until she runs the Dept. of Ed.
- None None

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