By Jason Foster The Herald
(Published June 9‚ 2004)
Rock Hill developer Ralph Norman will head to Columbia in January to represent District 48 in the S.C. House after winning a hotly contested three-way race Tuesday in the Republican primary.
Norman narrowly avoided a runoff by capturing about 52 percent of the vote, winning 10 of 13 precincts. Tega Cay real estate agent Peggy Upchurch came in second with 26 percent of the vote. Fort Mill attorney Michael Johnson ran third with 23 percent.
"It's humbling to win like this. This is the people's victory and I look forward working for them," Norman, 50, said late Tuesday.
Norman will face no Democratic opposition in the November general election.
The race hinged on managing growth, increased funding for schools and tax reform. The district, which includes Lake Wylie, Fort Mill, Tega Cay and part of Rock Hill, is among the fastest growing areas in the region.
Norman, who has never held public office, said he's ready to begin his new career. He'll succeed outgoing Rep. Becky Richardson, who recently accepted a job with the state Employment Security Commission and did not seek re-election.
"Government is new to me. I've got a lot of things I'd like to work on," Norman said, citing increased funding for education, along with tort reform. "I've got a full slate, and I'm anxious to get started on it, really."
Norman supporters said it was the candidate's business experience that separated him from his opponents.
"He's a businessman and not an attorney like most politicians are," said William Neelands, 60, an apparel manufacturer from Rock Hill. "I just think he's a man of integrity, and I think he would represent his constituency well."
The district has traditionally been a Fort Mill seat, though redistricting in 2000 pushed the eastern half of Fort Mill into District 45, while adding Tega Cay, Lake Wylie and a portion of northern Rock Hill south of the river.
Upchurch, who ran a mostly self-funded campaign, said she and Johnson split the Fort Mill/Tega Cay vote. She feels like she would've won a two-way race, but still wished Norman well.
"We thought we could pull it off with a grass-roots campaign. Obviously, all the shoe leather in the world couldn't offset the money," Upchurch said, referring to Norman's large campaign coffers.
Johnson also was gracious in defeat. "He (Norman) gave the Republican Party a good name ... and I wish him the best in this," Johnson said. "I think it was good that the voters got to hear different voices."
Some have questioned how well Norman could serve the Fort Mill/Tega Cay area without living there. But Norman has pledged to represent the district equally.
Norman faces no Democratic opposition in November, meaning he will represent the district for the next two years. Representatives make $10,400 annually.
Jason Foster • 329-4066
| Copyright © 2004 The Herald, South Carolina |