AIKEN - South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford swept into Aiken on Monday to energize members of his Republican base and outline why he should be re-elected in November.
Mr. Sanford prefaced his speech before members of the Aiken County GOP with a question, which he said doubles as the focus of his campaign:
"Do you or don't you believe that we live in a time of change?" Mr. Sanford asked. "We live in an amazing time right now."
The governor used the world's evolving economy as a backdrop, saying that 30 percent of the jobs the state added in the 1990s no longer exist.
"They were here for a little while; now they're gone," he said. "We're in a global race."
In addition to making the state's economy more competitive on a worldwide scale, highlights from Mr. Sanford's speech included the need to rein in government spending, making government more "balanced" and getting policy-makers to think "outward instead of inward."
"I don't believe in four, five or 10 people who know what's best for everyone else," the governor said.
The gubernatorial race has remained relatively low-key. Mr. Sanford's trip to Aiken County - the home turf of his opponent, state Sen. Tommy Moore, D-Clearwater - marks what could be the start of a more aggressive run toward the election.
Political observers who attended the speech said they thought campaigning would heat up after Labor Day, and Mr. Sanford said as much.
"The next 75 days are busy for me," he said. "I've told the boys we wouldn't see as much of them as we'd like."
Several members of Aiken County's state legislative delegation attended Monday's event, but only Sen. Greg Ryberg, one of Mr. Sanford's closest allies, spoke, emphasizing the need for supporters to put signs in their yards.
"I think it's important for your friends and neighbors to see who you support," he said.
Asked to summarize his vision for the future if re-elected, Mr. Sanford said, "Allow for more families to enjoy a higher quality of life."
Reach Josh Gelinas at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or josh.gelinas@augustachronicle.com.
SOUTH CAROLINA'S RACE FOR GOVERNOR
Gov. Mark Sanford's general election opponent, state Sen. Tommy Moore, D-Clearwater, will speak before the Aiken County Democratic Party Thursday. His appearance at the Aiken County Council chambers, located at 736 Richland Avenue, starts at 7 p.m.
