Ex-Rep. Campsen running for state Senate

COLUMBIA - Former state legislator Chip Campsen announced plans Thursday to seek the Republican nomination for state Senate District 43, which covers parts of Berkeley and Charleston counties.

Campsen also worked on Gov. Mark Sanford's gubernatorial campaign and served as spokesman of Sanford's transition team.

He recently served as Sanford's senior policy adviser.

Sanford said Campsen has been "a key thinker, adviser, implementer and friend."

Campsen represented Charleston County in the state House from 1997 to 2002. He did not seek re-election in 2002 to honor a self-imposed term-limit pledge.

Campsen, 44, said he has extensive experience in the legislature and Sanford administration.

"I was blessed with much success in drafting and passing legislation through the General Assembly, led efforts to organize the Sanford administration, and helped develop Governor Sanford's policy and legislative agendas," he said.

Campsen is challenging Republican Sen. John Kuhn, who was elected in 2001.