Throwing a challenge to seasoned politicians, newcomer Thomas Ravenel made his candidacy official Thursday for the Republican nomination to run against Democratic U.S. Senate icon Ernest "Fritz" Hollings.

Ravenel, 40, only vaguely resembles his father, state Sen. Arthur Ravenel, and has none of the father's deep Charleston accent.

But he said he inherited a passion for public service from his father, who also served Horry and Georgetown counties in the U.S. House.

"My parents taught me a clear sense of right and wrong" about the political process and "the American dream," Ravenel said in his brief announcement at Ramp 66 at Grand Strand Airport.

The Republican, who has put $1 million of his own money into the race, is going against U.S. Rep. Jim DeMint of Greenville, former Attorney General Charlie Condon of Charleston and Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride.

McBride, who announced his candidacy in January and just met the minimum $5,000 required for federal reports in July, said he welcomes Ravenel into the fray and is ready to take him on.

The mayor, a restaurateur, said he represents the working person in the campaign.

He contrasted his announcement's bus trip around the state with Ravenel's flight around the state in a chartered twin-engine aircraft.

Ravenel said he worked for his money, building a real estate development business that includes shopping centers in Horry County.

"My business creates jobs," Ravenel said. A senator should work to help foster business that creates "jobs with dignity and respect," he said.

"To grow this economy, we've got to cut taxes," Ravenel said. Tax cuts, limited government and tort reform are his goals, he said.

"We have an out-of-control epidemic of frivolous lawsuits," he said, and with tort reform "we will then see health care costs drop for everyone."

Curtis Fredericks, who managed the campaigns for former Myrtle Beach Rep. Mark Kelley, said he will help Ravenel's local campaign.

Ravenel will represent coastal interests better than DeMint, Fredericks said. Condon "has passed his time in South Carolina," and McBride is not a serious candidate, he said.

Rep. Thad Viers, R-Myrtle Beach, introduced Ravenel but said he wasn't endorsing him even though they are friends. "He's a person from the coast who understands our interests," Viers said.

Myrtle Beach City Councilman Randal Wallace said that he came to the event because he was invited but that he is supporting McBride.