| Moore to run for governor COLUMBIA -- State Sen. Tommy Moore announced his candidacy for governor Saturday, becoming the first Democrat to enter the race. Mr. Moore used the South Carolina Demo¤cratic Convention in Columbia as a launching point for his campaign. "I want us to have a state where our differences don't divide us, but give us a renewed opportunity to discuss the issues and move forward," Mr. Moore said in an interview after his speech at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Mr. Moore, an Aiken County native who resides in Clearwater, has served in state government since 1979, when he was elected to the House of Representatives. He's served in the Sen¤ate since 1981 and has developed a reputation as a consensus builder. The senator is a sharp critic of Republican incumbent Mark Sanford, especially the governor's income tax reduction plan and his proposal to give tax credits to parents who send their children to private schools or transfer them from one public school district into another. "This state cannot succeed without a chief executive who fights to improve public education," Mr. Moore said. Several Democrats at the state convention carried blue and green signs that read "Tommy Moore ñ Our Governor." Party members listed support for public education, job opportunities and environmental protection. There are other Democrats eyeing the party's nomination, including Florence Mayor Frank Willis. The primary would be held in June 2006. Reach Josh Gelinas at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or josh.gelinas@augustachronicle.com.
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