Party | Republican

Born | Feb. 26, 1957, in Lamar

Education | Attended Clemson University. After he was elected to the state House at 21, he transferred to the University of South Carolina, where he received his undergraduate and law degrees.

Employment | Partner in the law firm of Beasley, Ervin & Warr and vice president at Carolina Bank & Trust in Darlington

Experience | Democratic state House member, 1979-92. Served as House majority leader and House speaker pro tem. Later switched to GOP. Served as governor from 1995-1999.

Family | Wife, Mary Beasley; four children

On the Net | http://www.beasleyforsenate.com/

The tobacco industry has always been an important part of our economy, both in the Pee Dee and throughout South Carolina. Through no fault of their own, tobacco allotments have been reduced by almost 50 percent in recent years, leaving farmers devastated. I support legislation currently before Congress to open the tobacco industry to a free market system, with the buyout paid for by tobacco companies or by tobacco users. I would not like to see those revenues come from taxpayers.

It's imperative that the federal government continue to support renourishment projects. Waterways are an important part of the infrastructure which is vital to our economy. That's why, as governor, I devoted $11 million toward renourishment along the Grand Strand. The federal government has a responsibility to fund major infrastructure and economic development projects, and I will work to maintain the 65 percent that the federal government currently pays.

During my term as governor, we created the Infrastructure Bank to help pay for the Conway Bypass and Carolina Bays Parkway. As Senator, I will work with the members of our congressional delegation [and] press hard for the funds needed to build I-73. This can be done by attaching the funding request to a section of the transportation bill that has designated monies. I will also work to ensure South Carolina starts receiving a better return on our gas tax revenues.