As Gov. Mark Sanford looks for a replacement for suspended Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Sharpe, he could hardly do better than John Long, Mr. Sharpe's opponent in the 2002 general election. Mr. Long, a Newberry farmer, has extensive practical experience in agriculture, as well as a broad understanding of public policy gained as a member of state and national farm boards.
Mr. Long narrowly lost to Mr. Sharpe, who this week was removed by the governor as agriculture commissioner, following a variety of charges related to his alleged involvement in a cockfighting ring. Cockfighting is illegal in South Carolina and most other states.
Mr. Long is a former member of the state agriculture board and state cattleman's association. He also served on the board of the American Soybean Association, and traveled in 24 countries around the world on the association's behalf, giving him a global perspective that could benefit the state's farming community. He has bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural engineering from Clemson University.
As the owner of a 1,900-acre farm in Newberry County, Mr. Long understands the competitive challenges facing farmers, and during his 2002 campaign said he would work for expanded markets and new products to help revive farming in the Palmetto State. Mr. Long's farming experience ranges from cotton and soybeans to cattle and poultry to timber.
Mr. Long recognizes the need to balance conservation and farming, and went on record during the campaign as being opposed to factory hog farms, which have created so many environmental problems elsewhere.
Indeed, Mr. Long's only potential liability, from the governor's standpoint, is that he is a Democrat. But Gov. Sanford, a Republican, has always been an independent leader willing to buck his party for the good of the state and nation, as governor and as the 1st District congressman. The governor should demonstrate his bipartisanship by asking Mr. Long to complete the remainder of Mr. Sharpe's term.
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