COLUMBIA--Democrat Michael Hollings, the son of
retired U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings, ended his brief campaign for lieutenant
governor Tuesday.
Hollings, an attorney and lobbyist, withdrew from the race, citing provisions
in the state law that would prohibit him from pursuing his law practice if
elected. The lieutenant governor's post is officially a part-time position that
pays about $46,000.
"It has always been my intention to run for lieutenant governor, but I have
withheld a formal announcement pending a resolution of this issue," Hollings
said in a statement. "I would have been proud to serve our state and I am
disappointed that circumstances do not permit me to continue my candidacy."
Herb Hayden, director of the State Ethics Commission, said statewide elected
officials are not allowed to represent clients before governmental entities,
such as the court system. He said it isn't an issue for candidates seeking the
eight other statewide positions because they are full-time jobs.
Hollings, who has never held political office, unofficially announced in
mid-June that he'd seek the job as a stepping stone to the position he most
wanted: the governor's office. Yet he never organized a campaign or raised much
money.
The 54-year-old's campaign began without the backing of South Carolina
Democratic Party officials or the support of his father, who retired last year
after more than a half-century in public office. The elder Hollings served as a
state lawmaker, governor and U.S. senator.
The younger Hollings' departure from the race spoils a potential battle of
two titanic families in South Carolina politics. It was possible that he could
have squared off against Republican Mike Campbell, son of former Gov. Carroll
Campbell. The showdown only would have been possible if Campbell beat incumbent
Andre Bauer in the Republican primary.
With Hollings out, the Democrats are left without a challenger in the
lieutenant governor's race. It compounds the party's grim situation after
Democrat Inez Tenenbaum announced last week that she wouldn't run for a third
term as state superintendent of education.
The Republicans keyed on the announcements of Tenenbaum and Hollings as an
indicator of the strength of the Democrats.
"Two political pedigrees as strong as that dropping out speaks volumes to the
state of the Democratic Party," said GOP Chairman Katon Dawson.
Democratic Party officials said the Republicans would face competitive
candidates in both races.
John Frank covers state politics and the Legislature. He can be reached at
(803) 799-9051 or jbfrank@postandcourier.com.
