Longtime S.C. Sen. Chauncey "Greg" Gregory faces newcomer Donn Sinclair for the District 16 seat on the November ballot.

The district encompasses most of Lancaster County and a northern section of York County, and the area's rapidly growing population provides the race a smorgasbord of campaign issues.

Incumbent Gregory, who was elected in 1992, said his years of experience in the State House have garnered him seniority, which gives him ability to take stock of statewide issues as well as tackle problems on a local level.

"My strongest suit is that I do have the experience, and it takes about five years to really get traction," he said. "I've got the relationships, and everything is based on those two things."

If elected again, Gregory plans to push for tort reform, which would reduce the number of lawsuits, and to lobby for a consolidation of state agencies, granting the executive branch authority to manage them.

Opponent Sinclair says he decided to run after feeling that the state was "off course." The Democrat, who owns a financial services firm with offices in Rock Hill and Lancaster, said he wants to see more money for education, better jobs and lower health-care costs.

"Why should people vote for me? I start early, work hard, work smart and finish strong," Sinclair said.

Sinclair, who has passed out brochures and campaigned at land use plans and community meetings in the district, said he is continuing to hit the trail to listen to as many voters as possible.

Chauncey "Greg" Gregory

Party: Republican.

Age: 41.

Address: P.O. Box 1381, Lancaster, SC 29720-1381

Occupation: President, Builders Supply Company in Lancaster.

Elected offices: S.C. Senate since 1992.

Family: Wife, Sherri; two children, Marshall and Ellen Gray.

Education: B.S. in business, University of South Carolina, 1985.

Telephone: (803) 283-8481.

Internet or e-mail: http://www.gregoryforsenate.org/ or marshallg@comporium.net.

Quote: My strongest suit is that I do have the experience, and it takes about five years to really get traction in the Senate. It's run on a seniority basis.