Bernie Hamby trying to unseat veteran S.C. Senator Tommy Moore

By PHILIP LORD Senior writer

Sen. Tommy Moore and McCormick County Council member Bernie Hamby are taking different approaches in the way they are running for a seat in the S.C. Senate.

A 26-year incumbent, Moore, a Democrat, is depending on his name recognition and record of service to see him through.

Hamby, a Republican who has served on county council for six years, is taking a more personal approach.

Moore is spending money on billboards and other campaign material, while Hamby is speaking at churches and pressing the flesh.

Some political observers have compared the contest to a modern day David and Goliath story.

Not only is Hamby battling a seasoned politician, but he entered the race late. Hamby was placed on the S.C. Senate 25 ballot when Susan Swanson dropped out of the race. After searching for a few weeks, the GOP tapped Hamby for the race.

Education funding is one issue where the two candidates vary. Moore wants to see full funding for educational programs, but Hamby wants more parental involvement and is a supporter of adding Bible curriculum to schools.

"I agree with the people who say more money isn't the answer (to educational woes), but less money isn't the answer either," said Moore, who floated a plan last session to add to the state's sales tax to fund educational programs.

Hamby said he felt school expenditures, particularly administrative salaries and costs, needed to be closely examined by the General Assembly before approving the budget.

"Is more money the answer?" said the Savannah River Site employee. "Parents should have more voice in what is happening in schools."

During the last session, rules of the Senate were used to stall several pieces of legislation that were supported by the majority of the chamber – such as a mandatory seat belt law. Some members of the Senate have proposed rule changes when the General Assembly goes back into session in January.

"I'm for listening," said Moore, who would not commit to rule changes.

Moore points out the Education Improvement Act and South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, which were both controversial, passed when Senate rules required 31 votes for closure, instead of the current 28.

"They are not Democratic issues, they are not Republican issues – we have issues affecting all South Carolinians," Moore said. "I don't think any purpose is served when you get hung up on the letter behind your name."

Hamby said he would support changing the rules of the Senate after last year's session.

"If the system is not working and you can't get things done, it is time for a change," Hamby said.

Born in Aiken, Moore, 54, was raised in the Valley and graduated from USC Aiken. He is married to the former Dale Johnson. They have two grown sons.

Moore served in the S.C. House of Representatives from 1979 to 1980 and was elected to serve in the Senate starting in 1981.

Hamby was also born in Aiken and raised in Clearwater until he moved to the Johnston area when he was 6 years old. From there he went to Clemson University.

An employee at SRS for the past 19 years, Hamby, who is single, owns a convenience store and eatery in McCormick County and a boat manufacturing company in Lincolnton, Ga.

Contact Philip Lord at plord@aikenstandard.com.

Bernie Hamby on the issues

To attract economic development to Aiken, Edgefield, Saluda and McCormick counties, Hamby believes the independent counties have to stop competing against each other and work as a team to create jobs. "In order for us to be competitive, we have got to work together," Hamby said.

Hamby believes state requirements that agencies spend all of their budget prior to the end of the fiscal year, or risk having a reduction in funding the following year, encourages wasteful spending. He believes in a top to bottom review of agencies to find such spending.

A small business owner, Hamby supports cross training state employees so they can be assigned to do a number of task, thus helping agencies to run more efficiently.

In Bernie Hamby's own words

I believe that a line has been drawn in the sand. This election will be one of the most important in the history of our country because there are so many moral issues at stake. There are those that want to remove the mention of God from all our government buildings, money, and even from our Pledge of Allegiance. There is a direct attack on our families. Those same folks want to redefine family and marriage. I am proud I am a Christian, and as your senator, I will take a stand to protect our families from such attacks. Also, I feel that more money is not the answer to all the problems our schools are facing. They need more accountability, discipline and security. Parents need the choice to decide what is best for their children's education. I also support the restructuring of our state government. Many of our old ways of governing are outdated. Change must occur if we are going to be competitive in our changing world of today. In order to be competitive during these economic times, counties must stop competing with each other and start pooling their resources to attract industry to our state. I love the people of South Carolina. As your senator, I will put my whole heart into making this state the greatest state in our nation in which to live and raise a family.

Tommy Moore on the issues

"There is no question the budget is the premiere issue to be decided," Moore said.

Over the past three years the state has been forced to instituted across-the-board budget cuts as a result of a shortfall in state revenues.

Moore said the events surrounding Sept. 11, 2001, a drop in the tourism industry in the Palmetto State and a recession all led to the shortfall.

"It was a perfect storm, no question about it," Moore said.

Included in the budget discussions will be funding for the state's educational system, which has not met required funding levels over the past three years. School discussions will also include a proposal by Gov. Mark Sanford to give parents school choice.

"The day that we fully fund base student costs and fully fund public education as we should, then we can have meaningful dialogue" on school choice, Moore said.

Funding for health care and Medicaid expenses are also issues tied to budget discussions. "Fifty percent of the children in South Carolina are Medicaid eligible," said Moore, who added that not all the eligible children actually benefit from the program.

In Tommy Moore's own words

I have been given the great honor of being elected and re-elected as the State Senator for Senate District 25. I remain humbled that so many people have entrusted their vote, support and confidence in me.

During the next several years our area and our state will continue to be faced with tremendous challenges. I sincerely believe that we can meet these challenges and I am dedicated to continuing my efforts to move things forward regardless of partisan politics.

I pledge to work with all legislators and citizens with the common goal of improving the lives of all South Carolinians. This improvement in education, health care, jobs and economic development will occur only if we seek solutions and join together.

I will continue to provide the best constituent service for all citizens. I will always remind myself and you that children are a gift from God.

Copyright © 2003, The Aiken Standard