COLUMBIA,
S.C. (AP) - Former Republican Gov. David Beasley announced
Wednesday that he will join the race for the seat of retiring
Democratic Sen. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings.
Beasley joins an already crowded field of GOP candidates.
Other Republicans seeking the nomination include former state
Attorney General Charlie Condon, U.S. Rep. Jim DeMint of
Greenville, Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride and Charleston
real estate developer Thomas Ravenel. The Democrats in the
race are state Education Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum and
Marcus Belk.
Beasley served one term as governor, losing to Democrat Jim
Hodges in a 1998 election known for heavy spending from the
video gambling industry that Beasley said he would outlaw.
Beasley, 46, also was battered by his stand to remove the
Confederate flag that flew atop the Statehouse dome.
Since then, Beasley has taught at Harvard University, done
missionary work and received a Profile in Courage Award from
the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum for his work to move
the Confederate flag.
Beasley said he has been weighing the decision carefully
and considering how it will affect his family.
