Index Journal: McCormick GOP discusses issues facing county, state
McCORMICK — U.S. Senate candidate Buddy Witherspoon, who is challenging incumbent Lindsey Graham, has a daughter, a son-in-law and three grandchildren — and he says those are his inspiration for seeking a Senate seat.
“When I look into the eyes of my daughter, my son-in-law and my grandchildren, I see the future of America,” Witherspoon said. “I see the hopes and dreams of Americans.”
Witherspoon was one of four speakers Thursday night at a McCormick County Republican Party meeting.
He said immigration is the most important issue Americans face.
“Folks, it is going to take more than WD-40 and duct tape to straighten this problem out,” Witherspoon said. “We haven’t secured our borders. If we don’t do something about that, then our country will continue to be infiltrated.
“It is not good for our next generation.”
Witherspoon also stands strongly behind adopting legislation to make English the official language, and he is strongly against a purported North American Union that would bind the United States with Mexico and Canada. He also supports using “In God We Trust,” “Under God” and all the traditions America was built upon.
“Running for this seat is not an ego trip for Buddy Witherspoon,” he said. “But I have been blessed.”
Thursday’s first speaker was school board member Kathy DuLaney, who spoke about children and touched on the new high school project.
She said McCormick County children “are taught to respect people,” which makes them stand apart from the rest. She also clarified the county district is not taking money from the county, but rather using money from the state to build the new high school.
“The state legislature has been kind to us,” DuLaney said. “The 388 money will leave us with a little over a million dollars that we will use to build the new school.”
Third District county council candidate John Philcox talked about the new Rivers Edge Forest Product company, the new and improved Food Lion and several other businesses that have created more jobs for the county. He also told attendees the sewer lines for the county are coming, because county council has received all of the approvals and cleared all of the bumps in the road.
Philcox said a water line will be placed to run to the Rivers Edge property with only a small problem of getting the line under the railroad. Philcox also said the cleared land next to Food Lion is the county’s land, and, for now, will be used for fairs, car shows and similar events. The EMS substation will be built near the Hamilton Branch toward the south end of the county, he said.
State Sen. Shane Massey, also up for re-election, updated the county Republicans on events being discussed and debated in Columbia. The three main things he said that were of main concern are payday lenders, DUI laws and immigration. Massey said an immigration bill is in the works with three state representatives and three state senators working on it.
“I’m doing my best and I’m working hard,” Massey said. “The only way I can represent you effectively is by listening to you, but I can’t listen if you aren’t talking.”
Also announced Thursday:
* Filing is open for candidates for county council and the school board. Filing for county council will close at noon Sunday.
* May 31 is the Republican state convention.
* The Republican state primary is June 10.
* There will be a GOP meeting with U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett as speaker April 5 at the courthouse in Greenwood.
Published in Greenwood Index Journal
By JAIME MADEWELL/Index-Journal staff writer
Friday, March 28, 2008 12:14 AM EDT
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