South Carolina: Spratt gets a race

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Every few years, Republicans get ambitious and mount a well-financed challenge to US Rep. John Spratt (D) in South Carolina’s 5th District (Rock Hill, etc.). They almost succeeded in 1994 amidst the tsunami that swept Democrats from office all over the country. But that close call -- Spratt won with a mere 52% -- was not repeated in ’96 nor in subsequent years when a combination of the GOP’s national money and its local muscle never got that close again. By 2008, Spratt had nominal Republican opposition and won with 62% at the same time John McCain was carrying the district with 53%.

Once again Republicans are gearing up to do serious battle with Spratt. Although he has not announced, state Sen. Michael “Mick” Mulvaney (R) is expected to declare his candidacy in the near future, possibly at an October 17 gathering of the district’s Republican officials in Lancaster. Mulvaney represents a senate district that includes the Fort Mill area, now a suburb of Charlotte, N.C., and parts of Lancaster County, where he resides. He has an impressive educational background that includes Georgetown University, UNC-Chapel Hill law school, and Harvard Business School. He is one of the largest real estate developers in the area. He has been active in business and civic affairs in the district, serving on the boards of a hospital, the chamber of commerce, USC-Lancaster, United Way and other groups and institutions. In addition, Mulvaney has substantial experience -- and name ID -- from his service in the legislature, first in the state House of Representatives and now in the state Senate.

Glenn McCaul, chairman of the York County (Rock Hill, etc.) GOP and the state’s Republican National Committeeman, says Mulvaney will run well because he is extremely conservative and “passionate about the issues… People are looking for a change.” McCaul says key issues that Mulvaney and the voters care about include limited government and fiscal responsibility.

Despite the party’s losses in the past, the GOP’s interest in the district is not entirely quixotic. The 5th district has a Republican voting history, giving President Bush 57% to John Kerry’s 42% in 2004 and usually favoring Republican candidates in contests for statewide offices. Moreover, Spratt’s voting record provides a reasonable target in this time of conservative anger at the new administration. The National Journal rated him 68% liberal, 32% conservative, not a passing grade by national Democratic standards, but hardly that appealing to 5th District voters.

http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/story.aspx?sid=1056