COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Here’s a look at the four Republicans vying to be lieutenant governor. Three of the four are touting their ties to GOP Gov. Nikki Haley, who is not endorsing in the race. This year marks the last time voters will choose the lieutenant governor. Gubernatorial candidates will begin choosing their running mates starting in 2018.
Mike Campbell
Age: 45
Residence: Columbia
Education: Attended the University of South Carolina.
Career: CEO of South Stone LLC, which sells tools to stone fabricators. Advisory board member to PositiveID, which develops biological detection and testing systems. A former co-owner of 19 Wendy’s fast-food restaurants.
Political experience: State chairman of Jon Huntsman’s 2012 presidential bid. Worked on Newt Gingrich’s campaign after Huntsman withdrew. State chairman of Mike Huckabee’s 2008 presidential bid. Ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 2006. Younger son of the late Gov. Carroll Campbell.
Ties to Haley: She often cites the two-term Gov. Campbell as her role model. She asked Mike Campbell to speak at the ceremonial signing in February of a government restructuring law after recognizing the late governor as starting the effort 21 years earlier.
Henry McMaster
Age: 66
Residence: Columbia
Education: History and law degrees, University of South Carolina.
Career: Private attorney. Fundraiser for the University of South Carolina Law School. U.S. attorney for South Carolina, 1981-1985.
Political experience: Lost gubernatorial bid in 2010 GOP primary. Attorney general, January 2003-2011. Chairman, state Republican Party 1993-2002. Ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 1990. Lost bid to unseat Democratic U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings in 1986.
Ties to Haley: McMaster endorsed Haley after losing to her in the 2010 primary and campaigned with her for the runoff and general elections. He served on her transition team. She appointed him to the State Ports Authority. She appointed him co-chairman of an ethics committee she created to make reform recommendations.
Pat McKinney
Age: 64
Residence: Charleston
Education: Marketing degree from Georgia State University
Career: Retired in 2006 as managing partner of Kiawah Island Real Estate. Put together a team of partners to buy Kiawah Island in 1988 from the Kuwait Investment Co. for $105 million, then the state’s largest real estate transaction. Worked for Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island after graduating from college in 1971. Started at Kiawah in 1975 after Sea Pines was hired to manage the property.
Political experience: This is his first run for office.
Ties to Haley: Donated more than $8,800 to Haley’s gubernatorial campaigns. He served on her transition team after the 2010 general election. She appointed him to the State Ports Authority. He is a board member of her nonprofit, The Original Six Foundation.
Ray Moore
Age: 70
Residence: Blythewood
Education: Political science degree from The Citadel, divinity and theology degrees from Grace Theological Seminary
Career: Director since 1997 of the Exodus Mandate Project. (He’s currently on a leave of absence.) President of Frontline Ministries. Retired from the Army Reserves in 1999 as a lieutenant colonel after nearly 20 years as Army chaplain. Previously served 10 years of active duty. Awarded a Bronze Star in the first Gulf War.
Political experience: This is his first run for office. He was campaign coordinator for Pat Robertson’s 1988 presidential bid and worked on Dan Quayle’s first Senate race in 1980.
Ties to Haley: None.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.