Like the textile industry in the Upstate, threads of involvement run deep in Chris Sullivan’s family. He gathered more than 75 of his family and friends at Tommy’s Ham House to officially kick-off his campaign to replace South Carolina Senate District 6 incumbent Mike Fair. His family involvement in the political arena dates back to the early 20th century where his paternal grandfather G. Heyward Mahon was mayor of Greenville from 1903 – 09. His father Hewlett was instrumental in Bob Watkins’ campaign in ’64. Chris worked in 2000 to help break the Democratic majority and has been personally involved in the campaigns of Representatives Stringer, Chumley and Bedingfield as well as Senator Bright.
The starter for him was not so much a single point but his keen observation and awareness about the growth of the State Government and the size of the budget. “With all others tightening their belts, why grow?” Sullivan went on, “Two years ago the Conservatives fought like tigers about the budget and were able to get the spending that was not pro-life out of the budget, but the current incumbent proposed the amendment to restore the funding. I thought ‘Now, I can complain or do something!’” Chris wondered aloud about why good legislation goes through the House and ends up in the “grave” in the Senate. He began to “watch the Senate and write.” His observations led him to act and decide to run. “We have a core of 5 or 6 good conservatives that we need to send in reinforcements. We need more votes to help these experienced Senators. I believe we must demand roll call votes,” he said.
When asked what his focus in Columbia would be, Sullivan quickly listed several Budget items, comprehensive tax reform and Senate rule review. He added details in rapid succession that he believes are important; cutting line items in the State Budget with a total review; making a large base of low fair taxes while reviewing exemptions (which he stated are way too numerous). The tax code must be reformed. “The Senate rules are impeding good legislation and we must review them and encourage passage of good legislation.” Chris is supportive of School Choice stating, “Every aspect of human achievement benefits from competition.”
He stated in his speech that “This is an important year, and we have 9 seats up for replacement. We need solid, rock-ribbed advocates. We must grow our ranks, demand change and slow growth.” He went on to borrow Winston Churchill’s statement; “The West is the hope of the World, the US is the hope of the West, and I want South Carolina to be the hope of America! Right now there are 13 pieces of legislation that are stalled in the Senate and we must reform Legislation.” “The budget [State] has grown for over 30 years, and the Government has gotten bigger and more intrusive, we must slow that growth down.” In a lighter vein, Chris’ mother is already working on a list for him to have and take to Columbia.
For more detailed candidate information, please visit http://sullivanforsc.com/.