Susan and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary last night.
Over our romantic dinner, we talked about meeting as college sweethearts, when I was at the Citadel and she was at Clemson, and getting married at Summerall Chapel, just days before I headed to Ranger School.
We’ve been through good times and tough times, particularly the 15 months of recent wartime separation, but our love has never been stronger.
Susan and I also talked about our three children, and our concerns for their future.
Our children have an uncertain future, one where our country is in the balance. Will we turn down the road [...]

Friends,
I want to take this time to honor our National Day of Prayer and ask everyone to pray for our Nation, State, and troops overseas.  We, as a nation, rose to greatness because (as Alexis de Touqueville wrote in the 1830s) “America is the most Christian Nation on the face of the Earth”.  Our first President, George Washington, extolled the need for national prayer and thanksgiving to God.  He immediately signed off on a Congressional resolution for a national “Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving to God”.  Historic note:  Congress overwhelmingly passed this [...]

I attended a moving memorial service this morning for CPT Jonathan Shively, who gave his life this weekend serving his nation and state in the SC National Guard. The service involved “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes and brought tears to the eyes of the hundreds present. CPT Shively’s example of selfless service is so desperately needed right now.

I want to thank God for “building the house”. By the new (objective/scientific) Lexington Co. Poll: I have over 50% of the GOP vote there. This comes on the heels of an overwhelming victory in the Berkeley Co. Straw poll, 96% in the Greeville TEA party, and 80% of the Myrtle Beach Patriots (& M. Beach TEA Party endorsement).

Great to get some straw poll success in the past few days. We won the Berkeley County GOP Breakfast straw poll, the Greenville Tea Party straw poll, the first iteration of the WORD straw poll, and the Carolina Patriots straw poll. Also, a poll was done in Lexington over the weekend, and I won that one as well.
We have great momentum now – and we’re surging towards victory!

Though I miss being around those serving our nation in uniform, it’s nice to be back campaigning. The “surge” has begun! Started with an interview by staff of the Spartanburg H-T. Then off to “First Monday” in Greenville, before a number of meetings with business leaders. Will be speaking to a conservative group in Pickens Co. tonight.

Tomorrow I will be campaigning hard in the upstate, and will step up the pace of my schedule. I see this as the time to “surge” all efforts, as we are only about a month away from the primary. I would like to ask all supporters to consider joining our “surge to victory”. This means phone bank calls, continued e-mails, letters to newspapers, etc. There is no time to lose in getting out the word. We will soon begin our statewide TV and radio efforts (in addition to other media sources). Any money contributed to the campaign at this point will go directly into advertizing to win. In many parts of the state, a $100 donation will mean two extra TV ads. All of this will directly contribute to our victory.

I’ve just arrived back home from the 5-day military deployment/exercise. Taking to kids to church soon and so happy to be back home with the family. I’m “recharged” to get back on the campaign trail tomorrow. About a month to go in the race and I’m in the “sprint” mode now!

Great PT Test this morning. The fast last lap reminds me of the sprint to the finish we’re about to do on the campaign trail. Stirring to be able to salute the flag in uniform while the Anthem is played. Class prep work for the rest of the day. God Bless.

In addition to a TV ad shoot and fundraising calls, I’m preparing for my military deployment out of the state. Susan and I will go on a date tonight, then off tomorrow morning until Sunday night. The campaign is going so well due to the overwhelming support of those who want a qualified “outsider” to fight career politicians/politics.

Wonderful time speaking to a senior citizens group in Greenville. Heading soon to speak to the Spartanburg YRs. On Wed. morning, I will be heading to South Georgia for five days of military training. I could have requested to miss this due to the campaign, but it wouldn’t be right. Duty, Honor, Country.
Friends,
On Wed. morning I will be heading to South Georgia for five days of military training (starting wth a physical fitness test).  I will return on Sunday.  My fellow Lt. Colonels and I will be in our train [...]

Susan and I had a wonderful time at the SCGOP “Silver Elephant” Banquet last night. Despite buying no tables to bring in voters, we did quite well on the straw poll. This evening I was honored to be invited (only Lt. Gov. candidate) by Milton Moore to an event featuring former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card.

Before my trip to Myrtle Beach, I’m beginning my statewide tour of the County Office on Aging HQs. Soon, we will be announcing a focused plan to visit all area offices on aging and the county offices on aging. When elected, I will work to form a partnership between the offices on aging and local churches and give focused help to vets.

Many calls and visits this morning as the campaign just continues to gain steam. Heading out soon to Myrtle Beach to be the keynote speaker to a GOP awards banquet. Can’t wait for Susan and I to attend the Silver Elephant Banquet tomorrow night in Columbia.

Great evening in Greenwood with the Greenwood TEA Party then a fundraiser on my behalf. Massive support at the fundraiser by Greenwood business and political leaders. Heading to Myrtle Beach tomorrow.

Heading to Greenwood to speak to Business Leaders, then the Greenwood TEA Party. All friends are invited to a fundraiser on my behalf at the Greenwood County Bank, starting at 6pm. Hosted by Senators Danny Verdin and Billy O’Dell, as well as a number of business leaders from the surrounding area.
This morning, I thought of our troops fighting for our freedom as we enjoy the benefits of that sacrifice. As our Lord tells us: “Greater Love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his [...]

For those of you in the Columbia area, I will be on WLTX tonight around 7:15 (right after the weather segment). We taped the “Newsmaker” segment with Darci Strickland yesterday – great time!
I’ll be in Greenwood tonight – first at the Lakelands Tea Party organizational meeting, and then at a meet and greet at CountyBank on Main Street – hope to see you there!

Saturday, I started the “Combat Boots” phase of my campaign. That morning, I put on the same boots I wore in Afghanistan and walked the Columbia St. Patty’s Day Parade (shaking hands with thousands). Those worn boots will go with me throughout the rest of this campaign. Then I was off to the SC National Guard Convention, and met with leaders from around our state.
Tuesday, I became the first candidate to file for statewide office.  Then, I drove to Summerville for a “Fair Tax” candidates forum. I was the only statewide candidate to attend and speak at this forum involving [...]

Great speaking to the SC GOP executive committee meeting Saturday. What incredible support from the GOP County Chairmen and Ex. Com. Afterwards, I drove upstate to spend time with Susan and the kids “away from it all”. Good time to catch up on kids homework and take Susan on a date.

I am really proud of the new ad.  Thanks to the guys who put it together.  Check it out – it’s on the Multimedia page!

Have some supporters and staff working up a very interesting addition to the LT. Governor’s office that relates to my military background training law enforcement. I’m looking forward to making that proposal as we get closer to the election. It’s clear that the next Lt. Governor will need to work as a team with the Governor in all aspects for the good of our state. I’m looking forward to doing just that.