Staff Report
Published March 10, 2010

The S.C. Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Republican Gresham Barrett and Democrat Vincent Sheheen in the 2010 race for governor.

With overwhelming support, exceeding a supermajority vote, the S.C. Chamber’s board of directors voted Tuesday to endorse the two candidates. According to a news release, the chamber’s board members, who represent a diverse group of businesses and industries, think Barrett and Sheheen are the two strongest candidates with economic vision and long-term leadership for South Carolina.

“The chamber’s board of directors feels it is vitally important the business community be involved in the 2010 race for governor, because it is going to take exceptional leadership and a strong economic vision to move South Carolina forward and create jobs in this tough economy,” said Otis B. Rawl Jr., president and CEO of the S.C. Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber cited Barrett's jobs plan and his economic vision for the state, which focuses on job creation, a strong S.C. Department of Commerce, comprehensive tax reform, the maintaining of South Carolina as a right-to-work state, improvements to infrastructure and energy independence. His experience, coupled with his leadership on many issues key to South Carolina’s competitiveness, ensure he will be a great visionary for the state, the board said.

Sheheen also has a strong economic vision for South Carolina, and his support of comprehensive tax reform, port expansion, the technical college system, low-cost energy and small-business growth are all priorities that support a globally competitive South Carolina, the chamber said. His bipartisan experience and work in the General Assembly equip him to handle the demands that come from leading the state.

2010 marks the first year the chamber has endorsed candidates for governor.