Campaign News
(COLUMBIA) State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex, the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination for Governor, today launched a statewide Turnaround Tour that will take him to every corner of South Carolina to discuss the issues affecting the state-s families and communities and listen to voters. The first leg of the tour, begun today, will focus on turning South Carolina’s battered image around.
“I’m going to be doing more than just talking. I’m going to be listening. South Carolina’s citizens have good ideas. They are smart; they are savvy; and they know what this state needs to move forward. It’s our leadership that has been in the way, but when I’m elected Governor next November, the Turnaround will begin,” said Rex.
Rex said the tour will consist of a series of weeks focused on specific issues, including jobs, education, crime, health care, poverty, and conservation. Rex said he started the tour by talking about this issue, because it stands in the way of progress on a number of fronts.
“This issue is about more than just making ourselves feel better and look better in the eyes of the rest of the nation. This is about whether or not South Carolina is going to create the kind of climate needed to attract business, create jobs, and grow our economy. It’s about whether or not we will become a state where others want to locate their companies, bring their families, and raise their children. And it’s about whether or not we will be able to sustain our long held and valuable industry of tourism and ensure that South Carolina remains a premier vacation destination for people from all over the world,” said Rex.
A professional, well-executed, and persistent national and international public relations and marketing campaign would be among Rex’s top priorities as Governor. He blamed a “seemingly endless barrage of embarrassing and unfortunate actions of a handful of high profile officials” for contributing to the state’s image problems.
“We have been portrayed unfairly in the national press; we have been mocked nightly during the monologues on the national talk shows; and our people have been inaccurately characterized and stigmatized,” he said.
“We need to tell the real story of who we are as a people by showcasing our amazing natural resources, the incredible work ethic of our people, and an education system that is on the move. We must send a strong message to the rest of the nation that South Carolina is at the front of the line on creating green jobs, educating and re-educating its workforce, and providing a quality of life that is second to none. And we should once and for all dispel the myth that South Carolina does not welcome and value everyone, because we know that a state only thrives when it truly embraces diversity,” said Rex.
Rex also stressed the importance of projecting a strong image of cooperation among the state’s leaders.
“We must insist that our Legislature and other state leaders consistently be about the business of projecting an image for our state that’s not mired in controversy, but instead, marked by cooperation and camaraderie. It’s time to have a Governor who will work openly with the Legislature – Republican and Democrat alike – to bring about the changes we so desperately need to move this state forward. As State Superintendent of Education, I have worked effectively across party lines to help improve our schools, and that’s exactly what I will continue to do as Governor,” Rex said.
He concluded by saying that the Governor should be the state-s top ambassador.
“Our people are second to none. We are a diverse state filled with an abundance of ideas and initiative. Our true story deserves to be told. And this starts with electing a Governor who can accurately project the strong values and qualities of our people and build a positive case for South Carolina at home, across America, and around the world,” said Rex.
The Turnaround Tour will stop in Columbia, Orangeburg, and Florence this week.