Campaign News
(COLUMBIA) – State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex, the Democratic frontrunner in next year’s race for Governor, today received the endorsement of Emile DeFelice of Columbia, the 2006 Democratic nominee for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture. DeFelice, owner and operator of Caw Caw Creek Farms, is widely regarded as a leader on the issues of agriculture, sustainability, and conservation. His 2006 campaign theme, “Put Your State on Your Plate,” garnered him national recognition for its focus on consuming locally grown products.
“Emile is a leader ahead of his time, and I am honored to welcome him to our team,” said Rex. “I have long been an admirer of his passion for South Carolina’s natural resources and his commitment to conservation and sustainability. In order to move South Carolina forward, we must be a leader in building our small business base, particularly around these issues, and no one knows more than Emile what it will take us to get there. ”
DeFelice is an artisanal pork producer, and operates Caw Caw Creek Pastured Pork in St. Matthews, SC. For many years he was a board member and South Carolina director of Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, as well as the founding Chair of the South Carolina Food Policy Committee. He founded Columbia’s All Local Farmers’ Market in 2005, and served as a member of candidate Barack Obama’s Agriculture Advisory Committee when he was running for President. He vowed to use the same level of energy he has brought to these endeavors to help Rex become Governor.
“South Carolina is at a crossroads, and what we need is adult leadership,” said DeFelice. “Jim Rex has the executive experience – and the plan – to move our state forward with his three e’s – education, environment, and economic development. He should be South Carolina’s next Governor.”
DeFelice’s endorsement comes on the heels of a poll released yesterday showing that Jim Rex is the strongest candidate for Governor among the Democratic contenders. The poll was conducted and released by Rasmussen Reports, an electronic media company specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information. It shows Rex beating Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer and running competitively alongside Congressman Gresham Barrett and Attorney General Henry McMaster. Rex’s closest competitor among the Democrats, State Senator Vincent Sheheen, trails all Republicans significantly, according to the poll.
Tags: Endorsements, Poll numbers