Democratic South Carolina governor hopefuls meet in debate in Clemson
Debate was at Clemson University
Debate was at Clemson University
Debate was at Clemson University
Charleston consultant Phil Noble, state Rep. James Smith and Florence attorney Marguerite Willis took part in a debate Thursday night at Clemson University.
The debate was sponsored by the Post and Courier of Charleston and South Carolina ETV. It was broadcast statewide and online.
Charles Bierbauer, former longtime reporter, CNN correspondent and dean emeritus of South Carolina's College of Information and Communications, was the moderator.
Two of the South Carolina Democrats vying to be their party's gubernatorial nominee say fresh perspective is needed for progress. The third contender says he has the experience needed to lead.
Much of Thursday night's debate at Clemson University consisted of Florence attorney Marguerite Willis and Charleston consultant Phil Noble teaming up on longtime state Rep. James Smith, blaming him for a shortage of teachers and the multi-billion-dollar V.C. Sumner nuclear construction boondoggle.
Smith pointed out the achievements of his 22 years in the state House of Representatives, and encouraged his opponents to "attack the problems, not each other."
Smith also pointed out that the Legislature is largely controlled by Republicans, who are to blame for failure to act on many issues.
Willis and Noble largely brought up the need for change in politics. Willis spoke to her ability to handle issues from a female perspective, saying representation is currently poor in Columbia. She also promised to champion the needs of those in rural parts of the state.
Noble, meanwhile, pounded a message to upend what he calls "plantation politics" in Columbia. He also vowed to double teacher pay in an effort to recruit and keep high-quality educators in the classroom.
Voters pick their nominee June 12.
Next month, the parties have another set of back-to-back debates at the University of South Carolina June 4 and 5.
To watch the full Gubernatorial Democratic debate click here.