June 4th, 2010

I made the decision a while back to stay out of the governor’s race. I know all of the Republican candidates and they have good qualities. But I started reassessing my position as the tone of the race changed, and I made the decision early this morning to have my say.

In a real sense this race is not about the candidates – or it shouldn’t be. It’s about the hopes and dreams of a state with one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. It’s about good, honest, hard working people who don’t demand much from government.

They only want opportunity to improve the quality of life for their families.

I’ve watched the race unfold and I’ve watched Henry McMaster, despite all the distractions, stay focused on the positive things about South Carolina and its people. He hasn’t run anybody down, but he’s built the state up.

He offers inspiration for a better future. He offers a vision of what we can become if only we work together.

I’ve known Henry for decades. He’s pretty much the same guy in private as he is in public. He’s a Christian man with deeply held conservative values. He knows some things are always right, and some things are always wrong.

He has used the office of Attorney General to defend those values that are good and noble. I know he will do the same as governor.

I ask you to join me in supporting Henry McMaster because he has the maturity, judgment and skills to lead our state in one of the most critical times in many decades.

Sincerely,

David Beasley

Former South Carolina Governor