Fifth in a series previewing races in the June 10 political primaries.

“Bring it,” says District 66 Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter of her opposition in the June 10 Democratic primary.

The outspoken Orangeburg lawmaker, long accustomed to some sort of opposition almost every election year, doesn’t just mean her opponent of record, political newcomer Priscilla Glover-Robinson.

“This time around, there appears to be an organized effort amongst elected officials and others who see themselves as leadership in this county and in the General Assembly,” she said. “It’s an organized, concerted effort ... amongst several elected officials and, quote, unquote, leaders in the county and some members of the General Assembly ... It’s accurate to say the ‘establishment’ seems to be supporting the opposition ... They’re taking it to a new level.”

Phil Ford, press secretary for the Glover-Robinson campaign, adamantly denies the “establishment” charge.

“That’s not the case,” he said. “It’s a misrepresentation from the (Cobb-Hunter) campaign.”

While disagreeing with the “establishment” tag, Glover-Robinson does stress that she would be a team player who would work well with other members of the local legislative delegation and elected officials to improve the quality of life in the district. That, she says, is the most important difference with Cobb-Hunter.

“As a result of that position, I think I would be more effective,” she said. “I’m trying to get out in the district and touch and talk to as many people as I possibly can to understand the needs and concerns. I think that’s what’s missing.”

Although declining, for the most part, to specifically identify those “establishment” opponents, Cobb-Hunter does name the names of those squarely in her corner. They include the two Orangeburg county councilmen (Johnnie Wright and Johnny Ravenel) who represent District 66 and all of the mayors within her district -- with the lone exception, she says, of Branchville Mayor Tim Cooner.

“My mayors are strong supporters,” she said. “My support amongst grassroots people is quite strong. I never lose touch with my constituency. My job is to stay plugged in to what the needs are in my district and I’ve made every effort the last two years to do just that.”

Both Glover-Robinson and Ford call Cobb-Hunter’s contention of mayoral support “a gross misrepresentation by the Cobb-Hunter campaign.”

“She’s not getting the support of all the mayors in District 66. That’s the bottom line,” Glover-Robinson said. “Whether I need to call a mayor of a particularly municipality or not, that statement is a misrepresentation.”

As for Branchville, Glover-Robinson says she’s talked to the people of the town and seen first hand the devastation of a recent tornado.

“The regular everyday person can’t afford to rebuild,” she said. “As a representative, you have to be concerned and show hope and encouragement, if nothing else.”

Cobb-Hunter says she hasn’t “spent any time thinking about” why the local Democratic establishment is apparently supporting her opponent.

“Others tell me it’s because I’m an independent thinker who stands on principle and doesn’t just go along to get along,” she said. “I’ve been too busy serving the constituents of House District 66 to worry about those who have chosen to oppose me ... It’s still ABC -- Anybody But Cobb-Hunter. It’s just elevated a notch or two.”

Accustomed to criticism that she’s either too visible or not visible enough, Cobb-Hunter says she doesn’t “apologize for being an independent thinker. I think it’s important to make up your mind and not have your mind made up for you.”

“Some may argue that, because I put people over politics, that’s why the establishment seems to have a problem with me,” she said. “I’m not in a clique and I’m proud to say I’m not. My clique (members) are the constituents of House District 66.”

Glover-Robinson cites people over politics, as well.

“I am eager to listen to and work with the constituents and with local elected officials, along with the county delegation, to pass and introduce bills that will improve the quality of life ... I will be accessible, approachable and a team player that will represent the best interest of all constituents in Columbia,” she said. “We need to start working together. There needs to be equal representation for all of District 66. I firmly believe we have to put people’s needs above politics in order to make positive changes in District 66.”

As an independent thinker, Cobb-Hunter says she certainly wasn’t in the least bit swayed by the $1,000 campaign contribution from Title Max, despite opposition from the Democratic Party to payday lenders. The state party adopted a resolution barring candidates from taking money from the industry.

“I don’t apologize for any contribution I receive,” she said. “I’m an independent thinker. I’m not swayed by contributions from any source; anybody has a right to contribute.”

Glover-Robinson and Ford argue the payday lending issue is one that concerns district residents.

“A lot of people are concerned about that -- that special interests take over District 66,” Ford said. “With Priscilla, that will not happen.”

Aside from the “independent thinker” aspect, Cobb-Hunter says she’s also caught some flak because she didn’t support local legislative efforts to “retaliate against” the South Carolina State University board that did not renew the contract of former president, Dr. Andrew Hugine.

“As far as the S.C. State thing, my allegiance is to the university and the students, not to an individual, whether it’s the president or otherwise,” she said. “In the 16 years I’ve been in the General Assembly, I’ve worked tirelessly for S.C. State and I will continue to do that. Anyone on the Ways and Means Committee and the House leadership will tell you I’ve been a consistent supporter of S.C. State. I have been and I still am a consistent supporter of S.C. State.”

A retired middle school principal, Glover-Robinson says she’s a strong supporter of public education at all levels.

“We need to provide all the support we can for our public schools and universities,” she said.

According to Ford, “no one has more of a record (for education) than Priscilla does,” as a former principal, guidance counselor and professor. “No one has more experience than Priscilla does.”

Cobb-Hunter says it’s interesting to her how it’s “just one little me House member trying to do good and all these important people who are taking aim.” Although she compares her campaign to presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton, Cobb-Hunter, a super delegate, hasn’t endorsed anyone.

“I’m just focused on doing the best I can to represent everybody in the district regardless of color, social standing or any other measure,” she said. “It wouldn’t take all of them to take out little old me ... Talk about piling on. Hillary Clinton has nothing on me when it comes to piling on. Most of my opponents are from Clinton supporters, with a few Obama supporters sprinkled in.”

Still, Cobb-Hunter says this campaign is not that much different from all the others she’s run.

“I take all opposition seriously, whether they have organized support from the establishment or not,” she said. “I run hard every race and I run to win in every campaign. The choice is clear.”

The Democratic primary winner will face Republican Tim Hawkins, making his second try for the office, in the November general election. He does not have primary opposition.

The eastern Orangeburg County district has 19,142 registered voters, of whom 12,548 are black; 6,454 are white; and 140 are designated “other.”

Precincts in District 66 are Ward 3, Sub 3, Sub 4, Bethel, Bowman 1 and 2, Branchville 1 and 2, Elloree 1 and 2, Eutawville 1 and 2, Holly Hill 1 and 2, Providence, Rowesville, Santee 1 and 2 and Vance. Also, a very small portion, some 40 registered voters, in Ward 4 are included.

n Gilda Cobb-Hunter

As usual, Cobb-Hunter says, her campaign slogan is “let the work I’ve done speak for me.”

“The House seat belongs to the people and they can change it at any point,” she said. “It’s up to the voters of House District 66 on June 10 to decide if they want me to continue serving them in the General Assembly.”

If re-elected to a ninth two-year term, Cobb-Hunter says she’ll work to build on her efforts to make Orangeburg County and South Carolina “a better place to live and to work.”

All the issues raised by her opponent, Cobb-Hunter says, are issues she’s worked on and has a track record on throughout her tenure -- health care and access to health care, education, including her key role in the equality lawsuit, and economic development.

“Across the board, the things I saw in that announcement are things I’ve got a record on,” she said. “That’s why I say -- let my work I’ve done speak for me.”

On the national level, Cobb-Hunter is a national committeewoman to the Democratic National Committee and also represents South Carolina on the DNC and the Southern Caucus on the DNC Executive Committee.

A native of Gifford, Fla., and a 29-year resident of Orangeburg County, Cobb-Hunter has a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University and a master’s degree from Florida State University. She is a licensed independent social worker and a member of Leadership South Carolina class of 1986, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Branchville chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and Warren Chapel Baptist Church.

n Priscilla Glover-Robinson

Seeking her first office to “make a difference in the lives of people” in the district and in the state, Glover-Robinson cites her family’s long involvement in District 66. The vision of her brother, the late District 2 Orangeburg County Councilman James Glover, to increase growth and economic development is a particular inspiration, she says.

“Because I was born, raised and educated in this district, I have a vested interest and a personal sense of duty and responsibility to give back to a district that has given me so much,” she said. “It does make a difference. ... The person I am today is a result of what District 66 has given me. Now I am in a position or point in my life that I can give back.”

Glover-Robinson, who says she wants to make the district a better place to live, work and raise families, lists her campaign issues. First and foremost, she says, is putting people above politics.

In addition, she calls for stronger support of K-12 schools, with a major emphasis on early childhood education, parenting and after school programs. Calling affordable health care a right, not a privilege, she said she’d expand access to those in need.

Also, she supports the creation of more quality jobs for economic development and a raise in the per capita income of district families; additional resources and programs for seniors to ensure their quality of life; fighting crime an gang violence; and decreasing the tax burden.

A native of Bowman, Glover-Robinson has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s of education degree from South Carolina State University. An educator with 25 years of experience, she has been an assistant professor of business at S.C. State, a guidance counselor, an assistant principal, and, until she retired as principal of William J. Clark Middle School in 1998. Also, she is the owner of a small auto repair business and a licensed funeral home director. She is an active member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church.

n T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached at tlyon@times anddemocrat.com or by calling 803-533-5545.

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