Hutto mulling U.S. Senate run
By LEE TANT, T&D Staff Writer Monday, April 13, 20094 comment(s) | Default | Large
State Sen. Brad Hutto says he’s mulling a run against U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., in 2010.
“I think it might be time for a change,” the Orangeburg Democrat said Monday.
Hutto said he began contemplating a run after former S.C. Democratic Party Chairman Joe Erwin announced he would not seek the seat last week. He said he has no timetable for making a decision.
He said DeMint’s positions are out of sync with the views of most South Carolinians.
Hutto railed against DeMint’s opposition to the federal stimulus package in a recent editorial.
“If you need someone to defend the failed economic policies of former President George Bush, schedule Jim DeMint for your show,” Hutto said in the op-ed piece.
DeMint spokesperson Ryan Dawkins said the state’s junior senator couldn’t be reached for comment yesterday.
Hutto was considering a run for governor next year before state Sen. Vincent Sheheen, D-Camden, formed an exploratory committee.
If Hutto does run for the U.S. Senate, he will likely face an uphill battle financing a campaign.
The Associated Press reported DeMint expects to have $2 million for his reelection efforts.
Hutto told the AP if money were a barrier, Democrats would never field a candidate.
Hutto was first elected to the state Senate in 1996.
T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by e-mail at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060.
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rump wrote on Apr 14, 2009 5:34 PM:
mightydog wrote on Apr 14, 2009 12:35 PM:
You are absolutely right about Mr. Demint being out of touch with average South Carolinian! I think he comes from the same wing of the republican party our governor comes from. If you want to run,you will have a lot of support; but do not sit on the fence too long. "
BHT wrote on Apr 14, 2009 11:36 AM:
rump wrote on Apr 14, 2009 9:44 AM:
An excellent idea. I look forward to reading about his announcement and resignation. "