NEWS

S.C. lawmakers to White House candidates: Define energy policies

04/24/2007

By Susanne M. Schafer

Associated Press

Just days before the Democrats' first debate of the 2008 campaign, state lawmakers from both parties say that White House hopefuls should discuss the nation's energy future to be successful in this early primary voting state.

"Hopefully, Thursday night will be a starting point," 22-year-old Rep. Bakari Sellers, D-Denmark, the Palmetto State's youngest legislator, said at the Statehouse Tuesday.

The Democratic Party's first primary debate is to be held Thursday at South Carolina State University, one of the state's historically black colleges.

Sellers said the debate in Orangeburg will be an opportunity for candidates "to emerge from the pack" by discussing climate change and the nation's energy policies.

South Carolina's large tourism industry and coastal areas mean energy issues are important to voters, lawmakers from both parties said at a Statehouse gathering.

"If you want to be a presidential candidate in South Carolina, talk about your energy policy," said Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau.

"South Carolina residents are concerned about our country's dependence on oil and the threat climate change poses to our state," said Rep. Ben Hagood, Jr., R-Mount Pleasant. "We are urging each of the presidential candidates to release comprehensive energy policy plans to address these concerns."

Grooms, Hagood and a half-dozen other lawmakers released a letter signed by 44 Republicans and 44 Democrats - representing two-thirds of the state House - calling on the presidential candidates to discuss energy issues. Ten Republicans and 11 Democrats from the Senate signed a similar letter, they said.

"The strategic interests and security of our national are linked to our ability to reduce our dependence on foreign oil," the letter from House members said.

Grooms said the group intentionally declined to tell candidates what to say, but only asked them to address the issues in an open fashion. "Concerns about our energy future transcend politics," he said.

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn got firm commitments from the Democrats to hold the debate at his alma mater. The 90 minute event will be televised live nationally by MSNBC.

The South Carolina Democratic primary will be held Jan. 29.