Governor candidates cite economy at Hilton Head GOP picnic

Republican gubernatorial candidates U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett and South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster spoke Sunday at the Hilton Head Island Republican Club picnic and silent auction.

Barrett focused on economic development, speaking specifically about the port in Jasper County and its potential economic impact if redeveloped.

His other priorities include making sure teachers "can teach and not spend all of their time bogged down in paperwork," along with promoting South Carolina as a leader in clean nuclear energy production.

"I want to leave South Carolina better off," Barrett said.

McMaster emphasized his experience as an executive. "I have found problems and found solutions and gotten the job done," he said, referring to his work as attorney general in prosecuting Internet predators and "wife beaters."

He told club members his priorities include job creation, economic development -- including a port in Jasper County -- and lower taxes.

"When this economy starts to lift, we have to be ready," he said.