Hilton Head business owner to challenge Chalk for House seat

Andy Patrick, president of a local security firm, announced Thursday he will challenge incumbent Richard Chalk to represent Hilton Head Island in the S.C. House of Representatives.

Patrick, 40, said he will run in the 2010 Republican primary in June for the District 123 seat.

If elected, Patrick said he will work to limit the growth of government, stimulate economic development and enhance workforce development.

Patrick said he is running for office to restore Hilton Head to a position of leadership in South Carolina.

"One of the most important issues is putting Hilton Head back on the map, whether it be with the state House or whether it be revitalizing or refreshing Hilton Head as a community," he said.

A former special agent for the U.S. Secret Service, Patrick founded Advance Point Global in 2007. Beaufort County hired the firm to audit local businesses' compliance with an ordinance aimed at making sure employees are in the country legally.

Patrick, who said this would be his first run for political office, has lived full-time on Hilton Head Island with his wife, Amee, and their three children since 2007. He and Amee will travel to Russia to adopt two children in a few weeks, he said.

Chalk, 57, said Thursday he intends to seek a fourth term in the House.

"I'm very proud of the record I've established in representing Hilton Head, and I have every intention of running again and continuing to serve the people of this district," he said.

Patrick said, "I'm looking forward to a spirited debate."