Former governor lauds Keyserling at tea

Former S.C. Gov. Jim Hodges fielded questions about the economy, a proposed Jasper County port and the lack of women in the state legislature during a tea Tuesday for the Harriet Keyserling Public Policy Fund.

He also lauded the fund's namesake, former state legislator and County Councilwoman Harriet Keyserling, who died last year.

"It's rare that years later, when someone has left their legislative service, that people will still talk about them," Hodges said. "I dare say that most legislators leave pretty light footprints in the sand in and around Columbia."

Lisa Rentz said the tea was started last year by the Friends of Planned Parenthood of the Lowcountry to "continue Harriet's work."

Keyserling's son, Beaufort Mayor Billy Keyserling, said the tea was a wonderful tribute.

"My mother basically believed that knowledge was power," he said. "What she did -- which was a great deal -- was not through bluster and brawn but by educating herself and her colleagues on the issues."

Bonnie Smith said the fund set a goal last year to raise $50,000, and it is halfway there. Proceeds from the tea will support Planned Parenthood's lobbying and public-affairs efforts.

Follow reporter Kyle Peterson at twitter.com/EyeOnBeaufortCo.