U.S. Senate candidate profile: Brad Hutto
Age: 57
Political party: Democratic Party
Office: U.S. Senate
Number of years living in the district you seek to represent: 57 years
Family: Wife Tracy McPherson, son Skyler, 22
Education: University of South Carolina Honors program, Georgetown University Law Center
Current occupation/employer: Attorney, Williams & Williams P.A., in Orangeburg
Employment, military and volunteer history: President of Indian Waters Boy Scouts Council, 2009 to 2011; executive of Indian Waters Council, 2005 to present; USC Honors College professor, 2007 to present
Public offices held: S.C. State Senate District 40, 1996 to present
Unsuccessful bids for public office: None
Other prior political and government experience: S.C. State Senate Judiciary Committee, 1981 to 1982; Orangeburg County Democratic Party, 1988 to 1994
Key endorsements you've received: AFL-CIO, National Education Association, Planned Parenthood
Campaign contributions: $176,952
Campaign expenditures: $200,841
Biggest contributor: David Trone, $5,200
Why should people vote for you?
Throughout my career as a state senator, I've worked across the political aisle to bring constructive solutions to public-policy debates. I've worked to improve early childhood education, rural infrastructure and put the brakes on reckless legislation designed to divide our state.
Throughout my legislative career, I've been recognized by progressive and conservative groups for my efforts to make our state a better place. I believe I can do the same in Washington and be a senator who will represent South Carolina's interests.
What are the three most important issues you would address if elected?
1. South Carolina's roads and bridges are in terrible shape. We need a voice in Washington who will fight to fix and modernize our roads, especially in rural South Carolina. This is a national issue and needs to be addressed on a national level.
2. Early childhood education needs to be a priority for our policymakers. My commitment is to be a senator for South Carolina who will fight for our school children on a national level to make sure every child has the foundation to succeed.
3. Rural South Carolina is struggling. I pledge to be a voice for the areas of our state that are lagging behind. Rather than traveling the world just to score a Sunday morning-talk show interview, I'll be an ambassador for South Carolina's workers to the world's markets.
What other issues do you see as important?
South Carolina's senator should be focused on improving the quality of life for all South Carolinians. My commitment is to be more concerned about our citizens, our economy and the well-being of our state than involving myself in foreign intrigue.
What specific steps will you take to make government more open and accessible to the public?
Campaign finance reform is something that is needed. Our current senator, Lindsey Graham, has voted against bills that would have eliminated unregulated and undisclosed campaign spending. Citizens deserve to know who is giving to their elected representatives. I am a firm supporter in more openness in government in every form.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony, been disciplined by a professional licensing board or organization or had an ethics violation filed against you?
No.
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy, been delinquent on your federal, state or local taxes? If so, please give the details.
No.
Are there any personal details about yourself that voters would be interested in knowing?
I grew up on a dairy farm near Orangeburg County where I learned the value of hard work and a love for South Carolina's natural resources. I like to think that my service to youth in our state through my work with the Boy Scouts and my work in the state senate as a voice for the everyman qualify me to represent South Carolinians from all walks of life.
This story was originally published October 24, 2014 at 4:45 PM with the headline "U.S. Senate candidate profile: Brad Hutto."