Foxworth, Thompson Announce Candidacies

By Paul Gable

The local political scene is heating up with filing for state and local candidates opening at noon Friday.

Two incumbent Horry County politicians held campaign kick-off events recently to start the Spring primary election season.

Incumbent District Three Horry County Council member Marion Foxworth welcomed approximately 150 friends and supporters to an event at Victoria’s Country Cooking Saturday evening. The event was hosted by Robert Shelley and Victoria’s owner John Johnson.

Foxworth, a Democrat, had an interesting cross-party mix at his event including fellow Republican council members Harold Worley, Jody Prince and Carl Schwartzkopf and former council member Mark Lazarus.

On the Democratic side, former Congressman John Jenrette, current Congressional candidate Preston Brittain, party supporters Dan and Bob Gray, Sally Howard, Don Yonce, Bo Ives, Ting Todd and Chuck Rhome. A number of ABATE members were also present led by Steve Clark and Chris Panos.

Local political activists including Myrtle Beach NAACP President Mickey James, MLK Day Chairman Benny Swan and John Bonsignor were also in attendance.

Foxworth, who has held the District Three seat for 10 years, told the crowd he would continue to be a voice on council for those who are often without a voice in the political arena.

One week earlier, Sheriff Philip Thompson announced he would be seeking a fourth term at an event at the Wild Wing Golf Course clubhouse. The event was hosted by Chief Deputy Sheriff Paul Butler and a host of department employees.

Thompson’s event also drew well over 100 attendees including elected officials Horry County Solicitor and S.C. Senate candidate Greg Hembree, S.C. Rep Alan Clemmons, Horry County Probate Judge Deirdre Edmonds, Horry County Treasurer Roddy Dickinson, Horry County Council chairman and 7^th Congressional District candidate Tom Rice and Horry County Council member Jody Prince.

Thompson, a popular sheriff, has overseen changes in procedure to make for much more coordinated law enforcement activities among the county’s many diverse agencies as well as overseeing a considerable expansion to the county’s detention facilities and operations.

He thanked his supporters for allowing him to serve the county for 12 years, saying he considered it a privilege and honor to be allowed to serve.

An upcoming event is scheduled for Myrtle Beach City Council member and 7^th Congressional District candidate Randal Wallace at the Kansas City Steakhouse, 1901 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, March 22^nd beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Information regarding candidate events may be e-mailed to [email protected] to be included in a weekly update that will be run through the primary season.