Home / News /

South Carolina: Spratt gets a race

October 12, 2009 —

Every few years, Republicans get ambitious and mount a well-financed challenge to US Rep. John Spratt (D) in South Carolina’s 5^th District (Rock Hill, etc.). They almost succeeded in 1994 amidst the tsunami that swept Democrats from office all over the country. But that close call -- Spratt won with a mere 52% -- was not repeated in ’96 nor in subsequent years when a combination of the GOP’s national money and its local muscle never got that close again.  By 2008, Spratt had nominal Republican opposition and won with 62% at the same time John McCain was carrying the district with 53%. 

Once again Republicans are gearing up to do serious battle with Spratt. Although he has not announced, state Sen. Michael “Mick” Mulvaney (R) is expected to declare his candidacy in the near future, possibly at an October 17 gathering of the district’s Republican officials in Lancaster. Mulvaney represents a senate district that includes the Fort Mill area, now a suburb of Charlotte, N.C., and parts of Lancaster County, where he resides. He has an impressive educational background that includes Georgetown University, UNC-Chapel Hill law school, and Harvard Business School. He is one of the largest real estate developers in the area. He has been active in business and civic affairs in the district, serving on the boards of a hospital, the chamber of commerce, USC-Lancaster, United Way and other groups and institutions. In addition, Mulvaney has substantial experience -- and name ID -- from his service in the legislature, first in the state House of Representatives and now in the state Senate.  

Glenn McCaul, chairman of the York County (Rock Hill, etc.) GOP and the state’s Republican National Committeeman, says Mulvaney will run well because he is extremely conservative and “passionate about the issues… People are looking for a change.” McCaul says key issues that Mulvaney and the voters care about include limited government and fiscal responsibility.  

Despite the party’s losses in the past, the GOP’s interest in the district is not entirely quixotic. The 5th district has a Republican voting history, giving President Bush 57% to John Kerry’s 42% in 2004 and usually favoring Republican candidates in contests for statewide offices. Moreover, Spratt’s voting record provides a reasonable target in this time of conservative anger at the new administration. The National Journal rated him 68% liberal, 32% conservative, not a passing grade by national Democratic standards, but hardly that appealing to 5^th District voters.   

Spratt, however, has substantial advantages. He has represented this district in congress for 27 years, giving him seniority in a state where it is highly appreciated. He chairs the House Budget Committee and is the second ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. He has a reputation for staying on top of casework for folks in his district. A lawyer and banker, he is well connected to his district’s business and civic establishment. Moreover, the district is 31% black, giving any Democrat a significant base. Finally, he’s good in the money game. Spratt’s 3^rd Quarter financial report has not yet been published, but at mid-year, he had a healthy $574,000 on hand, and given his clout in a Democratic-controlled congress, he should have little difficulty filling a large war chest.  

Jay Parmley, executive director of the South Carolina Democratic Party, has little doubt that Spratt will prevail, although he acknowledges that Mulvaney is “a credible opponent.” Says Parmley, “Spratt has had several what Republicans believe to be tough challengers and each time [Spratt] does better and better.” He notes that 5^th District Democrats are very loyal. “When Spratt needs them, they rise to the occasion.” Indeed, Parmley believes that the extra Democratic turnout in the 5^th District, due to a Spratt-Mulvaney contest, will help Democrats in next year’s governor’s race.  

Spratt, 67, is so likely to get re-elected, opines Parmley, that Mulvaney “is probably just jockeying for name ID for when the seat might become open” in the future.

Spratt remains the favorite, but if the hostility to President Obama’s domestic agenda continues to build in the region, the long-serving congressman could face a surprisingly tough race. For starters, watch Mulvaney’s financial report for the 4^th Quarter, due out in January, to see if he’s getting significant money from contributors in the 5^th District, a sign that some of the local moguls are beginning to rebel.