Ketner won't try again for Congress

Linda Ketner said Wednesday she won't try again to run for the 1st Congressional District seat that she came close to winning in November 2008.

Ketner, a Charleston businesswoman and philanthropist, previously said she would not run again, but she told supporters she would reconsider after U.S. Rep. Henry Brown, R-S.C., said he was retiring.

Nine days after Brown's announcement, Ketner ruled it out again. "Personally and professionally, 2010 is not the time for me to mount a campaign," she said in an e-mail to friends and supporters.

At least three Republicans are eyeing the race, including Charleston County Councilman Paul Thurmond and state Reps. Chip Limehouse of Charleston and Thad Viers of Myrtle Beach.

Viers said Wednesday he would be the most conservative Statehouse representative in the race. "Before I was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives, I was the district field representative for Congressman Henry Brown. I have an insight on how the process works and how to work hard for constituents," he said. "I would specifically bring a passion that is missing in Congress -- a willingness to stand up and fight."

Three Republicans already have

announced plans to run, including Carroll "Tumpy" Campbell of Charleston, Katherine Jenerette of North Myrtle Beach and Ryan Buckhannon of Isle of Palms.

On the Democratic side, the field includes Robert Burton of Mount Pleasant, Robert Dobbs of Georgetown and Dick Withington of Horry County.

Ketner said she had no plans to endorse anyone at this point, but added, "I ask my supporters to take a close look at Col. Robert Burton. He and I met over 10 years ago and worked together on affordable housing initiatives in South Carolina. I find him to be a man of integrity, service and leadership and will study his candidacy carefully."

The field won't be formalized until the filing period for this and many other offices opens in March. The 1st District includes parts of Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, Georgetown and Horry counties.

Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@postandcourier.com.