Scott challenger Rose kicks campaign into gear

U.S. Rep. Tim Scott’s Democratic challenger for the 1st District seat moved her campaign into gear with a rally in Charleston Sunday.

“It all comes down to a matter of fairness,” Bobbie Rose told about 70 supporters at the International Longshoremen’s Association building on Morrison Drive.

The rally was billed as a campaign kickoff, although Rose said she’s been actively talking to people since she filed in March.

Rose, 54, a former teacher, family court advocate for abused children, real-estate broker and business owner who has never held office, acknowledged that her chance of unseating Scott is a long shot but said it’s possible if enough people get involved for what’s fair. She’s been married for 20 years, has two children and lives in Charleston.

Rose said it’s not fair:

To give big tax subsidies to major oil companies who already rake in billions in profits.

That the current federal budget cuts veterans benefits and food programs for the needy.

That the version of the Violence Against Women Act that Republicans support does not include protection for lesbians, immigrants and Native Americans.

That Congressional Republicans have held 33 votes trying to repeal President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, which would extend medical benefits to more uninsured Americans.

“We can do better,” Rose said. “I’ll be a voice for fairness.”

She spoke following endorsements from a number of local Democratic leaders, including party chairs from Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, Colleton and Beaufort counties.

Also, Carrie Whipper of North Charleston, co-chair of North Area Democrats and a community health activist, spoke of the need for a candidate to back Obama’s vision to extend health-care benefits.

Erin McKee, vice president of the S.C. AFL-CIO, president of the Charleston Labor Council and chair of the S.C. Working Families Party, said Rose supports the middle class and gave her a check for $5,000.

North Charleston Councilman Vic Rawl, also a Democrat who served with Scott on council, also briefly took the podium to support Rose.

Nelson Olivera, whose brother Carlos Rivera was shot to death in Bluffton by a tow-truck driver when they argued over a parking spot on Christmas Eve, spoke against the state’s “castle doctrine” that justifies shooting people who are perceived to be a threat.

Reach Dave Munday at 937-5553 or twitter.com/dmunday.