Rep. Hinson plans to run for Mescher's seat

State Rep. Shirley Hinson decided after a weekend of discussions with family that she will run for the seat of the late Sen. Bill Mescher of Pinopolis.

"I am sorry for the passing of my friend," said Hinson, Goose Creek Republican and House majority whip. She wanted to be sensitive toward Mescher's family and also her family's wishes in making the decision.

The College of Charleston administrator hasn't run a high-profile campaign since 2000 when her ex-husband Jim Hinson, then estranged, ran against her. The race and personal details of their divorce attracted national media. She hasn't faced a competitor since.

That likely will not be true in the Senate race. Berkeley County Councilman Bill Crosby, a Republican, and Moncks Corner attorney John West, a Democrat, are considering joining the Aug. 14 race.

House Majority Leader Jim Merrill, R-Daniel Island, said he would stand behind Hinson.

"I support Shirley 100 percent," Merrill said. "I think she'll be an outstanding state senator." But Merrill said he wouldn't be making any predictions about the election's outcome. "Shirley is going be very formidable," he said. "She's a tough cookie. I wouldn't want to cross her."

Hinson entered politics in 1988 when she took a Berkeley County School Board seat. She joined the House in 1997. Shortly afterward she ran against Mescher in a special election for the Senate seat. "I didn't have nearly the knowledge or experience I now bring to the table," Hinson said. "Senator Mescher served us well. The election worked out as it should have."

If Hinson were to win, she may be the sole woman serving in the South Carolina Senate. The only female senator, Linda Short, D-Chester, plans to retire.

Hinson said other lawmakers will seek her out for a female perspective.

"In my experience, the men are very respectful of women serving as long as they are qualified," Hinson said. "They know when you open your mouth whether you have something to say or if you are just taking up space."