Horne, Hutson to square off again in Dist. 94

Summerville lawyer and businesswoman Jenny Horne lost the District 94 State House race to Rep. Heyward Hutson less than four months ago, but she will try again this year in hopes that a higher turnout will lead to a different result.

"Special elections are very low turnout races, and in that particular race, it was an odd time of year," she said of the vote just before Halloween. "The polling places were moved. It was very inconvenient for voters to get to the polls. I think this time the turnout will be greater. I have had a lot of my supporters asking me to run again."

Horne said she thinks it's time for new people to get involved in Dorchester County's politics and said her message about attracting economic investments and improving education and roads would remain the same. "This is not a single-issue race," she said. "There are so many issues facing our very rapidly growing county."

Hutson and Horne will meet in the June 10 GOP primary.

They also could face other Republican or Democratic opponents. The filing period for the seat runs March 16-30.

Horne said House Majority Leader Jim Merrill will not run her campaign like he did last fall. Asked whether that was because Merrill might anger House Republicans by actively working against an incumbent, Horne said, "That's probably part of it." She said she hasn't picked a new campaign consultant.

Rumors that Merrill would be working for Horne sent a ripple through the Statehouse this week. At the weekly GOP caucus meeting, which usually consists of introductions, back-slapping and a rundown of priorities for the coming days, Hutson gave a vague speech about the importance of a united Republican Party and sought public confirmation that no one was profiting from actions directly intended to harm other House Republicans. Merrill, visibly upset by the comments, assured Hutson that was the case and abruptly adjourned the caucus.

Yvonne Wenger contributed to this report. Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or rbehre@postandcourier.com.