Brown runs on record; challengers want change
Energy, veterans, taxes among 1st Dist. issues
By Robert Behre
First District Rep. Henry Brown is vying to serve a fifth term in Congress, but first he must overcome two Republican challengers who think they can do a better job.
Johns Island businessman Paul Norris said he's making his first bid for public office because he wants to use his engineer's approach to solving problems that he said threaten the next generation. Professor and U.S. Army reservist Katherine Jenerette of North Myrtle Beach said she is running to provide a more aggressive approach in advancing the Republican cause.
Both challengers aren't hostile to Brown. Jenerette once worked for him, while Norris said he likes Brown. But they also feel it's time for a change.
Like most congressional incumbents, Brown has a sizable financial lead, having raised more than 25 times as much money as both of his primary opponents combined, according to the most recent Federal Election Commission reports.
Norris and Jenerette said they wished there were more opportunities for voters to hear the three Republicans debate, though they have had no luck getting any scheduled.
Brown said he is running on his record, particularly what he has done in providing constituent service. He said examples include helping to secure money for beach renourishment, the new Cooper River bridge, planning for Interstate 73 and other local projects.
"I would hope the constituents would take a good look at me and would recognize that I've been there for them 27 years (local, state and national office), and I would hope that my level of service to them and to my country would be worthy of their vote," he said.
Brown also said he would push for the continued cooperation and consolidation of the Charleston Veterans Affairs hospital into the Medical University of South Carolina.
"We recognize the veterans coming back now from war have a whole lot more medical needs than in previous wars. A lot of the guys who are coming back in this war wouldn't have come back in previous wars," he said. "We're trying to think outside the box to find ways to accomplish that."
He said he also can work across party lines, particularly with 6th District Rep. and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn. "Me and Jim Clyburn represent four counties together, and we work together on a variety of issues. A lot of times we might differ on national policies, but not on issues that pertain to this congressional district."
He said he favors working toward energy independence not only by drilling for natural gas off South Carolina's coast but also by supporting wind and solar power and drilling for oil in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge. "I've been to ANWAR. ANWAR is as big as South Carolina. Do you know how much they want to drill on? Two-thousand acres," he said.
Jenerette's campaign notes she is a pick-up-driving paratrooper raising four children — that she "is not your typical politician."
She has sought office before, running for the Horry County School Board in 1998 and a state Senate seat in 2004. She said she decided to run for Congress partly out of frustration of how Republicans squandered their congressional majorities.
"We had the playing field, and we fumbled," she said. "We spent like drunken sailors. We left the party platform behind."
Jenerette said she favors a federal hiring freeze and the Fair Tax, a plan to eliminate the income tax by significantly raising the sales tax. She said her service in the U.S. Army Reserve would make her an important voice on national security issues.
As for the Iraq war, she said, "We can sit here and be Monday morning quarterbacks. We're there because of our national interests. We're there because of oil. What angers me is how we've made it into a political football." She said she supports U.S. Gen. David Petraeus in Iraq and would pounce on his critics.
Jenerette said education is a big issue with her, and she would push to abolish the federal No Child Left Behind Act. "It's created a nightmare bureaucracy for our schools."
Norris has a degree in engineering and more than two decades experience in the energy business, both with SCANA Corp. and with his own propane companies.
He said he has never run for office before but is concerned that his grandchildren won't know the same America that he grew up in, partly because of the nation's bungled energy policies.
"The simple word is frustration. I'm just frustrated with what I see from an overall energy standpoint, an overall financial standpoint," he said. "We are mortgaging our grandkids' future, and I lose sleep over that"
He said his engineering background would give him a unique ability to solve problems in Washington. He lobbied successfully there in 1998, helping to change an environmental regulation on the propane industry that he said didn't make sense.
"I technically understand not just energy but all the various aspects of energy: nuclear power, solar, coal," he said.
Norris said he also is running because he has become disillusioned with how Republicans have dropped the ball.
"I'm just kind of a salt of the earth person," he said. "Washington is an aphrodisiac of power, and it will change people. Most of the people who go to Washington get changed by that power. I am adamant it won't change me."
He has released his tax returns for the last three years, a step usually taken by only presidential candidates. But Norris said, "If I'm going to be responsible for your tax dollars, you need to know how I manage my own finances. I think that's important." He said he also favors a drug testing program for candidates.
The 1st Congressional District stretches along much of the South Carolina coast, from Horry County down to much of Georgetown, Berkeley, Dorchester and Charleston counties.
The Post and Courier
Henry Brown
HENRY BROWN
BIRTHDATE: Dec. 20, 1935
FAMILY: Married, three children.
EDUCATION: Graduated from Berkeley High School; attended The Citadel and Baptist College (now Charleston Southern University).
OCCUPATION: 1st Congressional District Congressman.
PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: U.S. House (2001-present); S.C. House (1985-2000); Hanahan City Council (1981-85).
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE? "I just feel like we live in some tough times, and I believe my experience would be pretty significant."
WHAT'S THE TOUGHEST ISSUE FACING THE NATION? "I think the No. 1 issue we have facing us is solving our energy problem. We can't afford to see the price of gas continue to go up."
Katherine Jenerette
KATHERINE JENERETTE
BIRTHDATE: May 31, 1968
FAMILY: Married, four children.
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree from Coastal Carolina University; master's degree from University of South Carolina.
OCCUPATION: Adjunct history professor; second lieutenant in Army Reserve.
PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: None.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE? "Republicans have fumbled the ball, and we can have status quo or we can have someone like me who is very aggressive in communicating the Republican platform and will put us back in play."
WHAT'S THE TOUGHEST ISSUE FACING THE NATION? "The economy. It impacts the individual and family completely. It's the most pressing problem we have."
Paul Norris
PAUL NORRIS
BIRTHDATE: Oct. 22, 1963
FAMILY: Married, two children.
EDUCATION: Graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in mechanical engineering.
OCCUPATION: President of Southeast Energy Partners.
PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: None.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE? "I'm concerned that my grandkids will not know the same America I grew up knowing. It's just that simple."
WHAT'S THE TOUGHEST ISSUE FACING THE NATION? "The biggest issue facing the nation is our economy and the long-term security of our country based on our financial debt and the cost of energy to our citizens."
Reach Robert Behre at rbehre@postandcourier.com or 937-5771.
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Comments
tbird (anonymous) says...
It is time for a change.
No energy policy.....
All congressional reps. need to be replaced whether they be Rep. or Dem.
Time to have your voice heard.
Henry, you are a honorable gentlemen but it is time for a change!
May 24, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ConcernedDorchesterCitizen (anonymous) says...
I have had the displeasure of meeting Brown. He is an idiot - plain and simple. His voting record is atrocious.
As the wife of a retired air force membber, I agree with John Q. Brown states that he helps our military yet does nothing for them. He has missed 53 days of work this session, and he votes the straight Republican ticket 93% of the time. It is time we elect someone who will work for SC not the antiquated good ole' boy system. Time to put the "workhorse" to pasture.
May 24, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ArmyVet (anonymous) says...
I'm supporting Katherine Jenerette. She has been here in Charleston a number of times this past month. Some things left out of the news story about her:
- Jenerette is a US Army Veteran of the Persian Gulf War Desert Storm
- Jenerette was a First District US Congressional Field Representative from 2002-2004
- Jenerette served as a Planning Commissioner and has work and experience at Federal, State and Local levels
- Jenerette is not owned by the 'Good Old Boys'
- She has energy (Army Paratrooper) experience and guts
- www.jenerette.org
May 24, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
expat (anonymous) says...
His record? Rep. Brown supported the interests of the Republicans for Environmental Protection -4 percent in '05. Yes, minus 4% - points subtracted for not voting.
The National Education Association gave him an F grade for supporting education.
Brown has voted against "GI BILL" benefits for veterans's of Iraq and Afghanistan.
He takes a lot of PAC money - he has a 1.3 million war chest. Yet this millionaire has contributed 0 dollars of his own money to his reelection. He has taken money from the National Auto Dealer's Association, NUCOR steel, Waccamaw Wireless and Y Partnerships in Orlando Florida. Check his record!
May 24, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ConcernedDorchesterCitizen (anonymous) says...
It is like Brown said last week - He just doesn't see the BIG PICTURE. Maybe when he gets put out to pasture he will.
May 24, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blah_blah_blah (anonymous) says...
Ketner for Congress!
Don't forget, Brown was the biggest spender on mailings this past year. I am sure your trash cans are just as full as mine with those stupid things.
I responded once to them, and I got back a letter saying why he doesn't support the same things I do. It was a big waste of time.
May 24, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
willbillbedamned (anonymous) says...
Considering the price of gas, I believe that ANYONE who has been in Congress should be deposed. These people refused to make the hard decisions that might have avoided the disaster that is coming. Believe me, it's coming. When the price of a gallon of gas hits $10, this country is going to shut down. Truckers will not be able to bring food to market. Only the rich will be able to afford air travel. The average working stiff who has to drive to work or drive as part of his job is going to be SOL.
The bastards in Congress knew this day was coming but instead of imposing a new tax on gas, years ago, that could have been used to develop alternative energy resources, they took the easy way out and did nothing so they could keep their jobs and perks.
May 24, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Oh oh...
Robert took you three to the woodshed! Robert how could you?
Do you wanna know how candidates?.... NO Email or Telephone numbers for the voters to contact you! Not to mention all citizens of this State you will be serving?? Good Lord!!
Paul...hopefully you have solved some actual problems? Katherine...4 kids ..I know you have!
Now ...HENRY!!! I need to pull up your record. But I can tell you all the *** # 1 *** ISSUE! ...PERIOD! And here it is...are you sitting down? It is your TRASH! That's Right! It is worth MONEY and NOT ONE landfill in the state has been shut down by a DEMOCRAT or REPUBLICAN ...anywhere!
Entertain yourself by going to www.startech.net . While your at it ...type in "JOSEPH LONGO" into Google and READ! We have 18 landfills in this State that I "know" of...and Henry you should know how many we have in the NATION! Charleston County runs a 4 MILLION deficit in the trash department. Who ever is elected...your first MISSION is to close all landfills in this state and get the energy produce tied into the power grid to be sold! ...PERIOD! How many MEGAWATTs does 3.5 million TONS of waste produce? How Much?
The Next question for you to ponder is how much energy does it take to power an elevated maglev transit system in this state?? The solution to two of our state's problems are solved when you look at your TRASH CAN!! HENRY....Get BUSY!!! Philip C. Branton 843-813-4080 zoomru@yahoo.com SC Governor 2010
May 24, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Firefishe (anonymous) says...
The purpose of a national park area is to preserve it as a national park.
We do not need gas, oil, or anything that burns. We have the technology to develop, right now, clean electrical energy that requires nothing in terms of exotic materials, although some superconducters of small size wouldn't be bad.
Why won't we use it? Desire-for-profit and control of national industries by very wealthy people. Enough is enough. If we truly want change, we have to step up to the plate and change it, already.
www.cheniere.org
www.searleffect.com
Figure it out, folks!
May 24, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
What!!!!
"Me and Jim Clyburn represent four counties together, and we work together on a variety of issues. A lot of times we might differ on national policies, but not on issues that pertain to this congressional district."
.....Oh Boy? Henry ..did you bend over with Grand MASTER FALSH Clyburn also too Senator Robert Byrd with respect to that COAL FIRED PLANT in the PEE DEE region? PEE DEE area south carolinians... I've got your back down here!!!
GRRRRRR!!!!!
May 24, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jessic (anonymous) says...
The Post Courier soft pedaled Jenerette's position concerning her opponent, she never said she supported his voting record, quite the contrary! She is a strong passionate candidate who is running because she sees and desires a change for South Carolinians. I have heard Jenerette speak, met and talked with her personally and know that she is definitely not "more of the same!" Katherine emits a patriotism, passion, and energy that is contagious. I have no doubt that she will institute change given the opportunity in Washington. Katherine has a heart for our Veterans and the military. She actually has good feasible ideas that to a lay person like myself makes sense. Talk with her yourself and you will be convinced. She is not naive concerning Washington but has the convictions and integrity to march up there, fight for her constituents and represent SC very well. I will vote for Katherine Jenerette June 10th. Vote Katherine Jenerette!
May 24, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
localboy (anonymous) says...
It should be enough for every one that Brown's campaign advisor is that sleezeball Rod Shealy. You should be judged by the people you associate with and anyone working with Shealy should be voted against.
May 24, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jessic (anonymous) says...
All you guys are hitting on what the media won't report. We the people need to know the "behind the scenes" business. Investigative reporting with an eye and nose that sniffs out what deals these incumbents make to fatten bank accounts, and who is getting fat at the expense of taxpayers. Inside trading is against the law!. This law should also apply to public servants, who prosper from information obtained from their position in government that is not available to general public. It is no wonder citizens have lost faith in the process, elected officials and distrust newspaper and media.
May 24, 2008 at 8:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
Katherine Jenerette, Fair tax got my vote.
May 24, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
Not one of them mentioned the illegal immigration problem. You noticed that...?
May 24, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ConcernedDorchesterCitizen (anonymous) says...
Jessic - You got it right. The P&C won't report on anything that Brown or others have done wrong unless they think the winds are changing.
Regular folks just dont have time to do the research since we are working to pay for Brown's campaign stamps or his buddies lifestyles.
The one's in charge have gotten a pass while we have suffered. We need to vote out these idiots in office. Out of everyone running the only one worth my vote is Ketner. She has real leadership skills, knows not to give our hardworking dollars away, cares about the people, and will use a common sense approach to getting our government back on track.
I urge everyone to check her web-site out: www.lindaketner.com
May 24, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
I wonder when this report was actually done? This story should run on SUNDAY.....not friday...especially a holiday weekend!
May 24, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JH09915 (anonymous) says...
Damn shame we can't get Thomas1776 to offer for public office..
He surely seems to be an expert on just about everything..
May 25, 2008 at 8:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carolinadude (anonymous) says...
According to NumbersUSA.com, incumbent Brown has a poor record on illegal immigration, he's known to favor estravagant earmarks (pork barrell spending) and exerts no leadership. I intend to vote for Katherine Jenerette. She's a paratrooper, gutsy and intelligent. I just believe she might have the guts to go "toe to toe" w/Nancy Pelosi and not compromise her principles. THROW THIS BROWN RASCAL OUT ON JUNE 10TH. He's a "republican in name only" rino. NO INCUMBENTS ON JUNE 10TH.
May 25, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blah_blah_blah (anonymous) says...
Henry Brown:
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?
"I just feel like we live in some tough times, and I believe my experience would be pretty significant."
"I JUST FEEL LIKE?" "I BELIEVE?" "WOULD BE PRETTY SIGNIFICANT?"
This guy has no emotion, energy, or determination. HO HUM, let's try a Democrat!
May 25, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Paul (anonymous) says...
Mr. Brown is nothing more than a yes man for President Bush; and we all know the state of our country and the world situation. We need an independent thinker who does not misrepresent us and support a "misguided and immature" President.
May 26, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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