Columbia lawyer entering AG race

COLUMBIA -- Former 9th Circuit prosecutor Robert Bolchoz launched his bid Monday to become South Carolina's next attorney general, the third Republican to enter the field.

The Democratic field is wide open to replace Attorney General Henry McMaster, a Republican who is running for governor.

Bolchoz, 45, is a graduate of The Citadel and the University of South Carolina School of Law. He lives in Columbia and works in a private law practice.

He served as a prosecutor on the state and federal levels for nearly a decade with experience going after all types of criminals, from drug traffickers to corrupt public officials. His resume also includes experience as law clerk for former Gov. Carroll Campbell, an appointment as special assistant U.S. attorney and assistant and deputy solicitor for Charleston and Berkeley counties from 1989-94.

Additionally, he represented former Gov. David Beasley and served as counsel to former President George Bush's campaign in South Carolina. He also worked for three years as chief deputy for former Attorney General Charlie Condon.

He said his focus as the state's top prosecutor would be to work with law enforcement to keep communities safe and an economic environment that would allow businesses and individuals to flourish while aiming to guard personal liberty.

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"These are tough times and our hopes for our families, communities and state are at risk," Bolchoz said in a statement. "Many of our elected officials have failed to lead. ... I will work with the General Assembly in identifying laws and or regulations that prevent job creation or economic expansion. These dire circumstances also present us with opportunities."

So far, Bolchoz will face Republicans Leighton Lord, a Columbia attorney and managing partner of Nexsen Pruet, and Alan Wilson, a judge advocate general at a Columbia- based civil litigation law firm.

First Circuit Solicitor David M. Pascoe Jr., a Democrat, is also raising cash to run for the office but has not made an official announcement.

The 1st Circuit includes Dorchester, Orangeburg and Calhoun counties.

Reach Yvonne Wenger at 803-926-7855 or ywenger@postandcourier.com.