Brown decides he will retire

The workhorse is heading for pasture, and the race to succeed him could see quite a crowded field.

U.S. Rep. Henry Brown, 74, announced Monday he won't seek re-election to the 1st District congressional seat he has held since 2000.

"I am looking forward to spending more time at my family farm and to (continue) enjoying life without the extensive travel demands that are so much a part of public service today," said Brown, who has billed himself as the Republican workhorse. "It's been a good ride."

The silver-haired Republican said he was announcing now -- more than two months before filing for the office begins -- to give other potential candidates time to decide if they want to enter the race.

As word of his announcement leaked out, about a dozen people said they would give fresh consideration to running for the seat. At least six people already had said they planned to run, and that number is expected to rise. Filing opens March 16 and the primaries are June 8.

Brown said his decision "just opens the playing field. There are a lot of people who would love to be the congressman from this congressional district."

While his statement announcing his retirement didn't mention fatigue, Brown acknowledged that it's been difficult to be a Republican in a Congress controlled by Democrats. He cited his disagreements with recent votes on the stimulus bill, the cap and trade bill and the health care reform bill.

"It's pretty sad to sit by and watch all of those events take place and you can't make a difference," he said. "We all want to be part of the process, to contribute. You wonder what value is your time sitting up here."

Brown said he first considered retiring two years ago, "but I was besieged with appeals to continue to serve because of the fact that whoever won the election, we were going to have a new president leading our country, and that my best contribution to our country at that time would be to continue serving in Congress."

Still, Brown almost didn't win re-election in 2008, as Democrat Linda Ketner came within a 52-48 margin.

That was Brown's closest call in politics. The Hanahan resident noted he won 70 percent of the vote in the 2008 GOP primary, and after 28 years serving in municipal, state and federal offices, he has a 68 percent approval rating.

Brown's tenure in Congress marked a departure from his predecessor, Mark Sanford, who served six years before stepping down. While both are Republicans, Sanford's term was marked by a strict fiscal conservatism and principled stands against spending and accumulating debt; Brown was more of a deal-maker who considered his greatest achievement providing constituent services to help those in his coastal district.

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Brown was "one of the most-liked, hardest-working and respected members of the U.S. House of Representatives. His colleagues know Henry's word is his bond." He also credited Brown's advocacy for protecting the nation after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which happened shortly after Brown took office.

Brown had a warm relationship with U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., despite their different voting records.

Clyburn called Brown "a great friend and an outstanding elected official. His public service has always had as its centerpiece the best interests of South Carolina and the First Congressional District. Though our political views and approaches are often different, Henry is someone I have always been able to rely upon to be honest and trustworthy."

Other Democrats weren't as charitable.

Charleston County Democratic Chairman George Tempel said he was thrilled to hear about Brown's decision.

"We're going to get rid of somebody who was the biggest person to ever frank," Tempel said, referring to Brown's ranking near the top of all congressmen when it came to federally funded mail-outs.

Tempel said the odds of a Democrat capturing the seat later this year "are considerably better than before," but other analysts disagreed.

The Cook Political Report said the 1st District was drawn to elect a Republican. Jeri Cabot, adjunct professor of political science at the College of Charleston, said Brown's re-election prospects looked good and the seat likely will stay in the GOP's hands.

"The chances for a turnover always go up with an open seat, and I think the national Democratic Party will look at Linda (Ketner's) race and they'll do the calculations," she said. "What the Democrats will have to hope for is that there's so much fighting and bruising in the (Republican) primary that no one looks good after they survive it."

Those already in the 1st District race include Carroll Campbell III, son of the late former Gov. Carroll Campbell; Isle of Palms City Councilman Ryan Buckhannon; and Katherine Jenerette of North Myrtle Beach. Former Mount Pleasant Town Councilman Mark Fava had announced he would run but said recently his commitment to the Navy led him to end his candidacy.

Democratic candidates include Air Force Col. Robert Burton of Mount Pleasant, Robert Dobbs of Georgetown and Dick Withington, a former Navy officer and retired accountant living in Horry County.

The list of potential new GOP candidates is a long one and includes many state lawmakers and even Charleston businessman Tommy Hartnett, who held the seat in the 1980s.

State Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Isle of Palms, who is interested in running but wouldn't have challenged Brown, said he expects the field to sort itself out soon. "Everyone is starting from the same spot, essentially flat-footed," he said.

Brown was raised on a Cordesville farm and became an executive of the Piggly Wiggly grocery store chain, a job he left at 49 to become a full-time lawmaker.

In Congress, Brown's record includes working on port security, veteran's health care, and finding money to build Interstate 73, a new link between Myrtle Beach and the Midwest.

Before that, he served 15 years in the General Assembly, where he chaired the House's powerful Ways and Means Committee.

The 1st District includes parts of Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, Georgetown and Horry counties.

Brown said his goal always was to leave office while he still had time to play golf, work on his Berkeley County farm and generally enjoy life.

He noted only one 1st District congressman in recent history had served longer than he has: former 1st District Rep. Mendel Rivers, who served during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

"Y'all know why he quit?" Brown asked. "He died."

What they're saying

Brown's decision not to seek re-election has kicked the rumor mill into high gear as far as additional potential candidates. Here is what some are saying about their bid (or possible bid) to replace Brown:

Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer:

"I've had a lot of calls, and I'm flattered, but my intention is to run for governor. I think that's the best way I can solve the problems facing our state."

Andy Brack, Charleston Democrat who ran against Brown in 2000:

"I got some calls, and I don't know how quickly I told them no. It's not a good time to leave at this point. All I can say is 'Hooray for the United States of America. Henry Brown has been a worthless congressman for 10 years and we don't have to deal with that any more, thank goodness."

Ryan Buckhannon, Isle of Palms city councilman and current GOP 1st District candidate:

"Today, many South Carolinians awoke to the announcement of U.S. Rep. Henry Brown Jr's intention to retire. His dedication to the State of South Carolina and to his country will be felt by all within the First Congressional District. ... I will continue to campaign on the bedrock of American values of individual liberty, limited government and free market."

State Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Isle of Palms:

"I'm considering that. Nothing definite at this point. I just learned like everyone else. It was a total surprise. ... I'm really evaluating the impact on my family, whether I feel like I can do that and still fulfill my paternal duties. That's probably the first thing I'm doing right now, to get a feel for how much of a commitment this really is. "

Mark Fava, former Mount Pleasant town councilman:

"In announcing my run for Congress in the First Congressional District, I did so out of my long-standing commitment to public service and service to our country. As many of you know, I currently and proudly serve as a drilling Navy Reserve officer and unit commanding officer. Just recently, I have been asked for an additional commitment to The United States Navy this spring which will conflict with my efforts to focus fully on my campaign for Congress. In light of this development and my current commitments to my full time job and after much thought and deliberation, I have decided to withdraw from the Congressional District 1 race."

State Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau:

"Right now, I'm a candidate for governor, but I will tell you there is a certain appeal about being a Tea Party Republican in the new Republican majority in the 2010 Congress to take this country back. ... A good politician always considers what is the best opportunity to serve."

Former U.S. Rep. Tommy Hartnett:

"I have gotten a number of calls. ... I'm not just going to dismiss it out of hand. Congress needs some adult supervision up there right now. ... The American people are absolutely at the end of their rope."

State Rep. Chip Limehouse, R-Charleston:

"I've had a large portion of the Republican business and political leadership call me and urge me to run. I'm honored by that, but I think out of respect for Congressman Brown's service, we ought to wait a few days. ... Beyond that, I'd have to sit down with my family and friends and give the matter careful consideration."

State Rep. Jim Merrill, R-Daniel Island:

"For a lot of us who are loyal to Henry, we kind of assumed he would run again, so it caught a lot of folks flat-footed. ... I think people have always taken Henry for granted. Henry has been rock-solid. You always knew where Henry stood on things and where he would come down on an issue."

State Sen. Luke Rankin, R-Conway:

"I have gotten a few calls, obviously, and I am not commenting at this point other than just to tell you I appreciate the call. I'm flattered, and I will be considering all options for the folks of the First Congressional District and my senatorial district."

Gov. Mark Sanford, who preceded Brown in Congress, through spokesman Ben Fox:

"No plans in that regard."

State Rep. Tim Scott, R-North Charleston

"I don't know what to say at this point, to be honest with you. I'm rarely speechless. I'm getting a flurry of phone calls and lots of people are suggesting I should take a serious look at this, but I would say right now I'm running for lieutenant governor."

Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@postandcourier.com.