TheState.com featured a picture of Anthony, Vincent and Amy's youngest son, along with two of his friends, in a photo gallery from the Carolina Cup.  View the full gallery here.  Thanks to everyone for coming out to the races and showing your support!

This week the South Carolina Hospital Association Political Action Committee (SCHAPAC) voted unanimously to support State Sen. Vincent Sheheen in the Democratic primary for governor.

"We believe that Vincent Sheheen will be a governor who will work with members of the legislature to get South Carolina moving forward again," said SCHA CEO Thornton Kirby. "South Carolina's hospitals can be confident that if elected governor, Sheheen will collaborate with health care providers to ensure South Carolinians have access to quality, affordable health care. He recognizes the important role hospitals play in our communities and how they contribute to the economic health of our state. We believe that his vision for creating a health care economy and his commitment to forging a working relationship with the hospitals in our state is in the best interest of South Carolina's future."

In response to receiving the support of the South Carolina Hospital Association Political Action Committee, Sen. Sheheen offered the following comments:

"I'm honored to receive the backing of these dedicated health care professionals. It is critical that our hospitals have a seat at the table when discussing the economic future of our state. We need to develop and cultivate a health care economy that creates health care jobs in all parts of our state. The success of our hospital system is a vital component in putting South Carolina back on the path to success, and I look forward to working with health care providers to improve the health and quality of life of all South Carolinians. I am grateful to have their support. "

Neil Thigpen, longtime political science commentator and retired Francis Marion University professor, had complimentary things to say about Vincent in today's "Thursdays with Thigpen" Q & A.  Read the full piece here.

Question: Things are a little closer among Democrats in the governor’s race, according to the Rasmussen poll of likely Democratic primary voters. S.C. Superintendent of Education Jim Rex and state Sen. Vincent Sheheen each were favored by 16 percent of those surveyed. State Sen. Robert Ford was supported by 12 percent of those polled. Most people, 37 percent, were undecided and 15 percent said they support another candidate. Dwight Drake, who dropped out of the race last week, garnered 5 percent. What are your thoughts?

Answer: Unlike the Republican race, this shows that at least one candidate on the Democratic side, is moving very rapidly upward, and that’s state Sen. Sheheen. In a fairly creditable poll a few months ago, Dr. Rex had a fairly sizable lead, and Sheheen was in third. This indicates to me with Sheheen now tied with Rex, that Rex is standing still and Sheheen is moving like a Mack truck. A lot more people know who he is than knew a number of months ago. He has been the one on the Democratic side that has run a really exceptional and well-reasoned campaign. He got an early start, he’s raised the most money, and he’s put together a network of supporters.

Today the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the state's largest business and trade association, announced their support of Sen. Vincent Sheheen, candidate for governor, in the Democratic primary.

In a statement released by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the organization cited the following reasons for backing Sheheen:

Vincent Sheheen (D) also has a strong economic vision for South Carolina, and his support of comprehensive tax reform, port expansion, the technical college system, low-cost energy and small business growth are all priorities that support a globally competitive South Carolina. His bipartisan experience and work in the General Assembly make him equipped to handle the demands that come from leading the state.

Sheheen responded:

"I'm honored to have the support of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.  As governor, my number one priority will be job creation and getting our economy moving again. I will personally lead the state’s efforts to recruit robust industry and aggressively pursue economic development opportunities for South Carolina."