Julia Truesdale had several questions in mind as she waited Aug. 24 to speak with state Sen. Vincent Sheheen, one of four Democrats now running for governor.

Truesdale was interested in Sheheen’s views on education funding and high school dropout rates.

“I wanted to meet him personally,” Truesdale said. “I wanted to know what he’s going to do with education, especially with African-American males because of their high dropout rates. That’s my question and he (Sheheen) seems to have some great ideas to put in place.”

Truesdale was joined by more than 40 other county residents at a reception at the Springs House in Lancaster, where Sheheen, D-District 27, discussed issues critical to his campaign for the 2010 South Carolina governor’s race. Sheheen’s senate district includes a large part of southern Lancaster County.

Sheheen, an attorney from Camden, has spent much of the year touring the state to speak about job creation, health care and education. One of his main goals if elected governor, he said, would be to increase funding for education and to keep the University of South Carolina at Lancaster open. 

“I don’t make a lot of promises on a stump, but I promise USCL will not be closed under a Sheheen administration,” said Sheheen, to applause from the crowd.

Incumbent Gov. Mark Sanford, a Republican, called for the closure of both USCL and USC-Union in his budget proposal in January. 

The proposal angered many residents here and, ultimately, failed to pick up much support in the Legislature during the last term.

Sheheen promised to use funding to create more education programs for the county, which he said could help with economic growth.

“If a dollar is not well spent, you might as well not spend it,” Sheheen said.

The senator also stressed conservation issues and health care as means for economic growth.

“The state government has lost the ability to function and we need to get it back on track,” Sheheen said. 

Lancaster resident Keith Grey spoke with Sheheen about improving the state’s economy. He stressed the importance of bringing new businesses to Lancaster County and hoped Sheheen can foster a “can-do attitude” among state residents.

“He seems to be a moderate we need who can turn to both sides and come up with some solutions,” Grey said. 

Mitch Norrell said Sheheen is well-versed on the economic problems of the county, including the importance of USCL.

“He sees the connection between education and economic development. He sees how important they are to each other,” Norrell said. “He’s very well attuned to what’s going on here.”

Norrell’s wife, Mandy Powers Norrell, said she has known Sheheen for many years. She said he’s a likable candidate who “means what he says.”

“I think he could bring South Carolina together,” said Mandy Powers Norrell, who is the Lancaster city attorney and was an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for the District 16 state Senate seat last year. “He has a proven track record of reaching across the aisle.”

Lancaster County Council members Kathy Sistare and Jack Estridge, both Democrats, were at the event.

Greg Gregory, the former Republican state senator from Lancaster, was also in attendance.

Mandy Powers Norrell said a number of local Republicans were at the event.

Crowded field

There is a large field of candidates hoping to become South Carolina’s next governor.

State Sen. Robert Ford of Charleston, along with Charleston lawyer Mullins McLeod and Charleston pastor Amos Elliott, are also seeking the Democratic nomination.

Education Superintendent Jim Rex and House Minority Leader Harry Ott of Calhoun County are also considering runs as Democrats.

On the Republican side, S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster formally announced his candidacy Aug. 24, although he had long been considered a candidate.

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, state Sen. Larry Grooms of Berkeley County and state Rep. Nikki Haley of Lexington are also seeking the GOP nomination.

Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is expected to announce plans to seek the GOP nomination, if he does not take the governor’s seat before the election.