Charleston attorney Mullins McLeod spoke to students about his candidacy and issue stances as a part of the Political Science Club’s gubernatorial candidate series.

McLeod was born in Walterboro, S.C., earned degrees from Wofford College and the University of South Carolina, and now runs a law firm in downtown Charleston.  

McLeod began his address by saying that his experience in the private sector has given him an understanding of the economy that the other candidates do not possess.

Also, he does not accept money from special interest groups or political action committees.  McLeod says this refusal will protect him against compromising for money and special interests as governor.

McLeod says he will not to run for another office, and would therefore act solely for the people of South Carolina as governor, not for his own political ambitions.

McLedo said he would bring the Confederate flag on South Carolina Statehouse grounds into a museum.

“The Confederate flag debate continues to hold our state back.  We are not going to compete in a 21st-century economy by prolonging 19th-century arguments,” McLeod said. “It is time to send a clear and unambiguous signal to the rest of the country, and the entire world, that South Carolina is better than what people see on the news, and that we are ready to make progress.”

McLeod said that by moving past this argument, the state could show the country that South Carolina is ready to lead.

McLeod repeatedly said that he was “right on the issues” and that South Carolina Republicans have been maintaining the status quo for too long.  He said the status quo is “only for people of status” and that it is time for real change in South Carolina.          

McLeod took the pro-welfare side of the recent controversy over  Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer’s remarks comparing poor children to stray animals.  

“Blaming hungry children for their economic situation and threatening to withhold food and nutrition is just plain wrong,” McLeod said.
He also addressed the issue of public education in South Carolina, saying the state’s “public education problem is real, not theoretical.”  He said solutions include per child spending, more jobs and innovation and equality in public schools. McLeod says schools need help from urban hubs like Greeneville and Spartanburg to the neglected rural school districts referred to as the Corridor of Shame.

McLeod said he misses the luxuries of free time amidst a busy life on the campaign trail.

“Nowadays, there isn’t much free time to be had on the campaign.  I always love spending time with my daughter Lydia and if I had the time, hunting and fishing are things I enjoy doing,” McLeod said.

McLeod also loves Charleston.

“There are not too many things better than living in Charleston; however, if I had to pick another place, I would go back down to Walterboro, S.C., where I am from and where many of my friends and family still reside,” McLeod said.

Senior political science minor Adrian Barry said he was optimistic about McLeod’s ideas after hearing the speech but had some reservations about McLeod’s plans to implement them.  

“Overall I think he presents himself and his ideas well.  I’ve heard that he is the only candidate that has actually put forward a detailed plan for jobs and economic development, which is a huge positive, but on the whole tonight I think he kept himself to broad concepts and few specific details,” Barry said.

Barry said he was concerned with McLeod’s plans for his lobbying reforms.

“He said that the political capital he would have received would allow him to convince the legislature to pass his plan, and not to underestimate ‘political will,’” Barry said.  “But as we can see right now from the health care debate, Obama’s number one campaign issue, political capital can take controversial issues only so far.”

    Junior chemistry major Andrea DeSantis said she enjoyed what McLeod had to say.

 “He was enthusiastic and optimistic about being able to change S.C., and although this may be superficial, it’s important to have someone who will bring light to such a somber time in the state,” DeSantis said. “In this race, education reform is one of my top priorities.  I was impressed with McLeod’s focus on education, as he realizes that S.C. cannot afford to fall behind anymore.”  

After hearing [Democratic candidate] Vincent Sheheen speak as well, DeSantis said that she is leaning towards McLeod.

    Barry said he was hoping more students would attend the speech.

 “One always wishes that there were would be more people interested in coming out to these events, but having them available to anyone who cares to take part will always be worth the effort,” Barry said. “We are at the age where we will start making decisions about our futures that will be formed and informed by what we are exposed to here at the College of Charleston.”

    Barry also said that government and politics are beneficial to students.

“More exposure and involvement in government and politics is always a good thing for personal and intellectual development, and I’m sure that future leaders will benefit from these forums and other programs offered by the College and its various student organizations,” Barry said.
DeSantis said she was also disappointed with the student turnout.

“As far as the event itself I was not surprised, but still disappointed with the turnout of students,” DeSantis said. “I wish that more in-state students would take a more active role in picking their next governor.”

McLeod was the second candidate to speak on campus as part of the Political Science Club’s gubernatorial candidate series. Superintendent of Education and fellow Democratic candidate Jim Rex will speak in Stern 206 Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m.