Jim Rex

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On August 6, 2009, Rex announced he was exploring the possibility of either seeking reelection as State Superintendent of Education or running for Governor of South Carolina in 2010. [5] On September 15, he announced his candidacy for governor.

On the campaign trail, Rex advocated for revenue and funding reform in order to relieve some of the extreme cuts caused by the budget crisis that began in 2008. One of his ideas – the Tax Realignment Commission – was already in progress before the campaign began, but he expressed concern that the General Assembly might try to water down the reform in an effort to appeal to special interest groups.

Another key component of Rex's platform was his plan to raise the cigarette tax. South Carolina's tax, which was $0.07 per pack at the time Rex began to advocate an increase, was far from the national average of $1.34 per pack. Ultimately, the General Assembly compromised on the issue and raised the tax to $0.37 per pack, still $0.97 below the national average. Rex repeatedly stated that an increase to $1.34, indexed to increase with the national average in the future, would have prevented teacher furloughs and decreased teen smoking.

Rex finished second in the Democratic primary to State Senator Vincent Sheheen, whom he endorsed for governor in September.

References

  1. "Columbia SC News, Arts and Classifieds". Archived from the original on 2013-04-10. Retrieved 2013-02-15.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "2006 Statewide Candidates". WIS . Retrieved 2007-12-18.
  3. "Every Vote Does Count". Archived from the original on 2008-05-09. Retrieved 2007-12-24.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "About Jim". Archived from the original on 2008-05-12. Retrieved 2007-12-18.
  5. ""Exclusive: Rex moves toward run for governor" (Columbia The State article-August 6, 2009)". Archived from the original on August 9, 2009. Retrieved August 6, 2009.
Jim Rex
South Carolina Superintendent of Education
In office
January 10, 2007 January 12, 2011
Political offices
Preceded by South Carolina Superintendent of Education
2007-2011
Succeeded by
Party political offices
Preceded by Democratic nominee for South Carolina Superintendent of Education
2006
Succeeded by
Academic offices
Preceded by
Phyllis Bonanno
President of Columbia College
2000–2001
Succeeded by
Caroline Whitson