Small businesses are the backbone of job creation in South Carolina, but we're not maximizing our potential when we've got what's effectively the highest income tax rate in the Southeast holding us back.

Too many people, because they were white and poor, black and rich, or just plain busy with something other than politics, have felt they had no voice in our government.

We simply have to become more competitive as a state if we're going to be successful in creating jobs, bringing capital investment and raising income levels here in South Carolina.

In not my, but our collective hands, is held the promise of change.

No way will I put my family and my life on the TV or be involved with something like a dating show or any type of reality show.

My family moved a lot, so I was always walking in as the new kid.

I listen to my mother, and that keeps me out of trouble. I'm a good son.

Sometimes I wish I didn't have somebody in my family who's in the business.