Issue Position: Mike's Plan

Issue Position

My name is Mike Campbell, and I'm excited to announce that I'm running to be your next Lieutenant Governor.

For me, this process began in 2006 when I was honored to have decidedly won the three-way GOP Primary for Lt. Governor. Although I was narrowly defeated in the run-off by the incumbent, it was overwhelmingly apparent to me that our conservative message and vision had resonated with so many South Carolinians.

Over the course of the last eight years, I have been pleased that some of the ideas we put forth in that campaign have come to fruition for our state. One significant initiative was a continuation of government restructuring.

When my dad, Carroll Campbell, served South Carolina as Governor, he outlined a clear conservative vision. Part of that vision was to restructure state government, which he accomplished in 1993. Government restructuring saved taxpayers money, increased government accountability, and improved efficiency in state government services. However, this was only meant to be the first step.

Understanding that we have a long way to go if we want smaller more efficient government, I have continued to advocate and push for further government restructuring. One of our major platform items that I campaigned for in 2006 was actually signed into law in 2012 by my longtime friend Governor Nikki Haley. This ballot referendum allows the people of the state to vote for the Governor and Lt. Governor as a team -- just like the President and Vice President. Having worked so hard to bring awareness to the issue, I was proud that it was finally was accomplished.

I have also been happy to support Governor Haley's efforts to pass further government restructuring like the Department of Administration bill -- eliminating the antiquated government bureaucracy that is the Budget and Control Board. That bill was the most significant government restructuring measure introduced since dad was governor. Just recently, I was honored when Gov. Haley asked me to join her and offer remarks at the official bill signing ceremony.

Much has been accomplished, but there is still much more we can and must do.

While I learned about the virtues of limited government and lower taxes from successful conservative leaders like my dad and his friend Ronald Reagan, I have now seen first-hand the importance of those conservative virtues as a small businessman in South Carolina.

The conservative lesson I learned back then is still true today: Government doesn't create jobs, people do.

In fact, just about the best thing government can do for business is get OUT of the way.

Sadly, the reason government has become so out of control is for far too long, career politicians have focused on a particular set of interests…their own. If elected, I promise to serve your interests -- and your interests only.

For me, running for Lt. Governor is not about taking another shot at yet another political office -- and I'm not using this campaign as a steppingstone to appease personal ambition for higher office. I'm running for Lt. Governor to accomplish great things for South Carolina. Together, I know that we can accomplish real conservative reforms to make sure your hard-earned tax dollars aren't wasted in Columbia.

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In short -- I am going to work every day to make sure South Carolina is a place for opportunity for your family and mine.

Thanks, and I look forward to earning your support.

Sincerely,

Mike Campbell

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