spencer wetmore

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Wetmore already building bipartisan coalitions in State House

There are politicians that make empty campaign promises, and then there are politicians like Representative Spencer Wetmore.  A former Folly Beach official who flipped a Lowcountry seat from red to blue in last year’s special election, Wetmore promised to combat the intense polarization of the State House and work across partisan lines for her coastal community. Following through on this promise, Wetmore has now filed legislation alongside Senator George “Chip” Campsen (R-Charleston) to address vessels abandoned in South Carolina’s waterways.

Modeled after a Folly Beach pilot program, H.3865 would allow local governments to implement a permit system for watercraft mooring for longer than fourteen consecutive days within city or county borders. These permits would cost no more than fifteen dollars per the legislation.

In a statement released last week, Wetmore argued that the bill provides local governments the opportunity to finally address the localized and recurring issue of vessel abandonment. “Irresponsible boat owners have been clogging and polluting our waterways for too long,” she stated.

Senator Campsen, the bill’s Republican cosponsor in the Senate, added that the legislation “respects boaters’ access to navigable waters while empowering local governments to stop vessel abandonment, along with its navigational and environmental hazards.”

H.3865 is only the beginning of what we foresee to be a much-needed bipartisan effort led by freshman Representative Spencer Wetmore to improve the daily lives of South Carolinians. The bill currently resides in the House Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.

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Spencer Wetmore Is Democrats’ Best Chance To Flip Lowcountry Blue

Voters on James Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island will head to the polls this Tuesday, August 11th for the Special Election for SC House District 115. Democrat Spencer Wetmore and Republican Josh Stokes will face off for Peter McCoy’s seat after the former state representative was appointed to the position of U.S. Attorney earlier this year.

Tuesday’s election may be considered the most important state legislative race this year. A win for Wetmore would be an impressive start to the 2020 election cycle for Democrats in South Carolina and could provide momentum for campaigns that are working to flip traditionally red districts across the state.

SC House District 115 is a key Charleston County swing district — the district narrowly voted for Donald Trump in 2016 prior to Congressman Joe Cunningham winning roughly 60% of the vote in 2018. Democrats in the Lowcountry have set their sights on a number of other state and local districts experiencing a similar pro-Democratic swing.

A victory on Tuesday will give the winner a big boost heading into the November 3rd General Election — and fill the vacant House seat in time to vote on matters that will be taken up during the Legislative Session in September.

Democrat Spencer Wetmore is up against a tough Republican opponent in Josh Stokes. Stokes currently serves as a James Island council member and works as an attorney at McCoy & Stokes, LLC, the law firm he founded with former Representative Peter McCoy.

However, Wetmore’s tenure as the City Administrator of Folly Beach and her previous work in the Charleston County Solicitor’s Office have given her broad appeal, with a reputation as a public servant who gets results. Her campaign argues she has the experience and dedication needed to represent constituents in the legislature.

Wetmore’s record of working across the aisle is a clear advantage heading into Tuesday as her campaign has won the support of numerous independents and moderate Republicans. Notably, Republican Mayor Tim Goodwin of Folly Beach endorsed Wetmore alongside five members of Folly Beach city council. This overwhelming show of support is a clear testament to her track record working on behalf of the people of Folly Beach.

Wetmore’s campaign has earned more than its fair share of support from Democrats, too, with endorsements from trusted Lowcountry leaders like Congressman Joe Cunningham, Senator Marlon Kimpson, and Representative Leon Stavrinakis. Wetmore has also been endorsed by U.S. Senate candidate Jaime Harrison who is currently polling in a dead heat against Lindsey Graham.

Perhaps the endorsement with the strongest impact on the race came from her former rival, Carol Tempel. Wetmore edged out Tempel in the Democratic Primary runoff on June 23rd. The support of Tempel, a retired former educator and respected progressive community activist, provides a big boost for Wetmore.

The Wetmore campaign posted a video on Facebook, ‘Virtual Town Hall with Carol Tempel.’

As the race comes to a head on August 11th, it’s clear that Democrats see Wetmore’s election as the spark that could fuel their next three months of action leading up to November 3rd, making Tuesday’s election one to watch.

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Wetmore is the common-sense candidate the Lowcountry deserves

The Lowcountry is special to South Carolina for a lot of reasons — its booming tourism and gorgeous beaches just to name a few — but on August 11th, the word takes on a new meaning as the people of District 115 head to the polls for a special election.

South Carolina’s House District 115 was left vacant following the appointment of Peter McCoy, Jr. to the position of U.S. Attorney earlier this year. Candidates Spencer Wetmore (D) and Josh Stokes (R) now face off in a bid to represent the interests of their Charleston constituents, but we here at The Palmetto Insider believe the choice is clear.

Spencer Wetmore has what it takes to be South Carolina’s next star legislator. Hailing from the same Lowcountry that brought us legislative giants like Representative Wendell Gilliard and Senator Marlon Kimpson, Wetmore represents the leader that District 115 needs right now: someone who has a proven track record of defending her community with the ability to work across the aisle and get things done. 

Wetmore has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to public service and would represent her neighbors well if elected. She formerly worked as a prosecutor on behalf of her community in the Charleston County Solicitor’s Office before moving on to serve as the current City Administrator for Folly Beach. As the City Administrator, Wetmore has excelled in the areas of budget management and disaster response — two things our State House desperately needs.

Wetmore’s campaign has emphasized protecting our coastal environment, funding our public schools, and investing in road improvement projects as key issues the candidate will fight for in our capital city. Above all, though, we believe Wetmore has what it takes to cut through all of the partisan politics and deliver real results to her constituents in James Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah, and Seabrook.

Are you unsure of whether you live in South Carolina House District 115? Click here to confirm your information and make sure to vote on August 11, 2020.