Clyburn: To continue my efforts to improve the quality of life for the people of South Carolina, particularly the 6^th Congressional District. My primary goal is to turn the "Corridor of Shame," which bisects the 6^th District, into a magnetic strip of thriving communities.

Harrelson: Having been born and raised in this district, I have seen it evolve throughout my lifetime.  I decided to run for office out of a frustration of the lack of representation that the people of District 6 have received for so long.  We must have congressional representation that reflects the values and opinions of this constituency, not political party leadership. 

Clyburn: I have served in Congress since 1993, and currently serve as Majority Whip, the third ranking position in the United States House of Representatives.  In addition, I have been a state agency Head, a Governor’s Assistant, a public school teacher, and worked for four years as a COMMUNITY ORGANIZER.

Harrelson: I am not a career politician.  I believe my experience comes from raising a family, running a business and having to operate in the ‘real world’.  I take a common sense, ‘down home’ approach that will make sure the people of District 6 are heard in Washington.

Clyburn: The economy, energy and education.  

Harrelson: The three major issues are illegal immigration, job creation and tax reform.  Resolving these problems will go hand in hand.  We need to aggressively resolve our open borders, forcibly penalize hiring of undocumented workers and extensively reform our tax code, by means of the FairTax.  All of these can generate growth and create jobs for the people of District 6.

Clyburn: No. Tourism is our No. 1 industry. The dangers of drilling off the coast far outweigh the questionable benefits. It won’t produce a drop of oil for ten years, within which South Carolina could be a leader in the production of alternative energy sources like wind, solar, nuclear and biofuels.

Harrelson: Yes. We have to take aggressive and responsible steps to resolve our current energy crisis.  This must be coupled with extensive research into cleaner and more efficient means of providing energy. Responsibly drilling for oil off of the South Carolina coast can create jobs for the people of this state and provide much needed relief at the pump!

Clyburn: No. The term is a misnomer, and would be a bonanza for those living on unearned income, and unfair to working families. It would impose a 23 percent tax on goods and services, including groceries, medicine, gasoline, and eliminate all middle income deductions like mortgage interest from your federal taxes. 

Harrelson: I am a very outspoken supporter of the FairTax.  The FairTax will broaden our tax base.  It will make the United States the tax haven for business around the world.  It will put the power back into the hands of the American taxpayer and out of the pockets of the politicians.  It will level the playing field and breath life back into our economy.

Clyburn: Specific government solutions targeted only at South Carolina would be the responsibility of our state’s General Assembly. I am working to enact a recovery package at the federal level that focuses on job creation and infrastructure development. Of course, this would be a big help to South Carolinians.  

Harrelson: We must elect politicians that are true fiscal conservatives and not by name only.  We have to eliminate waste, tighten our belts and make the necessary changes that every resident of is facing.  We cannot continue to spend money that we do not have, on the state and federal level!

Clyburn: Yes. "No Child Left Behind" needs to be drastically overhauled. The concept of accountability must remain, but should be measured according to progress attained rather than arbitrary goals. It is clear that no sweeping education program can be effective if underfunded, as NCLB has been since its inception.

Harrelson: Honestly, I am in favor of doing away with the Department of Education all together!  Educational decisions are best made on the local level.  We need to answer to the parents and students, not the administrators and unions.  As long as these decisions are made on the Federal level, I will assure that the students and parents in District 6 are well represented.

Clyburn: There is a direct correlation between the rising distrust in government and the advent of "talk radio" and "gotcha" journalism, both masquerading as news reporting. I believe transparency in government and truth in news reporting are essential to restoring the public’s faith.

Harrelson:  Absolutely!  It seems like politicians leave common sense and basic integrity at home while they are in Washington. The American people understand that this is becoming a continual ploy for political power, not the betterment of the country! We must answer only to the voters. There should not be side meetings and conversations with lobbyists. 

Clyburn: I do not know my opponent but am running for reelection on a long and clear record of putting service above self, and principles above politics.

Harrelson: I have one goal in this election: bring representation to all of the people of District 6.  I want to see growth, jobs and opportunity for every resident of District 6.  I am not out to further a political career.  I am not afraid to stand against party leadership.  I will only answer to the people of District 6.

Clyburn: I will continue to work to enhance our state’s natural beauty, protect our historic treasures and preserve the tremendous quality of life that Daniel Island residents enjoy. I will also continue to support innovative programs like the development of the Humanities Foundation’s Seven Farms apartments.  

Harrelson:  Daniel Island is a very unique area of the state that had tremendous potential.  I want to bring representation to people of Daniel Island. For far too long we have been overlooked by our current congressional representation and that will change. Our voices will be heard!