Patchy Fog and Cloudy Skies Set the Scene for Greenwood’s New Democratic Headquarters
Greenwood, SC — Supporters and community members gathered for a lively event on Grace Street on Saturday, marking the grand opening of the Greenwood headquarters for Francie Kleckley’s state Senate campaign. The air was filled with optimism and a touch of autumn crispness, making it a perfect day to launch Kleckley’s bid for the Democratic state Senate District 10 seat.
A Fresh Face in the Political Arena
Francie Kleckley, a first-time candidate from Lexington, is challenging the incumbent, Republican state Sen. Billy Garrett, this coming November. Kleckley brings decades of experience as a public servant to the table. After earning her degree from Clemson University and later graduating from Francis Marion University, she interned at the U.S. Small Business Administration. She then dedicated 36 years to the U.S. Treasury before retiring in 2019.
“I started watching how we were being represented at the Statehouse,” Kleckley said. “I started looking at Billy Garrett, and he’s one of the most extreme politicians we’ve had down there. I don’t think he represents the views of all the people of District 10. I’m going to get in there and see if I can bring some credible leadership back to the Statehouse.”
Endorsements and Support
The event saw strong support from various political figures, including former state Sen. Floyd Nicholson, who praised Kleckley as a “true Democrat.”
“She’s concerned about the issues for the people, not what’s going to elevate her or benefit somebody,” Nicholson said. “She’s concerned about the issues that affect all of the people. That’s what we need to turn our country around — people elected for the people because you are supposed to be a public servant.”
Key Issues: Reproductive Freedom, Gun Safety, and Education
Kleckley’s platform addresses several pressing issues, including reproductive freedom, gun safety, and education reform. She has called out Garrett for his stance on abortion laws.
“He voted to remove rape and incest from the total abortion ban, so he thinks it’s OK for a 10- or 12-year-old girl raped by her uncle to have to carry that baby to term,” she said. “I totally disagree. I believe it’s the woman’s choice, between her, her doctor and her God.”
In addition to reproductive rights, Kleckley has robust plans for commonsense gun safety measures. She criticized the incumbent for backing the permitless gun carry law, which she believes puts communities at risk.
“He voted for the permitless gun carry law, which makes our communities more dangerous, not safe,” she said. “He also co-sponsored a bill to create an unconstitutional state militia. Sounds a lot like January 6 to me.”
Education is also a primary concern for Kleckley, who aims to funnel more resources into public schools and retain committed teachers. She describes education as the “bedrock of any successful community.”
“He wants to give $30 million to private schools through school vouchers and tax credits instead of funding our public schools that are already struggling,” Kleckley said. “We’re 42nd in the nation for education outcomes. We’re like in the bottom third. We are No. 3 for least dollars spent on public education.”
Focus on Healthcare
Another cornerstone of Kleckley’s campaign is affordable healthcare. She has criticized Garrett for not expanding Medicaid, leaving 345,000 South Carolinians — 82,000 of whom are children — without affordable healthcare options.
“What we’ve seen is Billy Garrett, as sitting on the Senate Medical Affairs Committee, did not lift a finger to expand Medicaid,” she said. “And, because we did not expand Medicaid, we left 345,000 South Carolinians — 82,000 of which are children — without affordable healthcare. Now we pay taxes on that money that is sitting somewhere other than South Carolina.”
The Path Ahead
The Greenwood headquarters, located at 212 Grace St., serves as the operational heart of Kleckley’s campaign as she gears up for the upcoming election. With a platform focusing on reproductive rights, gun safety, education, and healthcare, Kleckley aims to offer what she calls “credible leadership” to the voters of District 10.
For more updates on her campaign and upcoming events, Greenwood residents can contact her team directly or stop by the new office.
Francie Kleckley Greenwood Headquarters
212 Grace St.
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Contact staff writer Greg Deal at 864-223-1812 for more information or follow the latest updates.
