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The Democratic candidate for governorship in South Carolina, state Rep. James Smith, speaks in front of a closed Walmart in Winnsboro on August 8th. (Jeffrey Collins / AP)
Deanna Paul
Reporter covering national news and latest news
With Hurricane Florence, a Category 4 storm that is expected to hit the Carolinas this week, South Carolina's governorship candidates suspended their campaigns indefinitely on Monday.
According to Brad Warthen, director of communications for Smith, the two men – the challenger, Democratic State James Smith and Republican Henry McMaster – are at South Carolina's emergency management headquarters.
While there are only a few weeks left until the November 6 elections, every missed day is a lost opportunity to get the name of a candidate, Warthen told the Washington Post. But Smith, whose father and grandfather were in the US Navy, favors service, he said.
Seventeen years ago, on September 11, 2001, Smith was an officer in the corps of defense lawyers, working on legal issues involving the military. After visiting Ground Zero in New York, however, he felt it was his duty to fight. Smith resigned from his position as a National Guard officer and enlisted, starting his basic training at the age of 37. He joined the national police force and finally received a purple heart.
Now, as a major in the South Carolina National Guard, Smith was waiting to be called for active service, according to Warthen. Smith is assigned to the Joint Force Headquarters, which has been fully activated for Florence.
On Monday, Smith reported to McMaster, who is leading the response to the hurricane.
"Both have roles to play in preparing South Carolina for the storm, and both are trying to keep South Carolina safe. The decision to suspend the campaign did not hesitate to do so, "said Warthen.
According to Lieutenant-Colonel Cindi King, Director of Public Affairs of the South Carolina Guard, the state's national guard has about 2,000 soldiers and airmen on mission.
"With the coastal evacuation order issued by our governor, we actively participate in the support of the SC Road Patrol on the traffic control points, in aerial reconnaissance with the SC Transport Department.
The storm forced McMaster to issue a mandatory evacuation order Monday at noon for most coastal counties in South Carolina.
As for Smith, the decision to suspend the campaign was not difficult for McMaster, said Brian Symmes, the governor's director of communications.
"Politics is the last thing in the governor's mind in a situation like this," he said. "His only priority is the safety of the South Carolinians. This is what he will do throughout Hurricane Florence's impact on the state and the recovery. "
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