Anderson, Massey get endorsements

With less than 20 days until Nov. 4, two organizations have stepped forward to endorse candidates in a local South Carolina Senate race.

The Aiken Board of Realtors announced Wednesday it's throwing its weight behind District 25 Republican Sen. Shane Massey and presented him with a $1,000 check towards his campaign, which focuses on "shaking up Columbia." The Conservation Voters of South Carolina announced recently it endorses the Democratic opponent challenging Massey, Greg Anderson.

Aiken Board of Realtors President Ron Pope said both men were invited to meet with the board and its membership as part of a candidate screening. From there, both the membership and the board voted on which candidate it felt would best represent them.

"We want somebody we feel like has real estate as one of their interests," Pope said. "We want somebody to take our interests to heart."

Massey said he was really pleased with the endorsement and appreciates the work the Aiken Board of Realtors does informing and helping the community through the "difficulty we're having in the housing market."

"They thought enough of me and my abilities to give me their endorsement," he said.

The Conservation Voters of South Carolina also want someone it feels can best represent it and its core concerns of natural resource protection and conservation. That was one of the key reasons it chose Anderson.

"(Anderson) supports investing in our working farms and forests to strengthen our economy and preserve the outdoor traditions that have made South Carolina a destination..." Conservation Director Ann Timberlake wrote in a news release. "Local conservation issues are important to (him). From his involvement in creating the Ten Governors Rail Trail greenway to his understanding of a need for a comprehensive water-use plan for local waterways like Lake Thurmond and the Savannah River, (Anderson) is in tune with ... efforts to protect our natural resources."

Campaign spokesperson Phil Bailey said Anderson was pleased to garner an endorsement from the same organization that has also endorsed Rep. Roland Smith (R-Aiken) and Gov. Mark Sanford.

Senate District 25 represents Edgefield, McCormick, Saluda and Aiken counties.