Virginia Senator and presidential prospect George Allen headlined a fundraiser for South Carolina Representative Ralph Norman in late March. Norman, 52, a developer from the Charlotte suburb of Rock Hill, SC, is challenging 24-year Congressman John Spratt in the 5th Congressional District. Townhall.com attended the fundraiser and obtained an exclusive interview with candidate Ralph Norman. The following are excerpts from Norman’s speech and interview.

I am a businessman

“I am a businessman,” said Ralph Norman to a supportive group of big time South Carolina donors, amidst a luncheon of shrimp, fried chicken, collard greens, and sweet tea. The day’s theme revolved around Norman’s ideas on how to run government—like a business. 

First and foremost, Ralph Norman considers himself a fiscal conservative, a guardian of the taxpayer. Which makes sense—as a small businessman, he has struggled under the burden of high taxes, suffocating regulation, and an unresponsive bureaucracy. He has seen the government attempt to micromanage his businesses, take a significant portion of his income in taxes and then waste those taxpayer dollars, along with millions of others on pet projects and ineffective government programs.

“I believe in the free enterprise system,” Norman said. He supports giving more control back to the small businesses and taxpayers that really drive the American economy. Norman went on to say, “Business creates jobs, government does not.  Government creates a whole slew of jobs each time a new program or scheme is implemented, but always at the expense of the taxpayer. Small businesses invest in new businesses, which results in more jobs, Norman added.

When asked why he entered politics, Norman responded, “I got into politics because businessmen should be spending your money.” He went on to clarify that he really meant that businessmen should control spending, by not spending as much of ‘your money.’ He also added that, “The South Carolina Congressional delegation is made up of 4 conservatives and two liberals…I want to make it 5-1.” Norman explained that the votes of John Spratt and Jim Clyburn cancel out two conservative votes-of Gresham Barrett, Bob Inglis, Henry Brown or Joe Wilson. 

When “we are all shareholders in this thing called government,” Norman said, there needs to be more responsibility with the tax revenue. Norman promised to “treat your money as my own when I get to Washington,” a theme echoed by Senator Allen shortly thereafter. In his short time in the South Carolina House, Norman has not only talked fiscal conservatism, but he has voted that way as well. Of the 163 vetoes of spending items sent by Governor Mark Sanford to the House in FY 2005, Norman voted to sustain 159 of them, a 98% clip. Of all legislators in the South Carolina General Assembly, no one vote to sustain more spending vetoes than Ralph Norman. 

Campaign Momentum

Norman perceives his campaign as being on a positive upswing. Norman’s Republican primary opponent, Park Gillespie, drooped out of the race and has thrown his support behind Norman. Gillespie has promised to work with Norman, and Norman said that Gillespie is “genuinely on board.” Without a primary though, there is potential for momentum not lasting throughout the summer, though Norman seems unconcerned.  Saving money by not fighting in a primary however, has downsides. Name ID is a great benefit of a primary, especially through earned media, and significant precious dollars will have to be spent to make up for that shortfall. However, Norman said, “the only thing that counts in November.”   

Townhall.com also asked, “Does the presence of Karl Rove, Dick Cheney, George Allen, etc. help or hurt you in the 5th District? Furthermore, will President Bush make an appearance and will that help or hurt? Norman responded, “Definitely helps us. If anything, it gets people with us, it garners us some attention.” He added, “I would welcome a visit by the president, as would the 5th District.” 

Contrasts

Townhall.com asked Norman to identify the four greatest differences between him and Spratt. Choosing to discuss several, Norman really highlighted Spratt’s lack of conservative credentials. Continued...