News Article

Clay Middleton for House District 111

March 12, 2008
The Charleston Chronicle
Volume XXXVI Number 28

On June 10th, we will have the opportunity to elect a new candidate to the South Carolina State Legislature. After many years of service, Rep. Floyd Breeland recently announced that he has no plans to run for re-election. Knowing that Rep. Breeland has served our community well, we must choose his successor wisely. We must elect a strong leader, an accomplished public servant to represent us in the State House. Clay N. Middleton is the most qualified candidate for House District 111.

Clay is homegrown; his roots are deeply plated in Charleston. He stems from humble beginnings, having spent his formative years living on Bayside Manor. He is a Burke High School graduate. While a student there, he was a member of the JROTC. He moved on to the Citadel, earning a degree in Political Science. Clay has served his country proudly as a member of the US Army, leading fellow soldiers as a 2nd lieutenant while in Iraq when only 22 years old. He continues to serve his country as a Captain in the Army National Guard.

Professionally, Clay is the Lowcountry Coordinator for US Congressman and Majority Whip James E. Clyburn. In this capacity, Clay has proven to be a true public servant. He serves the community as the liaison between it and Congressman Clyburn, listening to constituents’ needs and concerns, and doing everything possible to aid or assist them all.

Clay is no “Johnny Come Lately”: he has always been there for his fellow Charlestonians. He is an Elder for the Charleston Youth Leadership Council Beaux Affair Program, which mentors high school students. Clay is also Chair of the Greater Charleston Empowerment Corporation Economic Development Committee, which helps people attain jobs and provides job training. And, Clay is a Commissioner on the City of Charleston Homeownership Initiative Commission, which provides affordable housing to people who want to remain in the city.

Clay wears many hats and wears them well. He manages to work to the fullest capacity on every task given him. He is compassionate and earnest. He is modest with regards to all he has done for his community, yet steadfast in his commitment to it. He wants to continue to serve his community as our representative of House District 111. His plans as a member of the State Legislator include creating measures at state level to strengthen public education, as well as expand opportunities for higher education. Regarding the state’s economy, Clay will work to improve the state minimum living wage, and will fight for affordable health care for everyone. Clay is an advocate for Workforce Housing and increasing the success rate of small businesses and overall economic stability for every citizen in this state.

If given the opportunity, Clay will work diligently in the State House to empower community organizations and neighborhoods as our voice. Clay has always been with us and for us. Let us put him in the State House. Once there, he promises to always put us first. Vote Clay N. Middleton for House District 111!

Paid for by the Grassroots Committee to Elect Clay N. Middleton to House District 111