Republican Candidate to Challenge Rose

Sean Bennett, a local business owner, announced Monday that he will seek the office of S.C. State Senator for District 38, which includes lower Dorchester County.

Running as a Republican, the same party as incumbent Sen. Mike Rose, Bennett is president and CEO of , a comprehensive financial planning firm headquartered in Summerville.

The GOP primary for the election is scheduled for June 12, 2012.

. Rose served in the S.C. Senate from 1988-97 and returned for his third term in 2009.

Bennett has served in the role of chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, an organization that markets Dorchester County and other locations as a global destination for business and talent to locate or expand operations. According to a statement, this will be the cornerstone of his campaign.

"Economic development is the single most important issue facing Dorchester County. Without a diversified economy, good and varied jobs, and a broad tax base, our schools will never be adequately funded, public services will be stressed, and taxes will rise on residents," Bennett said in a press release. "Bringing jobs and industry is a team sport that requires someone who can work with all individuals and organizations, but most importantly it takes someone who can get things done."

Bennett has already launched his website for the campaign.