Vote Expected on 7th Congressional District

Will Dorchester and Berkeley counties become whole in representation as part of the state's seventh congressional district?

Or will they remain divided as the seventh congressional district is established in the Pee Dee region of the state?

According to Sen. Mike Rose, R-Dorchester, the answer may be known today.

In an email sent out this afternoon, Rose wrote: "The vote on which seventh congressional district plan to adopt will be this week, probably today."

South Carolina will add a seventh congressional district, but two competing plans have emerged. 

The senate has passed a plan lead by Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau, which would keep Berkeley and Dorchester counties whole and separate from Charleston County, which would continue as part of District 1 stretching up to Myrtle Beach. 

House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, has proposed a plan that would essentially keep the region split between District 1 and District 6, and fit District 7 in the northeastern area of the state. View the latest map here.

Currently, both Berkeley and Dorchester counties are represented by Congressmen Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Jim Clyburn, D-S.C. View District 1 and District 6 here.

In a telephone interview July 7, Rose said he prefers the plan to form the new seventh district out of Berkeley, Beaufort and Dorchester counties, also known as the Lowcountry 7th. 

"Dorchester and Berkeley has always been an appendage to Charleston," Rose said. "They can stand on their own with the seventh."

In his email today, Rose did not say which plan he favored, but sought input from his constituents.

"I will vote what I think is best for South Carolina as a state and for my region and constituents," he wrote. "What is best is not clear when there are competing evidence, opinions and claims." 

He also brought up "risks" associated with the Lowcountry 7th.

"If the senate plan prevails with Dorchester/Berkeley all in the new seventh district and none of Dorchester/Berkeley in the first district, the congressman representing Dorchester may reside in Beaufort or a rural county like Allendale. Should we take that risk?" Rose wrote.

Rose then brought up a compromise plan, but did not disclose its details.

"If I do not vote for the compromise plan that will come to the senate from the house, an impasse in the legislature may result in three federal judges deciding congressional redistricting. Should we take that risk?" Rose wrote.

Last week, Berkeley County Councilman Tim Callahan addressed Summerville 9-12 on the redistricting issue. Callahan supports the Lowcountry 7th. . 

"It's a situation that no matter what the Lowcountry will be split into two congressional districts," Callahan said. "It's a matter of whether or not you want a Republican or a Democrat representing you."

Callahan, who lives on Daniel Island in Clyburn's district, said he'd like to see a Republican represent his interests. 

He also said a district here would be more likely to produce a Republican congressman than the Pee Dee, given the region's high growth and voting behavior. 

"Every other county in (the proposed Pee Dee) district grew negatively or substantially below the state average," Callahan said. "When counties shrink or they're dead, they become more Democratic."

However, like Rose, he expressed concern if redistricting in the state is challenged and is sent to federal judges to decide — implying that the judges might be more favorable to increasing Democratic footholds.