Meet the candidates for State Senate, District 33
Scott Pyle
City | Myrtle Beach
Party | Republican
Age | 50
Occupation | Financial adviser
Family | Wife, Dr. Pamela Pyle; five children; daughters, Amber, Brooke and Britney; sons Dylan and Christian; five grandchildren, Baylon, Emory, Fisher, Kimber and Teagen
Education | B.B.A. finance, Sam Houston State University
Civic and political experience | Christian Academy, Ground Zero Dragon Boat Festival, The Fundraiser Concert Series, 2 Live Beyond and African New Life Ministries
Military experience | None
Question | What do you think is the biggest issue in your district and how would you address it?
Answer | After 24 years with the same Senator in office, I believe that we need true representation. I believe that this change will enable us to address specific needs. The voices in our community are loud and consistent. Roads have been and continue to be our biggest local need. If elected, I will focus on our roads until our needs are met. I will fight for our fair share of state tax dollars so that we can maintain and expand our highways, and I will work with our county and city to improve our internal roadways.
Luke A. Rankin
City | Myrtle Beach
Party | Republican
Age | 54
Occupation | Attorney, Rankin and Rankin Law Firm, PA
Family | Wife, Lindsey; two children, Luke Jr. and Hollings
Education | B.A., and J.D., University of South Carolina
Civic and political experience | South Carolina State Senator, 1993-Present; Ocean View Baptist Church member; Waccamaw Sertoma Club member
Military experience | None
Question | What do you think is the biggest issue in your district and how would you address it?
Answer | Roads are my top priority. They are the backbone of our economy and essential for our public safety. I am proud to report that this year we have gotten $4 billion for roads without raising taxes. This is a big step in the right direction. I have worked hard on other important issues as well. Most recently on a small business tax cut, property tax relief, and fighting outside, untraceable money corrupting our political process (you’ve no doubt seen their outrageous ads). They apparently want a senator they can control. That certainly is not me.
This story was originally published June 11, 2016 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Meet the candidates for State Senate, District 33."