Caucus Leadership

Robert W. "Bobby" Harrell Jr.
Speaker of the House

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District 114
Charleston & Dorchester counties

Speaker of the House


Businessman; residing at 1625 Bull Creek Lane, Charleston; b. Mar. 7, 1956 in Orangeburg; s. Robert W., Sr. and Charlotte (Davis) Harrell; g. Univ. of S.C., B.S., 1978; July 21, 1979 m. Cathy Smith, 2 children, Trey and Charlotte; Chm., Freshman Caucus, 1993; House Majority Leader, 1997-99; Chm., Ways & Means Com., 1999-2005; prev. serv. in House 1993-06; elected Speaker June 2, 2005, assuming office June 21, 2005; re-elected Dec. 5, 2006.

W. Douglas "Doug" Smith
Speaker Pro Tempore

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District 32
Spartanburg County

Speaker Pro Tempore

Committee Assignment:
Operations and Management, Ex. Officio


Atty.; residing in Spartanburg; b. Apr. 3, 1958 in Spartanburg; s. Milton A., Sr. and Suzanne E. Smith; g. Wofford Coll., B.A., 1980; Univ. of S.C., J.D., 1983; July 23, 1994 m. Alison Evans, 2 children, Cameron McIver and Anna Douglas; mem.: Spartanburg Co. Bar Assn.; S.C. Bar Assn.; First Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg; Chm., Rules Com., 1995-00; elected Speaker Pro Tempore Nov. 28, 2000, serving continuously since; prev. serv. in House 1993-06.

James H. Merrill
Majority Leader

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District 99
Berkeley amd Charleston Counties

Majority Leader

Committee Assignment:
Ways and Means


Public Relations Consultant, Geechie Communications; residing at 174 Etiwan Park St., Daniel Island; b. Jan. 15, 1967 in Pensacola, Fla.; s. James H. and Annette McGregor Merrill; g. Univ. of S.C., B.A., 1989, M.P.A., 1992; Aug. 29, 1992 m. Noel Marie Gaillard, 3 children, Delaney Marie, Haley McGregor, and Darby Lee; Press Secy. for Congressman Floyd Spence, 1989-92; Political Dir., S.C. Rep. Party, 1992-98; Dist. Admin. for Congressman Mark Sanford, 1994; Owner, Geechie Communications, 1994-; mem., Univ. of S.C. Alumni Assn.; past Pres., Sigma Chi Frat.; S.C. Policy Council; Berkeley Co. Rep. Party; Whip, Majority Caucus; Fin. Com., Majority Leader, 2004; Univ. of S.C. Gamecock Club; Daniel Island Neighborhood Assn.; mem., Stella Maris Catholic Church; prev. serv. in House 2001-06.

J. Adam Taylor
Asst. Majority Leader

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District 16
Laurens amd Greenville counties

Assistant Majority Leader

Committee Assignment:
Ways & Means


State Farm Ins. Co.-Public Affairs Specialist; residing at 550 West Main St., Laurens; b. Apr. 24, 1965 in Laurens; s. the late David S. and Dorothy D. Taylor; g. Laurens High School, 1983; Lander Coll., B.S., 1987; m. Monica Leapard, 3 children, Adam, Jr., Evan, and Anna Grace; Legislator of the Year, Natl. Alliance for the Mentally Ill, 1999; Good Soldier Award by the S.C. Citizens and Merchants Assn., 1999; Laurens YMCA Bd. of Dirs., 2000-02; Laurens Co. Literacy Council Bd. of Dirs., 2000-02; Secy./Treas., House Rep. Caucus, 2003-05; Majority Whip, 2000-; Asst. Majority Leader, 2005-; Ways & Means Com.; 2006 Legislator of the Year, Old 96 Tourism Comm.; Chm., Laurens Co. Legis. Delegation, 2000-; former Deacon, First Baptist Church, Laurens; mil. serv.: SCNG; prev. serv. in House 1999-06.

Alan D. Clemmons
Caucus Secretary/Treasurer

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District 107
Horry County

Republican Caucus Treasurer

Committee Assignments:
Judiciary
Rules, Vice Chairman


Real Estate Atty./Businessman; residing at 1411 S.C. Hwy. 15, Myrtle Beach; b. Dec. 6, 1958 in Myrtle Beach; s. Carl Lee Clemmons and Geraldine "Gerry" Owens Clemmons; g. Coastal Carolina Univ., B.S., 1982; Hamline Univ. School of Law, J.D., 1989; May 3, 1985 m. Laura Ann Fipps, 2 children, Laura Alayne and Kelly Leigh; Eagle Scout; 1973, Boy Scouts of America, Pee Dee Area Council, Pres., 2003-05; Christian Missionary to Maya Indians of Southern Mexico, 1978-80; mem.: S.C. Bar; Horry Co. Bar Assn.; Lions Club, Dir., 1994; Horry Co. Planning Comm., 1996-98; Myrtle Beach Planning Comm., ex officio, 1996-98; Chicora Rotary Club, 2000-; S.C. I-73 Assn., Chm., 2003-; N. Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) I-73 Com., VC, 2003-; House Freshman Caucus, Chm., 2003-04; House Jud. Com., 2nd VC, 2004-06; Election Laws Subcom., Chm., 2007-; Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Coastal Carolina Univ., 2004; Special Legis. Commendation, Silver Haired Legis., 2004; Legislator of the Year, Association of Drug Stores, 2005; Carroll Campbell Award for Serv., BMAI, 2006; Legislator of the Year, S.C. Assn. of Realtors, 2006; S.C. Rep. Party; Horry Co. Rep. Party, VC, 1995-97, Chm., 1997-00; Rep. Natl. Convention, Del., 2000, Alternate, 2004; S.C. Rep. Convention, Del., 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004; House Rep. Caucus, Secy./Treas., 2005-; Tidelands Bank of Mt. Pleasant, Organizer & Dir., 2003-; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; prev. serv. in House 2003-06.

Kenneth A. "Kenny" Bingham
Majority Whip

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District 89
Lexington County

Majority Whip

Committee Assignment:
Ways and Means

Civil Engineer/Owner, Amer. Engineering Consultants, Inc.; residing at 712 Moss Creek Dr., Cayce; b. Aug. 3, 1962 in Cayce; s. William Harold, Sr. and Marylynn Bingham; g. Univ. of S.C., B.S., 1984; June 14, 1986 m. Jennie Lynn Pearce, 2 children, Kayla McKenzie and Kellie Nicole; mem.: City of Cayce Planning Comm., 1994-96; Lexington School Dist. Two Bd. of Trustees, 1996-00, Chm., 1998-00; Deacon, Trinity Baptist Church; prev. serv. in House 2001-06.

Jeffery D. "Jeff" Duncan
Majority Whip

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District 15
Laurens & Newberry counties

Majority Whip

Committee Assignment:
Agriculture, Natural Res. & Environmental Affairs

Real Estate Broker and Auctioneer; residing at 7297 Hwy. 49, Laurens; b. Jan. 7, 1966 in Greenville; s. John T. and Dianne M. Duncan; g. Clemson Univ., B.A., 1988; Dec. 3, 1988 m. Melody Ann Hodges, 3 children, Graham, John Philip, and Parker; mem.: Laurens Co. Chamber of Commerce Bd., 2002; Piedmont Wilderness Inst. Bd., 2001-02; S.C. Waterfowl Assn. Bd., 1997-02; Piedmont Tech. Bd. of Visitors, 1992; VC, Freshman Caucus; 2nd VC. Agric., Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Com.; Deacon, First Baptist Church of Clinton; prev. serv. in House 2003-06.

Tracy R. Edge
Majority Whip

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District 104
Horry County

Majority Whip

Committee Assignment:
Ways and Means

VP, Burroughs and Chapin Corp.; residing at 1423 Edge Dr., N. Myrtle Beach; b. Mar. 28, 1967 in Myrtle Beach; s. Robert L. and Nettie S. Edge; g. Univ. of S.C., B.A., 1989; W. Va. Univ., M.S., 1991; Dec. 17, 1994 m. Melissa Renee Pierce, 2 children, Hannah and Pierce; N. Myrtle Beach Councilman, 1994-96; VC, Horry Co. Rep. Party; Chm. of School Improvement Council for Academy of Arts, Science, and Technology; mem.: N. Myrtle Beach Rotary Club; Del., 2000 Rep. Natl. Convention; S.C. Assn. of Realtors, Legislator of the Year for 2000; First Baptist Church of N. Myrtle Beach; prev. serv. in House 1997-06.

Harry F. Cato
Chairman: Labor, Commerce and Industry

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District 17
Greenville County

Committee Assignment:
Labor, Commerce and Industry, Chairman


Businessman, Mgr., Cato Transportation Supply, Inc.; residing in Travelers Rest; b. May 22, 1958 in Greenville; s. Lloyd R., Sr. and Christine B. Cato; g. Clemson Univ., B.S., 1980, Dean's List, 1978-80; June 17, 2005 m. Kris Thompson, 4 children, James Franklin Cato, Christopher Michael Cato, Erin Elizabeth Thompson, and Robin Michelle Thompson; Outstanding Young Men in America, 1988; mem.: Travelers Rest City Council, 1986-90; Mayor Pro Tempore, 1988-90; Bd. of Dirs., Bank of Travelers Rest; Eagle Scout; Chm., Sanctuary Bldg. Com., Travelers Rest United Methodist Church; Northern Greenville Co. Food Crisis Ministry Bd., 1988-90, Chm., 1990; Appreciation Award, Slater-Marietta Health & Human Servs., 1996; Guardian of Small Bus., 1996, 1998, and 2000; Natl. Fed. of Independent Bus.; Legislator of the Year, Manufactured Housing Inst. of S.C., 1997; Legislator of the Year, S.C. Optometric Assn., 1997; Legislator of the Year, S.C. Assn. of Realtors, 1997; North Greenville Hosp. Adv. Council, 1996-02; Legis. Award, S.C. Counseling Assn., 1998; Legislator of the Year, S.C. Assn. of Automobile Ins. Agents, 1999; Amer. Legion Outstanding Serv. Award, 2000; Legislator of the Year, Natl. Assn. of Social Workers, 2001; Legislator of the Year, S.C. Mortgage Brokers Assn., 2001; Legislator of the Year, S.C. Assn. of Premium Serv. Cos., 2001; Outstanding Achievement Award, S.C. Chap. of IAPES, 2001; "Champion of Housing Award", Home Builders Assns. of Greenville and S.C.; "Friend of the Little Man" Award, Assn. of S.C. Claimant Attys. for Worker's Compensation, 2003; S.C. Chamber Public Servant of the Year, 2004; Legislator of the Year, S.C. Chap. of the Appraisal Inst., 2005; Chm., Labor, Commerce & Industry Com., 1994-; mem., North Greenville Family YMCA Bd. of Dirs., 2002-, Chm., 2004; prev. serv. in House 1991-06.

Daniel T. Cooper
Chairman: Ways & Means

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District 10
Anderson County

Committee Assignment:
Ways and Means, Chairman


VP, Capstone Ins. Servs., LLC; residing in Piedmont; b. Jan. 12, 1961 in Greenville; s. Milford J. and Melba B. Cooper; g. Clemson Univ., B.S., 1984; Sept. 19, 1992 m. Melissa Shellenbarger, 2 children, Leanne Alexandra and Daniel T. II; Palmetto Boys State, 1978; Winthrop Univ. Model United Nations, 1978-79; Pelzer Lions Club; Planner, Anderson Co. Planning & Dev. Bd., 1984; Planner, S.C. Water Resources Comm. (Strom Thurmond Inst.), 1985-87; past Comdr., SCV Jefferson Davis Camp #7; mem., Hunley Comm.; Southern Small Bus. Assn.; Bd. of Dirs., Freedom Weekend Aloft; Bd. of Dirs., Boys Home of the South, Inc.; Legis. Adv. Bd., Palmetto Pride; Jt. Bond Review Com.; Chm., House Ways & Means Com., 2005; Mt. Airy Baptist Church; prev. serv. in House 1991-06.

James H. Harrison
Chairman: Judiciary

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District 75
Richland County

Committee Assignment:
Judiciary, Chairman


Atty.; residing at 198 Preserve Lane, Columbia; b. Apr. 11, 1951 in Greenwood; s. William H. and the late Mary H. Harrison; g. The Citadel, B.A., 1973; Univ. of S.C., J.D., 1976; 2 children, Catherine Salley and Molly Tarrant; July 13, 2006 m. Susan C. Harrison; Gen. Counsel, S.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Comm., 1978-89; mem.: Shandon Presbyterian Church; East Cola. Rotary Club; S.C. and Richland Co. Bar Assns.; Volunteer Guardian ad Litem for Abused and Neglected Children; mil. serv.: USAR, Col. (Ret.); activated for serv. during Operation Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia (1991); Operation Uphold Democracy, Haiti (1994); Operation Jt. Endeavor, Bosnia (1996); graduate of the U.S. Army War Coll., 2000; prev. serv. in House Nov. 21, 1989-06.

Robert W. "Bob" Leach Sr.
Chairman: Invitations and Memorial Resolutions

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District 21
Greenville County

Committee Assignments:
Invitations and Memorial Resolutions, Chairman
Labor, Commerce and Industry


Full-time Legislator; residing at 219 Saratoga Dr., Greer; b. Nov. 17, 1932 in Greenville; s. Daniel Payton and Viola Smith Leach; attended Anderson Coll., 1953-54; g. Cola. Coll., B.A., Columbia, Mo.; 1980 m. Marilynn L. Lee, 5 children, Anita, Sharon, Robert, Jr., Will, and Jai; Greenville Co. Council, 1980-96, Chm., 1991-92; Bd. mem., SCAC, 1990-96; Chaplain, Rep. Caucus; mem., Taylors First Baptist Church; mil. serv.: USN, Korean War, 1950-53; prev. serv. in House 1997-06.

Lanny F. Littlejohn
Chairman: Operations and Management

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District 33
Spartanburg and Cherokee counties

Committee Assignments:
Operations and Management, Chairman
Ways and Means, 3rd Vice Chairman

Retired Businessman; residing in Pacolet; b. Apr. 30, 1942 in Spartanburg Co.; s. the late George and Shirley Peteus Littlejohn; g. Spartanburg Methodist, 1965; Western Carolina Univ., 1967; Converse Coll., 1970; Aug. 13, 1966 m. Jean Miley, 3 children, Lanny, Jr., Jenny, and Rebekah; Gov.'s At Risk Com.; mem.: State Forestry Comm.; Masonic Lodge 228; Tri-Pacolet Area Chamber of Commerce Bd.; Pacolet Lions Club; S.C. Jaycees; S.C. Barbers' Assn., 1963; Agricultural Com., 1989-90; Spartanburg Co. Recreational Bd.; Chm., Dist. Three Schools; Deacon, Morning Side Baptist Church; Teacher-Coach, Elementary School Principal, 1967-78; Adv. Bd., Pacolet First Citizens Bank; Chm., Spartanburg Co. Delegation, 1996-98; Educ. Com., 1994-00; Ways and Means Com., 2001-; private pilot license, 2001; mil. serv.: USA, 1961-65; prev. serv. in House 1989-06.

J. Roland Smith
Chairman: Ethics

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District 84
Aiken and Edgefield counties

Committee Assignments:
Ethics Chairman
Ways and Means


Retired Rural Carrier/Minister/ Businessman; residing in Langley; b. Feb. 26, 1933 in Aiken; s. Mae Bel Smith Craig; g. Universal Bible Inst., Alamo, Tenn., D.D.; Continuing Educ., Univ. of S.C.-Aiken and Oral Roberts Univ., Tulsa, Okla.; Mar. 3, 1953 m. Peggy C. Cato, 3 children, Garry R., Todd D., and Caroline M.; Comr., Beech Island Rural Comm. Water Dist., 10 years; Bd. of Educ., Aiken Co., 6 years, VC, 4 years; former mem.: House Agric. and Natural Resources Com.; Labor, Commerce & Industry Com.; Property & Casualty Ins. Subcom.; Labor & Commerce Subcom.; mem.: Ways and Means Com.; Chm., K-12 & Special Schools-ETV; Econ. Dev.; other Taxes Subcoms.; Chm., House Ethics Com.; prev. serv. in House Mar. 7, 1989-06.

Robert E. "Bob" Walker
Chairman: Education and Public Works

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District 38
Spartanburg County

Committee Assignments:
Education and Public Works, Chairman


Ins./Real Estate Broker and Agent; residing at 125 High Farms Rd., Landrum; b. July 20, 1942 in Landrum; s. Holland E. and Irene C. Walker; g. Univ. of S.C., B.S., 1965; USAF Pilot School, Pilot Wings, 1966; Sept. 3, 1966 m. Martha A. Johnson, 1 child, Robert Gregory; Spartanburg Co. Dist. One School Bd., 1983-91; Spartanburg Co. School Bd., 1991; mem.: Independent Ins. Agents of S.C.; Adv. Bd., Landrum First Citizens Bank; PTA life mem.; Landrum Lions Club, Treas.; S.C. Lions Foundation Trustee, and past Dist. Govs.' Secy.; past Pres., Lions Intl. Pin Traders; Landrum Lion of the Year, 1977 & 1979; Landrum Citizen of the Year, 1979; S.C. Lion of the Year, 1987; elected to S.C. Lion Hall of Fame, 1990; S.C. Independent Ins. Ag. of the Year for 1997; Rules Com.; Chm., Educ. & Public Works Com.; Educ. Oversight Com.; VC, Spartanburg Co. Delegation; S.C. Home Builders Assn. Legislator of the Year, 2001; S.C. Optometric Assn. Legislator of the Year, 2001; S.C. Plastics Industry, Inc., Legislator of the Year, 1997; S.C. Lions Eye Bank Outstanding Serv. Award, 1998; S.C. Aviation Assn. "Spirit of Aviation Award", 2004; mem. & Deacon, Landrum First Baptist Church; mil. serv.: USAF, 1965-70, off. and pilot; prev. serv. in House 1993-06.

W. Brian White
Chairman: Rules

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District 6
Anderson County

Committee Assignments:
Rules, Chairman
Ways and Means


Ins. Agent, Capstone Ins. Servs., LLC; residing at 2500 Edgewood Ave., Anderson; b. July 20, 1967 in Anderson; s. Earl and Sara White; Erskine Coll.; Apr. 17, 1992 m. Courtney Simmons Bell, 2 children, Amelia Grace and Isabelle Faith; Sergeant of Arms, Anderson Rotary Club; prev. serv. in House 2001-06.

William D. Witherspoon
Chairman: Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs

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District 105
Horry County

Committee Assignments:
Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs, Chairman


Clemson Univ. Extension Serv. (Ret.); residing at 111 Sherwood Dr., Conway; b. Aug. 17, 1935 in Timmonsville; s. Hubert Henry and Pearl (Copeland) Witherspoon; g. Clemson Univ., B.S., 1956; Jan. 25, 1958 m. Linda Anne Johnson, 3 children, David, Craig, and Linda Anne; retired, Clemson Univ. Extension Serv., 1990; Asst. Extension Agent: York Co., 1956-57; Dillon Co., 1957-64; Extension Dir.: Dillon Co., 1964-69; Horry Co., 1969-90; Pres., S.C. Agric. Agents Assn.; Southern Dir., Natl. Assn. of Co. Agric. Agents, 1984-85; Pres., Natl. Assn. of Co. Agric. Agents, 1988; Distinguished Serv. Award, 1981; Conway Kiwanis Club; Adv. Bd., Carolina First, 1990-00; Man of Year, Conway Chamber of Commerce, 1981; Clemson Univ., Alumni of Year Award, 1984; mem., First Baptist Church; mil. serv.: USA, 1959-60, USAR, 11 years; prev. serv. in House 1993-06.