Caucus Press Release: Merrill Re-Elected House Majority Leader
Nov 6, 2007
Majority Leader Merrill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Merrill Re-Elected House Majority Leader
COLUMBIA -- South Carolina's House Republicans unanimously re-elected Rep. Jim Merrill of Charleston on Tuesday to lead their Caucus.
"Jim has done a great job leading conservative legislation through the House," said House Speaker Bobby Harrell. "He represents our conservative philosophy and articulates our message in an outstanding manner."
On a motion by Judiciary Chairman Jim Harrison, the Caucus added the elections to Tuesday's agenda without objection. Speaker Harrell called for the vote.
"Under trying circumstances, our Caucus has passed some of the most significant legislation in our stateâs history, including tort reform, workers' compensation reform, property tax reduction, DOT reform, and the largest package of tax cuts in state history," Merrill said. "I'm hopeful that we will build on that legacy."
Rep. Merrill is serving his fourth term in the House representing Berkeley and Charleston counties. He previously served as the press secretary for the late Congressman Floyd Spence from 1989 to 1992 and as political director for the state Republican Party from 1992 to 1998. He also spent 1994 as then-U.S. Rep. Mark Sanfordâs district administrator.
Rep. Merrill holds Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Public Administration degrees from the University of South Carolina and owns Geechie Communications, a public relations firm in Charleston. He was born to Mr. James H. and Annette McGregor Merrill in Pensacola, Fla. on Jan. 15, 1967. Rep. Merrill lives on Daniel Island with Noel Marie, his wife of 16 years, and the couple's three children.
Merrill will lead the House Republican Caucus, which was created in 1975. The Caucus took over the majority in 1994 and today controls 73 of the 124 seats with representation from across South Carolina.
REPUBLICAN MAJORITY LEADERS
2004- James H. Merrill, Daniel Island
2001-2004 Richard Quinn, Columbia
1997-2000 Robert Harrell, Charleston
1995-1996 Annette Young, Summerville
REPUBLICAN MINORITY LEADERS
1993-1994 H. Howell Clyborne, Jr., Taylors
1989-1992 Terry Haskins, Greenville
1979-1988 T. Moffat Burriss, Columbia
1977-1978 H. Ray Ham, West Columbia
1975-1976 John K. Earle, Greenville
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