Political Quotes

“Last week, nine extraordinary men and women were killed at the Wednesday night Bible study at historic Mother Emanuel AME Church in my birthplace of Charleston. I am grateful for their memories. Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Cynthia Hurd, Tywanza Sanders, Susie Jackson, Myra Thompson, Ethel Lee Lance, Reverend Daniel Simmons, Reverend Depayne Middleton-Doctor, along with Pastor Clementa Pinckney were all leaders of our community and in their church. One served the youth as a high school track coach, one a lifelong librarian, one a recent college graduate with a bright future ahead of him. Many served their church. Each had a clear love of God and love for their fellow man as followers of Jesus Christ. The loss of Reverend Senator Clementa Pinckney has been personal, as he was a fellow State legislator. I was honored to host the senator, his wife, and daughters when they visited the Capitol a few years ago. He grew up in Richland as a lifelong friend of my former chief of staff Eric Dell. A hate-filled, drug-crazed murderer tried to divide our citizens, but he failed, and South Carolinians have unified in love, prayer, and respect. ____________________”