Shoopman Seeking Senate Seat

Written by Bob Dill

Feb 27, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Rep. Phil Shoopman Republican State Representative Phil Shoopman has announced that intends to seek the Republican nomination for the SC Senate seat currently held by Sen. Lewis Vaughn. Vaughn has announced that he will not seek re-election due to unforeseen health issues. The District 5 Seat covers a large portion of northern Greenville County, including Greer, Blue Ridge, Travelers Rest and Slater/Marietta. “Lewis Vaughn is a dear friend of mine,” said Shoopman. “He has served our community with distinction and honor. It will be a major undertaking to fill the shoes he will leave behind.” Shoopman, who lives in the Blue Ridge community north of Greer, was elected to the SC House of Representatives in 2006. He currently serves on the Agricultural, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee, and was the only freshman appointed to the House Rules Committee. “I look forward to serving our area with the energy and drive for making our schools better, and our economy stronger, and our government more efficient,” Shoopman said. Recently, Shoopman was the primary sponsor for legislation that expanded the Greenville Hospital System’s Board of Trustees from six members to twelve members. Last week, Gov. Mark Sanford signed Shoopman’s legislation into law. The expanded Hospital Board provides all residents of Greenville County more equitable representation on the Hospital Board. Phil Shoopman is a professional engineer and former Chairman of Greer Community Ministries, a former Member of the State Board of Education, former Vice Chairman of Public Policy for the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce, Active member of the Greer Lions Club, former Chairman of the Greenville County Planning Commission, Former Chairman of the Regional Air Quality Steering Committee and president of the Greer Chamber of Commerce Leadership Greer Class XXIV. He and his wife, Dawn, have two children, and reside in the Blue Ridge Community north of Greer.