By Nathan DiBagno
A Powdersville businessman has added his name to the list of candidates for the state's third Congressional seat.
Richard Cash say he's only been involved in politics as a "citizen participant' until now, but he add that he's become extremely concerned about what he refers to as "socialistic policies" the current administration has been introducing.
"I am a family man. I have eight children. I'm a small business owner. I'm a volunteer youth coach. I approach this as a typical American citizen who wants to restore good values and common sense to government," says Richard, a 1982 magna cum laude graduate from Furman University with a degree in economics and business.
Cash currently owns two businesses--Sweet Memories Ice Cream, LLC and Road Runner Autos, LLC.
"Any small business owner knows that his money is at risk each day he opens the doors," Cash said. "If we reward irresponsibility and poor business practices with bailouts, that in itself is irresponsible. I reject the socialism inherent in the bailouts and other plans of President Obama regarding health care, education and the environment."
Cash cites the economy and America's relationship with foreign countries as some of his top concerns, but there's one issue that he says is more important--the nation's moral status.
"As a nation, we're going to have to turn back to God,' he said.
Ardently pro-life, Cash worked with Pastors For Life in the 1990's.
"I organized the first Life Chain in Greenville, with more than 5,000 participants from over 100 churches,' he said. "For seven years, I helped pastors and churches, raising pro-life awareness, and organizing and coordinating various pro-life activities. Pastors For Life also purchased a building for a crisis pregnancy center next to the abortion clinic on Laurens Rd, and that abortion clinic eventually closed down. We thank God for that, what a happy day."
Cash been married to his wife, Marcia, for 24 years, and the two have eight children.
Cash and his wife home school their children--a decision that Cash says has been working extremely well.
Their oldest daughter, Laura, is an honors nursing student at the University of South Carolina. Their oldest son Colby, has been accepted at Clemson, with plans to study engineering.
Cash is running for the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, R. Walhalla, who plans to run for governor in 2010.
For more information about Cash and his plans to run for Congress, visit www.sendrichardcash.com.