SC1 Candidate Profile: Shawn Pinkston

Name: Shawn Pinkston

Town of Residence: Hilton Head

Current/Most Recent Job Title: Attorney 

Employer: Hall, Booth, Smith, PC.

Previously Held Public Office: N/A

See what the other GOP candidates said here.

Biggest Issue Facing District 1: Economy and jobs.

Pinkston Solution: 

Collectively, the unemployment rate in the 1st District is 7.9%. We must create a fertile environment for businesses to locate in the Lowcountry, which includes repealing the Davis-Bacon Act, repealing the torrent of regulations imposed by the Obama Administration, and removing the ability of the National Labor Relations Board to attack new companies that relocate to South Carolina.  Additionally, we must preserve our right to work laws at the federal level and maintain the infrastructure that is critical to our ports and other major employers.

2nd Biggest Issue Facing District 1: Government Spending.

Pinkston Solution: 

Our debt continues to spiral out of control. Government debt has increased by $2.5 billion since this campaign began due to spending by both parties.  Each citizen would have to pay more than $53,000 to the federal government to pay off what our elected officials have voted to spend. Piling debt on our children is a moral failure on both sides of the aisle and we must have principled conservatives who will cut unnecessary and inefficient spending. Visit my website at pinkstonforcongress.com to see a list of items I would cut on day one.

3rd Biggest Issue Facing District 1: Maintaining a Strong National Defense.

Pinkston Solution: 

I am a former officer in the United States Army, a veteran of the Iraq War, and understand the day-to-day sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. The military has a large footprint in the 1st District, from the Naval Weapons Station to Parris Island, not to mention the more than 50,000 military retirees. The military generates $15.7 billion throughout South Carolina, and we must ensure our bases and troops remain supported. The recent sequestration debacle will hurt military preparedness and is estimated to impact more than 80% of ground forces while we are still a nation at war. We must maintain the world's most elite fighting force while honoring our commitment to military retirees.

Why are you the best person to represent District 1 in Washington, DC?

Character is still the most important trait in an elected official. Character is demonstrated throughout life, and includes putting the interests of others above your own. I understand sacrifice and the tough times people in the 1st District are facing today. I know what it is like to face adversity throughout life, from growing up poor, to raising a special needs child, and serving in combat. These challenges taught me that prayer, service to community, and family are important to public service. While some elected officials will talk about their special interest awards, I will talk about service to country, service to my family, and service to my community. I deployed to Iraq to defend America's values when my son was 6 months old and was struggling with serious health issues. My wife and I struggled with raising a special needs child. I have been actively involved in my community through little league and local children's charities. These are just a few examples of the character values I will take to Washington as your next Congressman.

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