Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics

SC House of Representatives, District 115 (D)

I'm running for the South Carolina State House to represent James Island and Folly Beach because it's time to end the partisan bickering in Columbia. As your new voice in the legislature, I'll roll up my sleeves and work with members of both parties to get the real results we need.

My husband, David, and I have lived on James Island for over a decade. We have two young children, Matthew and Adrianne. I'm active in their schools and proudly serve as a Cub Scout den mother. This is a special place and I want to help keep it that way. 

I've spent my professional life as a lawyer, fighting for individuals, and I want to use my skills and my knowledge to make real strides in the legislature.

I'm concerned about unregulated growth, traffic congestion and resources for our schools. Instead of partisan posturing, I'll look for bipartisan solutions.

You can learn more about me and my views on the issues at my campaign website:  www.huttoforhouse.com. I'm running a grassroots "shoe leather" campaign. The special interests groups and lobbyists in Columbia aren't bankrolling my campaign; I plan on taking my message directly to you, the voters.

Here are Mrs. Peterson-Hutto's answers to some questions posed by the Institute.

Why you, why now for this position?

Our state desperately needs more elected women officials. I'm running for State House because I believe I can most effectively use my skills and my knowledge at that level and can best address the issues that matter most to me.  I'm unhappy with the incumbent who has held the seat for 8 years and tired of seeing the same problems go unaddressed by him.

What is your leadership style?

I'm prepared to work with other members of the legislature to get things down.  I also strongly believe in listening to constituents to understand what issues matter most to individuals.

With so few women in elected office here in SC what do you foresee to be your greatest challenge once elected to public office?

Columbia and the legislature remain an "old boys' club."  I'm going to have to prove myself.

Has political office been a life long goal/dream of yours?

It's been a life-long dream of mine to give back to my community and to make a difference. 

South Carolina would be a better place if only...

We had better public schools.