Politics & Government

Video: Colbert Busch Says She Can Win

Democrat aims to break 30 years of electoral losses and retake South Carolina's First Congressional District.

The last time a Democrat represented South Carolina's First Congressional District, Jimmy Carter was in the White House. But Elizabeth Colbert Busch, a political newcomer with a famous name, thinks this year her party's chances are better than ever.

The former maritime shipping executive says she'll run on her career, knowledge of the local area and her most recent experience in higher education.

"What makes me stand out is my job ... history," Colbert Busch said on Monday. "With 21 years in international shipping, I've been a businesswoman in the maritime industry for all that time."

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Colbert Busch was a sales and marketing executive with Orient Oversea Container Line before joining Clemson University as director of Business Development for university's Restoration Institute in North Charleston.

Her campaign's profile has been boosted by Stephen Colbert, her famous brother, who mentioned her candidacy in a recent segment. He'll host a Charleston fundraiser for Colbert Busch later this month.

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Colbert Busch is the presumptive front-runner in a two-person contest for her party's nomination. Her opponent, Ben Frasier, has run unsuccessfully for the seat since 2008.

Sixteen Republicans are jockeying for the GOP nomination. That field includes former Gov. Mark Sanford and other notable, well-finances Republican figures. Colbert Busch says she's not focused on the Republican field at the moment.


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