Eunice Lehmacher

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Eunice Lehmacher completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lehmacher's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-404034-2026-04-26\" id=\"heading-bio-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-404034-2026-04-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-404034-2026-04-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI've worked for decades in a variety of roles to help my community including: teacher, health care provider, business owner, librarian, and community volunteer. As a mother, teacher, social worker, and neighbor I have learned skills needed to serve as your Congresswoman including: listening, crafting compromises, working through crises, and finding small steps to solve larger problems. \r\n<p>My husband and I moved to Clemson, SC in 2002 where we raised our two sons. I have worked as a medical social worker and psychotherapist for Oconee Memorial Hospital, Clemson University, Hospice of the Foothills, other health care agencies, and owned my own private practice in Seneca. I have provided professional individual and group counseling and case management services for adults and families. By the appointment of the governor , I serve on the Anderson Oconee Pickens Mental Health Commission and am on the Sustainability Advisory Committee for the City of Clemson. \r\n</p>\nAs a volunteer I've taught classes, led support groups, mentored students, and led community groups such as the Sierra Club, my neighborhood association, and various church committees. I've worked to connect neighbors to needed resources in hard times and I've volunteered in my neighborhood, church, and, when my children were young, at their public schools. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, reading, singing, hiking, walks with my little dog, visiting family, watching Star Trek and playing board games.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-404034-2026-04-26\" id=\"heading-key-message-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-404034-2026-04-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-404034-2026-04-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Health Care: Increase access to doctors and hospitals, especially in rural areas.\r\nI want to restore funding for Medicaid and the ACA and increase access to Medicare (e.g. lower the eligibility age to 64). Cuts to all three in 2025 have reduced funding to all hospitals, physician's practices, specialists and psychotherapy providers creating hardship for doctors and hospitals in the Upstate of SC, an area that already had a shortage of medical providers. Other goals include: increase ACA providers especially for self-employed people and people with part-time or multiple small jobs, increase funding to NIH and NIMH for health and mental health research, and increase opportunities for health care profession trainings and degrees.</li><li>Help residents with high prices including: increase grants and loans for college, stop federal funding of the expensive war with Iran, stop funding ICE and and long term detention of legal immigrants, increase apprenticeships and other job training opportunities, help local farmers grow food for their neighbors (subsidize what people want to eat), and increase grants and tax credits for affordable apartments and small homes.</li><li>Reduce the cost of electricity by restoring and increasing subsidies for renewable energy and by improving the energy grid. Federal and state governments need to put limits on expensive data centers that are spreading throughout the U.S. and placing the high costs of upgrading the energy grid on everyday rate payers. New data centers must provide their own renewable energy sources and not expect rate payers to fund electrical infrastructure that will primarily benefit large companies.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-404034-2026-04-26\" id=\"heading1-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-404034-2026-04-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-404034-2026-04-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\thealth care, cheaper and cleaner energy, voter access, affordable housing, student loan forgiveness, protecting the beauty of the Upstate, growing small businesses, making sure everyone has access to due process if charged with a crime, and holding other leaders accountable to the law and the constitution, and creating a path to citizenship for DACA recipients and other longer term immigrants (especially TPS holders).\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-404034-2026-04-26\" id=\"heading2-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-404034-2026-04-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-404034-2026-04-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI look up to Jesus who came to earth to serve and teach about love. He had power and could have done whatever he wanted while on earth. But he chose instead to spend time with those on the margins, the sick and the poor, not the earthly rulers. He was kind, forgiving, and generous. I have chosen to live a life of service to my community. I continue to learn from Jesus but also from atheists, people of other religions and from the people I serve. I believe serving out of love for others is a good model for leadership.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-404034-2026-04-26\" id=\"heading3-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-404034-2026-04-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-404034-2026-04-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe ability to put others needs ahead of one's own needs and desires so that I can hear and truly represent those who live in District 3. I will hold regular town halls to listen to constituent concerns and needs to inform my votes. <br/><br/>\r\nMy three plus decades of community service, where I have spent time with the young, elders, the homeless, the sick, neighbors, and those struggling to make ends meet, have helped me to understand the road blocks to solving problems, helped me listen to many diverse ideas, and informed me of possible policy solutions. I believe that to lead one must first serve. No one can lead effectively if they haven't been in the community serving, listening and learning.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-404034-2026-04-26\" id=\"heading4-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-404034-2026-04-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-404034-2026-04-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHonesty, compassion for all humanity, humility, eagerness to learn, leadership, kindness, ability to research all sides of issues, concern for the vulnerable, and the ability to speak with conviction for those who I serve.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-404034-2026-04-26\" id=\"heading5-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-404034-2026-04-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-404034-2026-04-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI would like people to say that I was helpful to them. And not just the people I have met, but that my work in the community helped people of all types, the people seven generations into the future and all beings on the earth (plants and animals).\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-404034-2026-04-26\" id=\"heading6-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-404034-2026-04-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-404034-2026-04-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAlthough I did baby sitting before this, my first job at age 16 was at Long John Silver's where I helped plate and sell the food. I lived close enough to the store that I could walk back and forth to this part-time job. I worked there during the summer and some hours after school and on the weekends for about one year.<br/><br/>\r\nMy first professional job was as a high school math and physics teacher in Prince George's County Maryland where I taught for over two years and helped with student organizations including starting a middle school math team (Mathcounts).\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-404034-2026-04-26\" id=\"heading7-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-404034-2026-04-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-404034-2026-04-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI have dyslexia and had trouble learning to read as a child. I found the first three years of school difficult, but always loved being read to. With my parents help I learned to read and now love reading books. Dyslexia helped me to focus quite young on the spoken word and has made me a good listener and a creative learner. My disability helped me understand how everyone has (or will have) some sort of disability even though some are invisible. My disability teaches me to be kind to everyone because I can't see what stuggles they might be facing.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-404034-2026-04-26\" id=\"heading8-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-404034-2026-04-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-404034-2026-04-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe U.S. House has the power of the purse and the power to declare war, among other powers in the first article of the Constitution.. Currently The U.S. House of Representatives is not exercising its powers which has led to unbridled spending on war and lengthily immigration detention instead of spending tax dollars in ways to benefit everyday Americans. With the many new Representatives that will be elected in 2026, I plan to return the U.S. House to a time when it used it's first Amendment powers including placing checks on an administration breaking national and international law.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-404034-2026-04-26\" id=\"heading9-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-404034-2026-04-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-404034-2026-04-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tDemocracy. In 2026 efforts are again being made to reduce access to voting (e.g. the SAVE act proposes elimination many opportunities to vote by mail). I want all Americans to be able to vote and I believe that our county will be more fair to all as we increase access to voting, make voting easier, and provide information about voting to all. I believe that influence of billionaires and rich corporations in political campaigns gives rich Americans, billionaires and corporations too much power in politics and are negatively impacts democracy. Unless the United States protects the vote of all Americans, I am concerned that only those with money (or backed by rich supporters) will be leaders in government. Leaders elected because of expensive campaigns tend to protect the rights of corporations and billionaires over the rights of everyday Americans. I support the adoption to ranked choice voting to make our election system better.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-404034-2026-04-26\" id=\"heading10-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-404034-2026-04-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-404034-2026-04-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes compromise is necessary, in fact mandatory. A nation as large at the United States represents so many peoples and needs a diverse leadership. The constitution itself is designed by compromise. I believe that every legislator must learn to find ways to work with those who disagree with them and find ways to craft compromises that can help the whole population and protect our future.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-404034-2026-04-26\" id=\"heading11-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-404034-2026-04-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-404034-2026-04-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tGroups: Moms Demand Action Candidate, Vote the Common Good Candidate, US Term Limits signer. (Note: this survey filled out in April 2026 before endorsements were completed<br/>\r\nIndividuals: Mary Geren, Hosea Cleveland, both former candidates for this office\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-404034-2026-04-26\" id=\"heading12-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-404034-2026-04-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-404034-2026-04-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-404034-2026-04-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI remember when President Carter visited Wilson, NC where I lived as a child. Wilson is a small town where everyone was able to attend the outdoor event. The town prepared itself for the important visit and it was exciting to see how everyone was engaged in getting their yards and streets ready. I lived close to downtown where he spoke outside the main library where I often went with my bother by bike. Everyone united to hear his vision for a better future. It was a time in the U.S. of less division where the whole population respected the President of the United States.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Eunice Lehmacher completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lehmacher's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading-bio-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI have spent three decades working as a social worker, health care professional, teacher, and small business owner. My work in Oconee and Pickens county has developed and strengthened skills essential for any leader including listening, working through crises, creating compromises, and finding small steps to solve larger problems. My work experiences included owning a private counseling practice, providing outpatient counseling at Oconee Memorial Hospital, being a grief counselor, working as a psychotherapist, and teaching high school. Currently I work for Included Health Inc., providing psychotherapy for adults.\r\nAfter personally witnessing the hardships endured by the people I met personally and professionally, I have worked throughout my career to aid those in my community in various volunteer roles including: teaching courses about mental health and health, fighting for affordable housing, leading church and neighborhood working groups, leading community dialogues about race, advocating local and state government officials to take legislative action on behalf of vulnerable populations. I enjoy gardening, hiking, reading, board games, dogs, and spending time with family and friends in my free time.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading-key-message-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Freedom: Every person should have a safe place to call home, the freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water, the freedom to make decisions about their health. Governments should make decisions that increase citizens freedoms, not limit their choices for education, health care, work and safe living. Legislative action should empower families and all citizens to live full and fulfilled lives.</li><li>Families: Parents need to have the freedom to believe their kids will come home safe at the end of the school day. Children of all races and backgrounds should have the freedom to learn and access the books they want to read. Everyone should have the freedom to decide when and if they want to have kids. Together with their parents and their doctors South Carolinians should be allowed to determine their own options for health care without government interference. Local and state governments can help (e.g. providing funding for public schools), but it is teachers and librarians who determine content and instruction materials. I want to empower families to thrive and I want children to live in a world that they know has a bright future.</li><li>Our future: Throughout our history, we’ve joined across races and places to solve big problems. As a leader I will help deliver a better future for our children, grandchildren, and future generations by unleashing the power of community. Together we can provide cheap renewable energy available to all renters and homeowners, clean air and water, good paying jobs, and opportunities to learn. I will support policies and introduce bills that will protect the natural beauty of South Carolina and preserve natural areas, be those in parks or in cities, for future generations.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading1-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAccess to affordable housing to people of all races and cultures, accessible and affordable health care for every resident of South Carolina (including affordable medication), and polices that protect the earth and create cleaner cheaper energy while also providing clean air and water for everyone who lives and visits South Carolina.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading2-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tJust Mercy and its author Bryan Stevenson inspire me. He persisted to help people despite constant opposition and discrimination. Stevenson often repeats his belief that we must have proximity to people facing difficult issues in order to understand their situations and then help them. My opponents attempt offer solutions to difficult problems like health care without being proximate to the problems of many facing illness, eviction, or unemployment. We need leaders who have spent time with people of all socioeconomic levels, have listened to their stuggles, and persistently work towards solutions like Stevenson does.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading3-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tElected officials must be good listeners, constant learners, and open to working with people of different races, beliefs and values. Representatives must good researchers of issues and persistent enough to follow through on issues that matter to voters even when initial efforts to create effective legislation are unsuccessful.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading4-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOptimism, persistence, being a quick learner, a passion for helping others, listening skills, good communication and organizational skills, an excellent memory, and the willingness to compromise.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading5-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI would like to work on improving our care for the Earth so that my children and all future generations can enjoy the beauty of South Carolina's mountains, beach, lakes, and all places in nature for thousands of years to come.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading6-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI worked at Long John Silver's Restaurant starting at age 16.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading7-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tArwen from the Lord of the Rings.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading8-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTrees We'll Never See by Marshall Altman and Michael White (performed by Amy Grant). <br/><br/>\n<p>Lyrics I especially like: <br/>\r\n\"We're all sons and daughters, just ripples on the water<br/>\r\nTry'na make it matter until our time to leave<br/>\r\nOne day, they'll carve your name in stone<br/>\r\nAnd send your soul on home<br/>\r\n'Til then it's prayin' for rain and pullin' up the weeds<br/>\r\nPlantin' trees we'll never see<br/><br/>\r\nFirst day of spring<br/>\r\nThe whole world's wakin' up and turnin' green<br/>\r\nAnd everything connects to everything<br/>\r\nIt's a beautiful design<br/>\r\nIt just takes love and faith and grace, a little time.\"<br/><br/>\n</p>\nInstead of working only on the immediate needs (or crises), we need to make decisions for South Carolina's future and it's future residents.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading9-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIn South Carolina, across race, place, and background, we know our worth. We are worth paychecks that equal the true value of our work, quality schools that teach the truth of our past, and clean air, water, and energy that our families can depend on. We are worth more than the politicians in power in our state who abandon us in times of trouble, then hope we’ll shame and blame Black and brown, transgender, and new Americans for our struggles. I believe in South Carolinian's worth and what to chart a sustainable future where people in every corner of our state have the freedom to thrive, have well paying jobs, have clean air and water, have access to affordable energy, food, and housing regardless of their income level. Our biggest challenge is work together to create this sustainable future. We must stop taking sides, instead working toward the common good of all South Carolinians.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading10-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes, I believe it's critical to build relationships with other leaders on both sides of the aisle. Compromise is a critical part of leading a state as diverse as South Carolina. Knowing other leaders, both personally and professionally, makes it easier to talk and listen on issues where we may disagree.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading11-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI model myself after Mayor Larry Abernathy who successfully lead the City of Clemson for 28 years and who was a personal friend. He led by listening, using his own interpersonal skills honed as a professional counselor. He championed issues that connected Clemson, the university and its people and always was available to talk to residents.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading12-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes, when I was working for Hospice of the Foothills I met more than one family who lost their home, prior to their loved one being on hospice, because of medical bills. No one should loose their home because they are treating an illness. Affordable medications, accessible health care, even in rural areas, and increased access to all kinds of medical services can prevent another family from loosing their home. Expanding Medicaid and increasing the number of medical professionals that are licensed in South Carolina can prevent improve the health of all of our citizens. Health care access also allows healthy citizens to work and contribute to the economy and community where they live.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading13-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCenter for Free Thought Equality, Moms Demand Action\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading14-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAgriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee; Education and Public Works Committee: Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee; Medical, Military, Public, and Municipal Affairs Committee\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-234671-2024-06-29\" id=\"heading15-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-234671-2024-06-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWould a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-234671-2024-06-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-234671-2024-06-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tA state ballot initiative to insure women's rights to have an abortion. Currently, the SC Senate, SC House and SC Supreme Court which are dominated by men, has limited abortion access without fully understanding the medical implications. The new law is making it harder for our state, which already had a shortage of gynecologists, to recruit and keep gynecologist and other doctors who have been affected by the abortion ban. I believe the voters, and not the state government, should decide if and when abortion is available in our state.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nEunice Lehmacher completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lehmacher's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I've worked for decades in a variety of roles to help my community including: teacher, health care provider, business owner, librarian, and community volunteer. As a mother, teacher, social worker, and neighbor I have learned skills needed to serve as your Congresswoman including: listening, crafting compromises, working through crises, and finding small steps to solve larger problems. My husband and I moved to Clemson, SC in 2002 where we raised our two sons. I have worked as a medical social worker and psychotherapist for Oconee Memorial Hospital, Clemson University, Hospice of the Foothills, other health care agencies, and owned my own private practice in Seneca. I have provided professional individual and group counseling and case management services for adults and families. By the appointment of the governor , I serve on the Anderson Oconee Pickens Mental Health Commission and am on the Sustainability Advisory Committee for the City of Clemson. As a volunteer I've taught classes, led support groups, mentored students, and led community groups such as the Sierra Club, my neighborhood association, and various church committees. I've worked to connect neighbors to needed resources in hard times and I've volunteered in my neighborhood, church, and, when my children were young, at their public schools. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, reading, singing, hiking, walks with my little dog, visiting family, watching Star Trek and playing board games. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Health Care: Increase access to doctors and hospitals, especially in rural areas.\r\nI want to restore funding for Medicaid and the ACA and increase access to Medicare (e.g. lower the eligibility age to 64). Cuts to all three in 2025 have reduced funding to all hospitals, physician's practices, specialists and psychotherapy providers creating hardship for doctors and hospitals in the Upstate of SC, an area that already had a shortage of medical providers. Other goals include: increase ACA providers especially for self-employed people and people with part-time or multiple small jobs, increase funding to NIH and NIMH for health and mental health research, and increase opportunities for health care profession trainings and degrees. Help residents with high prices including: increase grants and loans for college, stop federal funding of the expensive war with Iran, stop funding ICE and and long term detention of legal immigrants, increase apprenticeships and other job training opportunities, help local farmers grow food for their neighbors (subsidize what people want to eat), and increase grants and tax credits for affordable apartments and small homes. Reduce the cost of electricity by restoring and increasing subsidies for renewable energy and by improving the energy grid. Federal and state governments need to put limits on expensive data centers that are spreading throughout the U.S. and placing the high costs of upgrading the energy grid on everyday rate payers. New data centers must provide their own renewable energy sources and not expect rate payers to fund electrical infrastructure that will primarily benefit large companies. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? health care, cheaper and cleaner energy, voter access, affordable housing, student loan forgiveness, protecting the beauty of the Upstate, growing small businesses, making sure everyone has access to due process if charged with a crime, and holding other leaders accountable to the law and the constitution, and creating a path to citizenship for DACA recipients and other longer term immigrants (especially TPS holders). Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I look up to Jesus who came to earth to serve and teach about love. He had power and could have done whatever he wanted while on earth. But he chose instead to spend time with those on the margins, the sick and the poor, not the earthly rulers. He was kind, forgiving, and generous. I have chosen to live a life of service to my community. I continue to learn from Jesus but also from atheists, people of other religions and from the people I serve. I believe serving out of love for others is a good model for leadership. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? The ability to put others needs ahead of one's own needs and desires so that I can hear and truly represent those who live in District 3. I will hold regular town halls to listen to constituent concerns and needs to inform my votes. My three plus decades of community service, where I have spent time with the young, elders, the homeless, the sick, neighbors, and those struggling to make ends meet, have helped me to understand the road blocks to solving problems, helped me listen to many diverse ideas, and informed me of possible policy solutions. I believe that to lead one must first serve. No one can lead effectively if they haven't been in the community serving, listening and learning. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Honesty, compassion for all humanity, humility, eagerness to learn, leadership, kindness, ability to research all sides of issues, concern for the vulnerable, and the ability to speak with conviction for those who I serve. What legacy would you like to leave? I would like people to say that I was helpful to them. And not just the people I have met, but that my work in the community helped people of all types, the people seven generations into the future and all beings on the earth (plants and animals). What was your very first job? How long did you have it? Although I did baby sitting before this, my first job at age 16 was at Long John Silver's where I helped plate and sell the food. I lived close enough to the store that I could walk back and forth to this part-time job. I worked there during the summer and some hours after school and on the weekends for about one year. My first professional job was as a high school math and physics teacher in Prince George's County Maryland where I taught for over two years and helped with student organizations including starting a middle school math team (Mathcounts). What is something that has been a struggle in your life? I have dyslexia and had trouble learning to read as a child. I found the first three years of school difficult, but always loved being read to. With my parents help I learned to read and now love reading books. Dyslexia helped me to focus quite young on the spoken word and has made me a good listener and a creative learner. My disability helped me understand how everyone has (or will have) some sort of disability even though some are invisible. My disability teaches me to be kind to everyone because I can't see what stuggles they might be facing. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? The U.S. House has the power of the purse and the power to declare war, among other powers in the first article of the Constitution.. Currently The U.S. House of Representatives is not exercising its powers which has led to unbridled spending on war and lengthily immigration detention instead of spending tax dollars in ways to benefit everyday Americans. With the many new Representatives that will be elected in 2026, I plan to return the U.S. House to a time when it used it's first Amendment powers including placing checks on an administration breaking national and international law. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Democracy. In 2026 efforts are again being made to reduce access to voting (e.g. the SAVE act proposes elimination many opportunities to vote by mail). I want all Americans to be able to vote and I believe that our county will be more fair to all as we increase access to voting, make voting easier, and provide information about voting to all. I believe that influence of billionaires and rich corporations in political campaigns gives rich Americans, billionaires and corporations too much power in politics and are negatively impacts democracy. Unless the United States protects the vote of all Americans, I am concerned that only those with money (or backed by rich supporters) will be leaders in government. Leaders elected because of expensive campaigns tend to protect the rights of corporations and billionaires over the rights of everyday Americans. I support the adoption to ranked choice voting to make our election system better. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Yes compromise is necessary, in fact mandatory. A nation as large at the United States represents so many peoples and needs a diverse leadership. The constitution itself is designed by compromise. I believe that every legislator must learn to find ways to work with those who disagree with them and find ways to craft compromises that can help the whole population and protect our future. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? Groups: Moms Demand Action Candidate, Vote the Common Good Candidate, US Term Limits signer. (Note: this survey filled out in April 2026 before endorsements were completed Individuals: Mary Geren, Hosea Cleveland, both former candidates for this office What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? I remember when President Carter visited Wilson, NC where I lived as a child. Wilson is a small town where everyone was able to attend the outdoor event. The town prepared itself for the important visit and it was exciting to see how everyone was engaged in getting their yards and streets ready. I lived close to downtown where he spoke outside the main library where I often went with my bother by bike. Everyone united to hear his vision for a better future. It was a time in the U.S. of less division where the whole population respected the President of the United States.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.\n\n\nEunice Lehmacher completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lehmacher's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I have spent three decades working as a social worker, health care professional, teacher, and small business owner. My work in Oconee and Pickens county has developed and strengthened skills essential for any leader including listening, working through crises, creating compromises, and finding small steps to solve larger problems. My work experiences included owning a private counseling practice, providing outpatient counseling at Oconee Memorial Hospital, being a grief counselor, working as a psychotherapist, and teaching high school. Currently I work for Included Health Inc., providing psychotherapy for adults.\r\nAfter personally witnessing the hardships endured by the people I met personally and professionally, I have worked throughout my career to aid those in my community in various volunteer roles including: teaching courses about mental health and health, fighting for affordable housing, leading church and neighborhood working groups, leading community dialogues about race, advocating local and state government officials to take legislative action on behalf of vulnerable populations. I enjoy gardening, hiking, reading, board games, dogs, and spending time with family and friends in my free time. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Freedom: Every person should have a safe place to call home, the freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water, the freedom to make decisions about their health. Governments should make decisions that increase citizens freedoms, not limit their choices for education, health care, work and safe living. Legislative action should empower families and all citizens to live full and fulfilled lives. Families: Parents need to have the freedom to believe their kids will come home safe at the end of the school day. Children of all races and backgrounds should have the freedom to learn and access the books they want to read. Everyone should have the freedom to decide when and if they want to have kids. Together with their parents and their doctors South Carolinians should be allowed to determine their own options for health care without government interference. Local and state governments can help (e.g. providing funding for public schools), but it is teachers and librarians who determine content and instruction materials. I want to empower families to thrive and I want children to live in a world that they know has a bright future. Our future: Throughout our history, we’ve joined across races and places to solve big problems. As a leader I will help deliver a better future for our children, grandchildren, and future generations by unleashing the power of community. Together we can provide cheap renewable energy available to all renters and homeowners, clean air and water, good paying jobs, and opportunities to learn. I will support policies and introduce bills that will protect the natural beauty of South Carolina and preserve natural areas, be those in parks or in cities, for future generations. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Access to affordable housing to people of all races and cultures, accessible and affordable health care for every resident of South Carolina (including affordable medication), and polices that protect the earth and create cleaner cheaper energy while also providing clean air and water for everyone who lives and visits South Carolina. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? Just Mercy and its author Bryan Stevenson inspire me. He persisted to help people despite constant opposition and discrimination. Stevenson often repeats his belief that we must have proximity to people facing difficult issues in order to understand their situations and then help them. My opponents attempt offer solutions to difficult problems like health care without being proximate to the problems of many facing illness, eviction, or unemployment. We need leaders who have spent time with people of all socioeconomic levels, have listened to their stuggles, and persistently work towards solutions like Stevenson does. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Elected officials must be good listeners, constant learners, and open to working with people of different races, beliefs and values. Representatives must good researchers of issues and persistent enough to follow through on issues that matter to voters even when initial efforts to create effective legislation are unsuccessful. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? Optimism, persistence, being a quick learner, a passion for helping others, listening skills, good communication and organizational skills, an excellent memory, and the willingness to compromise. What legacy would you like to leave? I would like to work on improving our care for the Earth so that my children and all future generations can enjoy the beauty of South Carolina's mountains, beach, lakes, and all places in nature for thousands of years to come. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I worked at Long John Silver's Restaurant starting at age 16. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Arwen from the Lord of the Rings. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Trees We'll Never See by Marshall Altman and Michael White (performed by Amy Grant). Lyrics I especially like: \"We're all sons and daughters, just ripples on the water Try'na make it matter until our time to leave One day, they'll carve your name in stone And send your soul on home 'Til then it's prayin' for rain and pullin' up the weeds Plantin' trees we'll never see First day of spring The whole world's wakin' up and turnin' green And everything connects to everything It's a beautiful design It just takes love and faith and grace, a little time.\" Instead of working only on the immediate needs (or crises), we need to make decisions for South Carolina's future and it's future residents. What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade? In South Carolina, across race, place, and background, we know our worth. We are worth paychecks that equal the true value of our work, quality schools that teach the truth of our past, and clean air, water, and energy that our families can depend on. We are worth more than the politicians in power in our state who abandon us in times of trouble, then hope we’ll shame and blame Black and brown, transgender, and new Americans for our struggles. I believe in South Carolinian's worth and what to chart a sustainable future where people in every corner of our state have the freedom to thrive, have well paying jobs, have clean air and water, have access to affordable energy, food, and housing regardless of their income level. Our biggest challenge is work together to create this sustainable future. We must stop taking sides, instead working toward the common good of all South Carolinians. Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer. Yes, I believe it's critical to build relationships with other leaders on both sides of the aisle. Compromise is a critical part of leading a state as diverse as South Carolina. Knowing other leaders, both personally and professionally, makes it easier to talk and listen on issues where we may disagree. Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? I model myself after Mayor Larry Abernathy who successfully lead the City of Clemson for 28 years and who was a personal friend. He led by listening, using his own interpersonal skills honed as a professional counselor. He championed issues that connected Clemson, the university and its people and always was available to talk to residents. Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? Yes, when I was working for Hospice of the Foothills I met more than one family who lost their home, prior to their loved one being on hospice, because of medical bills. No one should loose their home because they are treating an illness. Affordable medications, accessible health care, even in rural areas, and increased access to all kinds of medical services can prevent another family from loosing their home. Expanding Medicaid and increasing the number of medical professionals that are licensed in South Carolina can prevent improve the health of all of our citizens. Health care access also allows healthy citizens to work and contribute to the economy and community where they live. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? Center for Free Thought Equality, Moms Demand Action What committees interest you? Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee; Education and Public Works Committee: Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee; Medical, Military, Public, and Municipal Affairs Committee Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state? A state ballot initiative to insure women's rights to have an abortion. Currently, the SC Senate, SC House and SC Supreme Court which are dominated by men, has limited abortion access without fully understanding the medical implications. The new law is making it harder for our state, which already had a shortage of gynecologists, to recruit and keep gynecologist and other doctors who have been affected by the abortion ban. I believe the voters, and not the state government, should decide if and when abortion is available in our state.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Candidate Conversations", "answer_html": "<p>Moderated by journalist and political commentator Greta Van Susteren, Candidate Conversations is a virtual debate format that allows voters to easily get to know their candidates through a short video Q&amp;A. \n<i>Click below to watch the conversation for this race.</i> <br/>\n</p>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Eunice Lehmacher completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lehmacher's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading-bio-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEunice Lehmacher is a social worker at Oconee Memorial Hospital. Her career has been dedicated to teaching, counseling, and assisting the marginalized and disadvantaged. Her husband Gerald is a professor of physics at Clemson University. They have two grown sons who study and work in mathematics and computer science. Eunice and Gerald have lived in Clemson for 18 years where their sons graduated from local public schools. Eunice loves the beautiful state of SC and enjoys hiking in the upstate and attending community and university events. She is committed to making Pickens County/SC a better place for all to live.\n<p>Eunice believes in serving her community as both organizer and volunteer. She has worked as teacher, counselor, grant writer and leader with many church, community and university groups including Family Promise of Pickens County (family homeless shelter), the Camelot Homeowners Association, University Lutheran Church of Clemson, the Alzheimer's Association, Our Daily Bread, Clemson Area Pledge to End Racism, and the Clemson Area Food Exchange. She opened a small business in Seneca as a local mental health counselor and has assisted in the creation of several local service organizations including Golden Corner Respite Care for persons with dementia.\n</p>\n</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading-key-message-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>More opportunities for everyone to grow and thrive including better educational opportunities, improved access to health care, and better support for small businesses</li><li>Access to cheaper cleaner energy sources and infrastructure improvements (clean water, improved road, better energy grid, etc.)</li><li>Putting Pickens county back to work (including help for the unemployed and furloughed, small business loans, continued support for renters and landlords doing this unprecedented time)</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading1-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t●\timproved voter representation and voter access<br/>\n<p>●\teconomic growth (especially for blue and green collar jobs)<br/>\n●\tmore access to workforce affordable housing<br/>\n●\tencouraging small businesses <br/>\n●\tbetter training and support for law enforcement and first responders<br/>\n●\timproved educational opportunities <br/>\n●\tbetter access to health care <br/>\n●\tinfrastructure improvements<br/>\n</p>\n●\tracial and economic justice\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading2-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI look up to women like Senator Barbara Milkuski, retired senator from Maryland and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and locally Samantha Wallace, candidate for Greenville County council. All of these women had the courage to speak up for those who can't speak for themselves using their talents to advocate for better opportunities for everyone.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading3-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Green Collar Economy by Van Jones<br/>\n<p>How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi<br/>\nJust Mercy by Bryan Stevenson<br/>\n</p>\nThe Bible\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading4-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tability to listen, willingness to compromise, willingness to learn, awareness of privilege, ability to prioritize, organizational skills, communication skills, ability to research both sides of issues, and compassion.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading5-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe my experience listening to many who are struggling as both a teacher and a counselor have honed by ability to listen and will help me to be both attuned to the needs of voters and as well as aware of gaps that exist in safety nets, health care, education, infrastructure, and the economy. My experience in leadership have taught me to welcome ideas, listen careful, seek opinions of diverse groups, and research all options. I have learned to break down big problems into small tasks, the first step towards making meaningful change. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading6-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tListening, researching, learning, leading, and providing support to voters in my district\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading7-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI help the people of my district to grow and thrive. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading8-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI remember visiting East Germany in 1972 with my family to visit some my aunts and cousins. I turned 9 on that visit. During this time East Germany was communist. I remember being on the third floor of an apartment building where my aunt's family lived looking down at the children in the street in front of the building. They all gathered around the car we had rented (an orange VW bug, the only bright colored car I recall seeing in East Germany where the few cars that were there were black and dark blue). My mother had purchased some bananas and oranges in West Germany and these were visible through the car windows. A large group of children gathered around the car and were pointing at the fresh fruit. I remember being aware of how privileged I was and wondering what it might be like to be a child in a communist country.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading9-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI worked for Long John Silvers as a cashier and server when I was 16 to raise money for college and a car. I chose Long John Silver's because it was within one mile of my parent's house so that I could walk to and from work. As it turned out I spent the money I earned during high school on college instead of a car. Later my brother gave me his old Gremlin which I used when I was a senior in college to do my student teaching experience. It wasn't until I had my first job as a high school math teacher in the Washington DC area that I had enough income to buy and care for my own car.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading10-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy favorite book is the Bible which is more like a library. I have found throughout my life that the Bible can be read over and over for deeper and deeper understanding. It provides guidance and teaching on virtually every area of life. The stories of frail humans who were able to have the courage to accept their weaknesses and assist others who needed to learn about unconditional love I find inspiring and helpful. I know that others have used the Bible to support almost any position on earth, but I believe the Bible's primary message is about how unconditional love and acceptance (grace) is the key to an abundant and fulfilled life. The guidance (or \"rules\") of the Bible show ways people can respond to the grace given and can live more harmoniously with each other. I read the Bible regularly and especially enjoying reading the Bible with others as it has enlarged my understanding of God and grace.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading11-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI have dyslexia and had trouble learning to read. In the 1970s there wasn't much help for children with reading problems in my small rural school in North Carolina so I had to learn to adapt. I had to learn to be creative in how I learned since reading did not come easily. I developed skill at listening not only to what the teachers said but also how they said it. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading12-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes, experience in government is helpful as is all type of experience in leadership and politics. Legislators can develop patterns over years of service that can be detrimental to collaboration and voter engagement. I believe that new, diverse, and younger leaders are needed so that the needs of all voters can be represented in the state house. SC legislature if only 14% female in 2020. More diversity in our leadership will allow us to be more responsive to the needs of our residents. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading13-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOur greatest challenge will be returning to economic success as a thriving state after the COVID-19 crisis. Safety nets for those who have lost jobs and businesses will be needed, as well as increased access to health care (especially testing for everyone at this time), support for teachers, first responders, and health care workers, hospitals and businesses. South Carolina will need to address how to help all residents and businesses who have suffered to return to a thriving economy which offers opportunities for every child, family, senior citizen, adult, and individual no matter their situation.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading14-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tToo much of politics has turned to criticizing those leaders in another party. We have all seen how this leads to stagnation and little legislative progress. I believe it is important to build relationships with other leaders in government including those who I might disagree with. My goal will be to listen first, to both my constituents and other state leaders. I am not going to Columbia to tell others how they are wrong.<br/>\n<p>After listening, I believe it is important to choose small steps that a majority of legislators can agree on to make progress on larger goals. Building relationships though listening and spending time with other leaders can help everyone be more willing to compromise, setting aside partisan politics to further the goals of offering opportunities to everyone in our state.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nFor example, much debate has occurred on how to offer better health care and education access to our citizens even though almost everyone agrees that everyone should have access to health care and education. Working toward smaller goals such as providing COVID-19 testing access to everyone in the state who needs tests is a beginning goal to achieve. Other goals such as increased access to health care can be address after building successful coalitions on smaller legislative items.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-81251-2020-04-14\" id=\"heading15-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-81251-2020-04-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-81251-2020-04-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-81251-2020-04-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tBarbara Mulkulski, US Senator from MD until 2017.<br/>\nGary Clary, US House District 3, present especially how accessible he was to all voters no matter what their party affiliation\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "Moderated by journalist and political commentator Greta Van Susteren, Candidate Conversations is a virtual debate format that allows voters to easily get to know their candidates through a short video Q&A. Click below to watch the conversation for this race.\n\n\nEunice Lehmacher completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lehmacher's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Eunice Lehmacher is a social worker at Oconee Memorial Hospital. Her career has been dedicated to teaching, counseling, and assisting the marginalized and disadvantaged. Her husband Gerald is a professor of physics at Clemson University. They have two grown sons who study and work in mathematics and computer science. Eunice and Gerald have lived in Clemson for 18 years where their sons graduated from local public schools. Eunice loves the beautiful state of SC and enjoys hiking in the upstate and attending community and university events. She is committed to making Pickens County/SC a better place for all to live. Eunice believes in serving her community as both organizer and volunteer. She has worked as teacher, counselor, grant writer and leader with many church, community and university groups including Family Promise of Pickens County (family homeless shelter), the Camelot Homeowners Association, University Lutheran Church of Clemson, the Alzheimer's Association, Our Daily Bread, Clemson Area Pledge to End Racism, and the Clemson Area Food Exchange. She opened a small business in Seneca as a local mental health counselor and has assisted in the creation of several local service organizations including Golden Corner Respite Care for persons with dementia. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? More opportunities for everyone to grow and thrive including better educational opportunities, improved access to health care, and better support for small businesses Access to cheaper cleaner energy sources and infrastructure improvements (clean water, improved road, better energy grid, etc.) Putting Pickens county back to work (including help for the unemployed and furloughed, small business loans, continued support for renters and landlords doing this unprecedented time) What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? ●\timproved voter representation and voter access ●\teconomic growth (especially for blue and green collar jobs) ●\tmore access to workforce affordable housing ●\tencouraging small businesses ●\tbetter training and support for law enforcement and first responders ●\timproved educational opportunities ●\tbetter access to health care ●\tinfrastructure improvements ●\tracial and economic justice Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I look up to women like Senator Barbara Milkuski, retired senator from Maryland and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and locally Samantha Wallace, candidate for Greenville County council. All of these women had the courage to speak up for those who can't speak for themselves using their talents to advocate for better opportunities for everyone. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? The Green Collar Economy by Van Jones How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson The Bible What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? ability to listen, willingness to compromise, willingness to learn, awareness of privilege, ability to prioritize, organizational skills, communication skills, ability to research both sides of issues, and compassion. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I believe my experience listening to many who are struggling as both a teacher and a counselor have honed by ability to listen and will help me to be both attuned to the needs of voters and as well as aware of gaps that exist in safety nets, health care, education, infrastructure, and the economy. My experience in leadership have taught me to welcome ideas, listen careful, seek opinions of diverse groups, and research all options. I have learned to break down big problems into small tasks, the first step towards making meaningful change. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Listening, researching, learning, leading, and providing support to voters in my district What legacy would you like to leave? I help the people of my district to grow and thrive. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? I remember visiting East Germany in 1972 with my family to visit some my aunts and cousins. I turned 9 on that visit. During this time East Germany was communist. I remember being on the third floor of an apartment building where my aunt's family lived looking down at the children in the street in front of the building. They all gathered around the car we had rented (an orange VW bug, the only bright colored car I recall seeing in East Germany where the few cars that were there were black and dark blue). My mother had purchased some bananas and oranges in West Germany and these were visible through the car windows. A large group of children gathered around the car and were pointing at the fresh fruit. I remember being aware of how privileged I was and wondering what it might be like to be a child in a communist country. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I worked for Long John Silvers as a cashier and server when I was 16 to raise money for college and a car. I chose Long John Silver's because it was within one mile of my parent's house so that I could walk to and from work. As it turned out I spent the money I earned during high school on college instead of a car. Later my brother gave me his old Gremlin which I used when I was a senior in college to do my student teaching experience. It wasn't until I had my first job as a high school math teacher in the Washington DC area that I had enough income to buy and care for my own car. What is your favorite book? Why? My favorite book is the Bible which is more like a library. I have found throughout my life that the Bible can be read over and over for deeper and deeper understanding. It provides guidance and teaching on virtually every area of life. The stories of frail humans who were able to have the courage to accept their weaknesses and assist others who needed to learn about unconditional love I find inspiring and helpful. I know that others have used the Bible to support almost any position on earth, but I believe the Bible's primary message is about how unconditional love and acceptance (grace) is the key to an abundant and fulfilled life. The guidance (or \"rules\") of the Bible show ways people can respond to the grace given and can live more harmoniously with each other. I read the Bible regularly and especially enjoying reading the Bible with others as it has enlarged my understanding of God and grace. What is something that has been a struggle in your life? I have dyslexia and had trouble learning to read. In the 1970s there wasn't much help for children with reading problems in my small rural school in North Carolina so I had to learn to adapt. I had to learn to be creative in how I learned since reading did not come easily. I developed skill at listening not only to what the teachers said but also how they said it. Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics? Yes, experience in government is helpful as is all type of experience in leadership and politics. Legislators can develop patterns over years of service that can be detrimental to collaboration and voter engagement. I believe that new, diverse, and younger leaders are needed so that the needs of all voters can be represented in the state house. SC legislature if only 14% female in 2020. More diversity in our leadership will allow us to be more responsive to the needs of our residents. What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade? Our greatest challenge will be returning to economic success as a thriving state after the COVID-19 crisis. Safety nets for those who have lost jobs and businesses will be needed, as well as increased access to health care (especially testing for everyone at this time), support for teachers, first responders, and health care workers, hospitals and businesses. South Carolina will need to address how to help all residents and businesses who have suffered to return to a thriving economy which offers opportunities for every child, family, senior citizen, adult, and individual no matter their situation. Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer. Too much of politics has turned to criticizing those leaders in another party. We have all seen how this leads to stagnation and little legislative progress. I believe it is important to build relationships with other leaders in government including those who I might disagree with. My goal will be to listen first, to both my constituents and other state leaders. I am not going to Columbia to tell others how they are wrong. After listening, I believe it is important to choose small steps that a majority of legislators can agree on to make progress on larger goals. Building relationships though listening and spending time with other leaders can help everyone be more willing to compromise, setting aside partisan politics to further the goals of offering opportunities to everyone in our state. For example, much debate has occurred on how to offer better health care and education access to our citizens even though almost everyone agrees that everyone should have access to health care and education. Working toward smaller goals such as providing COVID-19 testing access to everyone in the state who needs tests is a beginning goal to achieve. Other goals such as increased access to health care can be address after building successful coalitions on smaller legislative items. Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Barbara Mulkulski, US Senator from MD until 2017. Gary Clary, US House District 3, present especially how accessible he was to all voters no matter what their party affiliation\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]