STATE – Rep. Gresham Barrett made his bid for Governor official Wednesday morning.

In a video released on his Web site entitled “Opportunity,” Barrett, the U.S. Representative for the Third District, formally announced his candidacy.

“I learned my values from my family’s furniture store in Westminster and from the Citadel in Charleston: hard work, community, and commitment to causes greater than self,” Barrett said in the video.

In the video, Barrett outlined some of his positions, including his anti-abortion stance and his belief that small businesses will lead the nation into economic recovery.

“There are some things that we can improve, there are some things that we can change and move our country forward with, but our conservative values will not compromise,” Barrett said.

In an email sent out to voters Wednesday, Barrett said, “I believe South Carolina has tremendous potential, despite our serious challenges.

“I feel God has blessed me with strong experiences – in running a small business, raising a family, serving in our military, and leading in elected office– that give me a unique conservative perspective on the challenges we face and how to fix them,” he continued.

In recent months, Barrett has appeared throughout the Third District, stressing the importance of alternative energy initiatives and publicizing his stance against congressional earmarks.

Barrett has been a longtime proponent of using methods other than corn, such as sugar cane and switchgrass, to derive biofuels without impacting the food supply.

“I see our future in leading us to the next level of economic development, especially in the new energy future,” he said.

Before his election to first term in U.S. Congress, Barrett served three terms in the state House of Representatives.

In 2002, Barrett won the seat of Rep. Lindsay Graham, who retired to run for Strom Thurmond’s seat in the U.S. Senate.

After running opposed in the 2004 election, Barrett defeated Democratic challengers Lee Ballenger in 2006 and Jane Dyer in 2008.

Barrett currently sits on the Budget Committee, the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on International Relations

Barrett enters the race against GOP candidate and Furman professor Brent Nelsen, who filed papers forming a Nelsen for Governor Committee last month and Democratic candidate Sen. Vincent Sheheen of Camden.

Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and SC Attorney General Henry McMaster are also expected to run for Governor, but neither has formally entered the race yet.

To view the video, visit www.greshambarrett.com.