UPSTATE — U.S. Senate candidate Mike Ruckes believes that his background in business will help him bring new jobs to the state.

Ruckes was in the Upstate Friday, appearing an Oconee County Democratic Party event aimed at raising funds for local veteran Gary Smith.

Ruckes currently lives in Summerville, but his political experience began in Detroit, he said.

“I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan,” Ruckes said. “I started out in the Chrysler Corporation as a UAW rank and file member. That’s where I learned about union politics work. I understand how unions work and understand the relationship between union and company.”

Ruckes retired from Ford, where he’d served in management for 27 years.

“At Ford Motor Company, I learned corporate politics … how to deal with organizations like UAW, how to deal with upper management, how to get production out at the same time,” he said. “That requires political orchestration.”

Ruckes decided to run against U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint in December 2008.

If elected, Ruckes pledges to support the Democratic platform.

“I am a Democrat,” he said. “I support what President Obama is doing presently, I support his economic stimulus package, I support his methods of trying to free up credit.

“And I support his three investment phases: renewable energy, education and health care,” Ruckes continued.

To bring more jobs to South Carolina, Ruckes will push for green technology legislation, he said.

“South Carolina needs more employment opportunities,” he said. “With green technologies, renewable energies, coming to South Carolina, that will stimulate job growth.”

Ruckes also believes that new businesses that start up in South Carolina should be exempt from taxes for a certain number of years.

“That will stimulate job growth,” he said.

In terms of education, Ruckes will work with educators and officials to raise South Carolina “above its mediocrity.”

“Put an end to the Corridor of Shame,” Ruckes said.

For more information on Ruckes, visit www.mikeruckes2010.com.