The recent Republican Presidential Primary generated tremendous voter turnout. With such historical numbers, it is evident Americans are energized to seek real change in Washington. The numbers below prove my point:

• 2008 Republican Presidential Primary 438,481 statewide
• 2012 Republican Presidential Primary 601,577 statewide
• 2008 Republican Presidential Primary 40,546 (7th Congressional District)
• 2012 Republican Presidential Primary 79,362 (7th Congressional District)

Since announcing my candidacy for Congress in November, I’ve had the privilege of visiting all eight counties, participating in two forums, attending dozens of in-home meetings, and speaking with thousands of you throughout the District. I’m grateful for the meet-and-greets that friends have hosted and I look forward to seeing many more of you in the District in the coming months.

I’m happy to relay this campaign reported the strongest fundraising quarter out of all the candidates in the race! The campaign continues to receive strong support from fellow conservatives who share the values of limited government and lower taxes. I hope that we can count on your vote and your support.

I’m looking forward to continue competing fiercely on the campaign trail. If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact me. For more information about my campaign to reform Washington, please look around here on my website or contact my campaign office at 843-492-RICE (7423)

Rice is stopping in every county seat Wednesday that he would represent, if elected.

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Horry County Council Chairman Tom Rice announced Wednesday, becoming the fifth Republican to enter the race. He says he will continue his county council duties during the campaign leading up to June’s primary.

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Renee’ Culler, who is running as a Republican candidate, comes into the race with past experience working to keep industries throughout the country in compliance with EPA regulations.

Culler received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of South Carolina. This is her first time seeking political office.

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Hugh Thompson Rice, Jr., (Tom), has been a resident of Horry County since he was 4 years old.   His first job was working as a bus boy at Akel’s at age 12.

Tom attended the University of South Carolina where he completed both his undergraduate and graduate studies in the top twenty percent of his class.  He earned a B.S. in accounting (1979), a M.S in accounting (1982) and a Juris Doctrate (1982).  Tom received the American Jurisprudence Award in Trusts and Estates, and was certified by the Supreme Court of South Carolina as a specialist in Tax Law, Estate Planning, and Probate Law.

After graduation, Tom was employed by Deloitte and Touche as a Certified Public Accountant, specializing in business and individual tax planning.  In 1984, Tom took a position with the Van Osdell Law Firm in his native Myrtle Beach where he earned and continues to hold an AV (Preeminent) rating by Martindale Hubble.  In 1997, Tom established his own practice, the Rice & MacDonald Law Firm.

Over the years, Tom has served our community through his involvement in many charitable and social organizations including:

• Myrtle Beach Haven Homeless Shelter
• Blue Ribbon Committee to Study Emergency Services, City of Myrtle Beach
• Boy Scouts of America
• Grand Strand Sertoma Club
• Ocean View Foundation
• Trinity Episcopal Church
• YMCA
• Horry County Probate Court Advisory Committee
• Myrtle Beach Board of Zoning Variances
• Leadership Grand Strand, VIII
• SC Department of Natural Resources
• York Place

Currently, Tom is of counsel at Rice, MacDonald, & Hicks Law Firm.  He resides in Myrtle Beach where he remains involved in various community activities. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, hunting and spending time with his wife, Wrenzie, and his 3 grown sons.