Late Sen. Leatherman represented thousands in Darlington County
By Bobby Bryant, Editor
Pee Dee political powerhouse Sen. Hugh Leatherman, who died Friday at 90, was mostly known as a Florence County lawmaker, but he represented about 4,500 people in Darlington County as well. Leatherman’s Senate District 31 is largely Florence County, but it includes the High Hill and Palmetto areas of Darlington County, taking in about 4,500 constituents in those areas, election officials say. Those constituents will be involved in the special election to replace Leatherman, but at this point, it’s not clear when that will happen. Republican lawmaker Leatherman died at home after being diagnosed with inoperable cancer. He was a 40-year member of the S.C. Senate, serving since 1981, and was considered probably the most powerful state senator. His seniority and influence benefited the Pee Dee area for decades. Gov. Henry McMaster said in a statement: “A powerful force for the progress and prosperity of our people has left us. For over 50 years, Hugh Leatherman poured his life into our state and we are the better for it. He loved his work and kept his word. He never quit. We will miss him. May God bless him and his family.” “While his passing brings us great sorrow, we take solace and joy knowing that up until his last days, he was active in the Florence community and continued serving the people of Florence and South Carolina as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee,” Leatherman’s family said in a statement. “Ever the stubborn optimist, he had legislation drafted and received budget briefings for the next legislative session from his hospital bed,” the family said. “While most knew him as Mr. Chairman, we do and always will know him as a loving and caring husband, dad and granddad. We ask for privacy at this time but look forward to hearing stories of how Hugh impacted your lives soon.” Leatherman is credited as a major player in bringing business giants Boeing and Volvo to South Carolina, and in setting up financing for deepening Charleston Harbor.
