Bobby Harrell
| Bobby Harrell | |
|---|---|
| 59th Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives | |
|
In office June 21, 2005 – October 23, 2014 |
|
| Preceded by | David Wilkins |
| Succeeded by | Jay Lucas |
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 114th district |
|
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In office December 8, 1992 – October 23, 2014 |
|
| Preceded by | John C. Rama |
| Succeeded by | Mary Tinkler |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Robert William Harrell, Jr. March 7, 1956 Orangeburg, South Carolina |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Catherine Smith |
| Alma mater | University of South Carolina |
| Profession | insurance agency owner |
Robert William "Bobby" Harrell, Jr. (born March 7, 1956) is an American politician and member of the Republican Party who served as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing the 114th District, from 1992 to 2014, also serving as the Speaker of the House from 2005 to 2014.
Harrell was the chairman of his Freshman Caucus in 1993. Two years after Harrell was elected, he was appointed to serve on the Ways and Means Committee in 1994. Later, he was elected to serve as Majority Leader from 1997–1999 when he became the Ways and Means Committee Chairman in 1999. He has also served as Chairman of the Economic Development and the Public Education Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee. In South Carolina, State Legislators serve as part-time employees making only $10,400/year.
Harrell earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. He opened an insurance agency representing State Farm Insurance in 1980. In 2010, after his father died, Bobby combined his agency with that of his father in Harrell Square, a shopping center owned by the family. He previously owned Palmetto State Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical repackaging company that he sold in 2012. In 2014, Harrell's contract was terminated by State Farm. He and his wife, Cathy, opened an independent insurance agency, Harrell Insurance Agency and now represent over 100 companies such as Progressive, Liberty Mutual, Travelers and many more.
In 2008, Harrell, legislative leaders and business executives formed the Knowledge Sector Council. In an effort to support South Carolina’s growing knowledge-based economy, the public/private Council was created to encourage research universities, economic development entities, private businesses and state agencies to work together in expanding jobs and economic opportunity.
In 2010, Harrell sponsored the S.C. Economic Development Competitiveness Act.
Harrell was among South Carolina political leaders credited with playing a key role in incentivizing Boeing to build a 787 Dreamliner assembly plant in North Charleston, S.C.
Harrell ran unopposed as Speaker in 2006 and 2008. In September 2010, Ralph Norman challenged Harrell for Speaker. Harrell was re-elected, defeating Norman who only drew five votes of support – including his own vote – among the 124 House members.
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Wikipedia