Pro-Trump Pastor Jumps Into SC Race

Mark Burns, the evangelical Pastor who was an early and vocal supporter of Donald Trump, has entered the race to succeed retiring Congressman Trey Gowdy (R-SC). Burns is Pastor of Harvest Praise & Worship Center and co-founder of the NOW Television Network. He also is a member of Trump's Faith Advisory Council. "The president loves me," Burns said in an interview after announcing his first bid for elected office. Burns regularly introduced Trump at his presidential campaign rallies. He also spoke at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. In 2016, CNN reported that Burns listed professional accomplishments on his church's website that were not accurate, including false claims that he received a Bachelor's from North Greenville University and served six years in the Army Reserve. Burns blamed the errors on an outdated biography that he failed to correct. He said he attended North Greenville University for one semester and served for six years in the South Carolina National Guard. As a Black candidate, Burns said, he will have the freedom to discuss issues that white politicians are leery to address. "This politically correct society in which we live in and this racial divide that we are in -- it has given me the voice to say the things that white politicians want to say, used to be said, but they are afraid of being labeled a racist or a bigot," Burns said. The Pastor is the sixth Republican to enter the race. Four Democrats also are seeking the seat. More here.