Robert Behre
April 4, 2008 

Linda Ketner announces her candidacy for the 1st Congressional District seat as Charleston Mayor Joe Riley looks on Thursday.

Speaking to more than 150 supporters jostling for space under a rental tent in Charleston's Cannon Park, Charleston businesswoman and philanthropist Linda Ketner kicked off her Democratic bid for the 1st Congressional District seat.

"What we need to do together is to forge a new path forward," she said, noting the rising cost of gassing up, rising health care costs, the current wave of foreclosures, lost jobs and an education system in need of improvement. "I want you to elect me to lead that new path forward."

Saying that "you need to be more than strong to be great," she said she would urge more collaboration and diplomacy on foreign policy. "Homeland security means more than kicking off your shoes and throwing away your shampoo."

Mayor Joe Riley introduced Ketner, calling her "a human dynamo" and the person most responsible for the state establishing a low-income housing trust fund.

Ketner, whose parents, Ralph Ketner and Ruth Hope, and partner, Beth Huntley, attended the announcement, also was praised for her advocacy of fairness regardless of a person's race, gender or economic status. A management consultant known for her philanthropy, Ketner has worked on the Hurricane Hugo Relief Committee, the Mayor's Task Force on Homelessness and Affordable Housing and on the Alliance for Full Acceptance. The Charleston chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People gave her one of its highest honors last year.

Ketner faces a June 10 primary challenge from Ben Frasier. The winner will face incumbent Rep. Henry Brown or one of his Republican challengers, Katherine Jenerette or Paul V. Norris.

Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@postandcourier.com.