perty from state taxation.” He never repeated legislation like this in his career, but this is and example of how the ambiance of Edgefield County, and the South influenced his politics early in his career. Segregation was an absolute in those days.“In 1933 Strom Thurmond was elected to the South Carolina Senate and represented Edgefield until he was elected to the Eleventh Circuit judgeship. When the United States entered World War II he left the judgeship temporarily to serve in the U.S. Army.” Even though at that time Judge Thurmond was exempted from military service because of his position, he must of sensed that the people of Edgefield County expected military service of their men. If he was going to be a successful politician in the future he had to serve at that time.“I will never sign a bill to mix the races.” This was Strom Thurmond’s only mention of race during his Gubernatorial campaign, but it was something that definitely needed to be mentioned if he expected to win. Strom Thurmond “dominated media coverage, emerging as the courageous crusader against the ‘Barnwell Ring.” Returning as a war hero, and with his strong record of public service he was able to defeat 10 other candidates.Strom Thurmond has been a strong personal influence on Southern politics. His influence can be seen through; his early work on the Edgefield school board, his efforts to somewhat improve conditions for African Americans, the “Dixiecrat”, his victory as a write in candidate for the U.S. Senate, his record setting 1957 filibuster, his switch to the Republican Party, his support of Richard Nixon, his influence on Clarence Thomas’ appointment to the supreme court, and him falling asleep during President Clintons impeachment trial.Strom Thurmond took over the school system at the age of 26. He launched an “innovative program in which the state health officer and...
