The race for a seat that his been filled by the same man for the last thirty years now has some new competition.

Attorney Tommy Pope talked to CN2 today about his interest in the State House 47 seat. That seat is currently held by long standing Democrat Herb Kirsh.

Pope, a Republican, was the York County Solicitor from 1992 to 2006 where he was nationally recognized for the conviction of Susan Smith, a mother who drowned her kids in a pond in Union County.

After leaving the office, he joined Elrod Law Firm to become a partner but always kept on eye on public office possibilities.

“I think we need the people more involved in the way we carry about our business. Whether it be in Columbia or Washington and I think I can bring that leadership,” Pope declared.

Pope will run against Clover businessman Brett Boyd in the Republican primary. That is set for June and whoever wins would face Kirsh if he wins his primary.