Retired U.S. Congressman Thomas 'Tommy' Hartnett sits down with Bill Macchio to discuss his remarkable political career, from South Carolina to the U.S. Congress. Beyond the stories, Hartnett leaves viewers with a compelling personal message at the end, a direct appeal to our community.

In the 1960s in South Carolina, as well as other Southern states, more conservative Democrats were known as Blue Dog Democrats. The Blue Dogs could not remain part of the Democratic Party, which at that time had shifted far left.

George McGovern was seeking to run for the Democratic Party nomination with a proposal to establish a national minimum income that would not require people to work. Hartnett says that at that time the idea was very liberal, and McGovern's platform wasn't one that Hartnett felt he could support. Since he didn't feel he could stay true to himself and his values as a Democrat, he left the party with no plans for what would come next.

After Hartnett left the Democratic Party, Republicans asked to meet with him and suggested he run for the South Carolina State Senate as a Republican. He agreed and was elected to South Carolina's State Senate in 1972, serving until 1981 for two terms.

Later, in 1981, Hartnett became a Republican Congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving until 1987.

Hartnett also shares personal stories during this captivating episode, including controversial, interesting, and humorous ones.

Hear fascinating stories from the life of former Congressman Tommy Hartnett on the latest episode of the Isle of Palms Podcast. Bill Macchio chats with Tommy, discussing his love for the Isle of Palms, his first job with J.C. Long, his first date with his wife Bonnie, and their first island home.

Did you miss the record-breaking 2024's Isle of Palms Connector Run? Deb Barr, Sponsor Chair and Michelle Priest, Run Chair for the 2024 Isle of Palms Connector Run and Walk for the Child talk with host Bill Macchio and share highlights and the significance of the 2024 Isle of Palms Connector Run and Walk for the Child, which was held on October 5th, 2024.

This year's 5K, 10K run across the IOP Connector drew over 1800 runners, which is almost twice the turnout as last year's run. Deb and Michelle say they look forward to having this large of a turnout for the Isle of Palms Connector Run each year in the future.

Deb and Michelle attribute the increase this year to marketing. The IOP Run team, making the beneficiaries of the run more up front so that people know who they are running for, and also that the beneficiaries invite their friends, families and audiences also.

Listen in for interesting information, stories and statistics about the 2024 run. For more information about this year's run, and to get information about the run each year before it begins, visit online at www.IOPRun.com.