Micajah Pickett "Micah" Caskey IV[2] (born June 2, 1981) is an American politician. He currently serves in the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing the 89th district. Caskey was first elected in 2016 and continues to serve the constituents of District 89. Prior to working in the South Carolina legislature, Caskey worked as the Assistant Solicitor (state prosecutor) for the 11th Circuit (2014–2016), and also served in the United States Marine Corps (2003–2013), earning the rank of captain.[2]
Micah Caskey | |
|---|---|
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 89th district | |
| Assumed office January 10, 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Kenneth Bingham |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Micajah Pickett Caskey IV June 2, 1981 Columbia, South Carolina |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence | Springdale, South Carolina[1] |
| Education | University of Florida (B.A.) Darla Moore School of Business (I.M.B.A.) University of South Carolina (J.D.) |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Website | http://www.micahcaskey.com |
Early life and education
editCaskey was born in Columbia, South Carolina, to parents Micajah III, and Rebecca Anne Caskey. He grew up in the Springdale, South Carolina, [1] and graduated from Dutch Fork High School in 1999. While in high school, he earned Eagle Scout [2] honors and was also a state champion wrestler.[3] He attended the University of Florida on a full scholarship and graduated in 2003. Later, he attended law school at the University of South Carolina, where he also earned a master's degree in International Business.[4]
Career
editMarine Corps (2003–2013)
editCaskey served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned the rank of Captain and commanded both company and platoon-sized units during his combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. For his service Caskey received numerous military awards including Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, NATO International Security Assistance Force Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon. Caskey left active duty to pursue graduate degrees in International Business and law at the University of South Carolina. Later, in 2009, Caskey volunteered to leave graduate school for a year to command a small team of specialized Marines in Afghanistan, his third combat tour of duty. Caskey's work in Helmand Province, Afghanistan was highlighted by New York Times Magazine writer Dexter Filkins in the article, "Stanley McChrystal's Long War".[5] He formally ended his service in the Marine Corps in 2013.
Assistant Solicitor (2014–2016)
editIn 2014, Caskey became a prosecutor in the 11th Judicial Circuit Solicitor's office [3], the equivalent of a district attorney's office, in Lexington County, South Carolina. There he prosecuted felony crimes, most notably, high-profile cases involving drug trafficking, child homicide, sexual assaults on children, and murder.[5][6][7] Because the state constitution prohibits serving as a prosecutor and as a legislator, after being elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 2016, Caskey left the Solicitor's office and opened a private practice in West Columbia.[8]
Private Practice (2016-present)
editCaskey Law Firm, P.A. is a general law practice that focuses on civil litigation, Business Law and Constitutional Law.
State Representative (2017–present)
editS.C. Rep. Caskey was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives on November 8, 2016. Rep. Caskey has worked to uphold South Carolina's conservative values through legislation supporting the 2nd amendment, strengthening law enforcement, providing help for veterans in need and empowering small businesses to thrive. On November 18, 2016, he was selected by other representatives to lead the Freshman Caucus.[9]
Committee Assignments
Political Positions
1.Support Law Enforcement and Fight Crime
- Better equip police officers
- Pay raises for police officers
- Implement state-wide standards for police agencies[11]
- Increase Law enforcement budget across the State[12]
2. Support for Veterans
- Help South Carolina to remain a magnet for veterans [13]
- Enhance opportunities for veterans
3. Support Small Business
- Lower taxes
- Cut out unnecessary red tape
- Improve Business climate for Defense Industry
4. Second Amendment
- Continue working on legislation that ensures safety as well as the protection of second amendment rights[14]
5. Energy/ Environmental Protection
- Solar expansion "choice"
6. Infrastructure
7. Election Integrity
- Improve and fortify the integrity of our election system[17]
Nuclear construction debacle/utility company scandal
editIn the summer of 2017, in response to the VC Summer Crisis,[18] Caskey lead the formation of the bipartisan Energy Caucus. During the fall of 2017, Caskey was appointed by the Speaker to the House Utility Ratepayer Protection Committee.[19] In the 2018 legislative session, Caskey remained vocal in criticizing SCANA and others. He helped lead the passage of H.4375, which repealed the Base Load Review Act, to stop SCANA from continuing to charge ratepayers and benefit from the failed project.[20] The bill passed the House on January 31, 2017.
2024 Election
editCaskey had no Republican opponent. He faces a challenge by Democratic candidate Wayne Borders in the general election.[21] [22]
External links
editReferences
edit- ^ South Carolina Legislature Online - Member Biography Retrieved 2018-06-23.
- ^ a b "South Carolina Legislature Online - Member Biography". Scstatehouse.gov. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
- ^ "Dutch Fork Wrestling". Home Teams Online.
- ^ "A new generation of Leadership". Micah Caskey. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
- ^ "Lexington County man sentenced to life in prison in toddler's death - ColaDaily.com - You need the news, not the paper". Coladaily.com. 10 October 2016. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
- ^ Stevens, Matthew (28 August 2015). "Man gets 35 years in prison for impregnating an 11-year-old". Wach.com. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
- ^ Stevens, Matthew (7 March 2016). "Man sentenced to 35 years in prison for 2013 stabbing death". Wach.com. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
- ^ "One of Us". Micah Caskey. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
- ^ "Micah Caskey To Lead SC "Freshman Caucus"". Fitsnews.com. 18 November 2016. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
- ^ a b "South Carolina Legislature Online - Member Biography".
- ^ "2021-2022 Bill 3050: Law enforcement officers, certification".
- ^ "S.C. House approves $14B state budget, with raises for state employees, law enforcement, teachers". 15 March 2023.
- ^ 2023-2024 Bill 3116: Disabled Veterans Property Tax - South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov)
- ^ "2023-2024 Bill 3594: Constitutional Carry - South Carolina Legislature Online".
- ^ "Projects Under Development SCDOT: Region and County".
- ^ "SCDOT Ten Year Plan Statewide project information resource".
- ^ "2021-2022 Bill 108: Election Laws".
- ^ "SC Lawmakers Create Bipartisan Energy Caucus in Response to VC Summer". Wltx.com. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
- ^ "The House Has Now Moved to Create a Committee to Review VC Summer Failure". 9 August 2017.
- ^ "S.C. House passes bill to halt nuclear-related payments to SCE&G, possibly dooming Dominion takeover". Postandcourier.com. 31 January 2018.
- ^ "Micah Caskey". Ballotpedia. 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
- ^ "Candidates". South Carolina State Election Commission. 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2024.