Mount Pleasant Magazine Nov/Dec 2019

50 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.BestOfMP.com | www.ReadMPM.com feature “Our whole campaign and presence in Congress has broken a lot of traditions in the sense that it’s not often Democrats get endorsed by Republican mayors. So, is it surprising?” asked Cunningham. “I guess not so much in that sense.” On the surface, Cunningham seems very different than his predecessor Sanford, but the two talk often and share one peculiar practice. “I’m continuing Mark Sanford’s legacy,” said Cunningham, referring to Sanford’s custom of sleeping in his Congressional office instead of renting an apartment. Cunningham hasn’t ruled out renting a place in Washington, but that’s not a priority. He said that when he was elected, “our first priority was staffing and legislating, offshore drilling and healthcare. Sleeping was down the list.” When it came to staffing, he knew just where to turn. “We wanted to hire the best people possible to serve the first district, and we’re very fortunate to have a couple people from (Sanford’s) staff stay on with us in Charleston and in our Beaufort office,” said Cunningham. “And we have Republicans there too, because we’re going to show folks that our office is putting action behind words: Lowcountry over party and people over politics.” He explained, “We wanted to make that transition as seamless as possible, so that from day one when people had issues in Goose Creek or Summerville, they knew where to go and who to contact, so that when someone picked up the phone there was a familiar voice.” August was Cunningham’s first big Congressional recess since he took office, and traditionally the most likely time to find your senators and representatives enjoying some down time. Our congressman was not so lucky. “When I’m back (in the Lowcountry) my schedule is just as hectic, if not moreso, than when I’m up here,” Cunningham explained. “My team has got me scheduled all across the district from sunup to sundown.” When he’s back in the Lowcountry, Cunningham spends a lot of time in Mount Pleasant, and not just Considering making a move? Dana Rusnak Realtor, SRES Call/Text 843.730.4496 dana.rusnak@cbcarolinas.com www.danarusnak.com Learn about my VIP REAL ESTATE SERVICES for Buyers and Sellers