Fielding a full slate of candidates in 2010 and creating a two-party system locally are goals of the Union County Republican Party.

The party’s executive committee voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the mission statement. According to the statement, the party stands for:

• fiscal responsibility;

• lower taxes;

• local control of schools;

• property rights protection;

• gun rights protection;

• protection of the unborn;

• traditional family values;

• decreasing the size of government;

• state sovereignty.

It adds, “Members also agree with the premise that less government is better that more government and local government is more accountable than the federal government.”

Executive committeeman Dale Robinson said the mission statement “describes the people of Union County; they are a traditional values people. We want people who believe in that mission statement to get involved and help change things.”

Robinson, who served as county supervisor in the early 1990s, was elected as a Democrat in 1990 but broke ranks with the party to endorse Republican David Beasley for governor in 1994. He said the party’s goal is to create a true two-party system in the county by fielding candidates for all local offices in 2010.

Chairman Michael Fowler said the party’s emphasis will be on supporting people who share its values in getting involved in local politics.

“We want the people of this county to have the opportunity to run in a two-party system,” he said. “We want to provide them with the support needed to run.”

One potential candidate — Randy English — said he plans to challenge State Rep. Mike Anthony for the S.C. House District 42 seat. English said he will make a formal announcement later this week.

Fowler said the party will hold a cookout on June 20 from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Shelter No. 2 in Foster Park. Several candidates for the Fourth Congressional District including incumbent Bob Inglis and at least two of his challengers — Andrew Smart and Trey Gowdy — will attend. The event is open to the public and Fowler encouraged people to attend and bring their families.

“We are a party of family values and this will be a family-oriented event,” Fowler said.