During last year's South Carolina state Senate District 25 election, red and white signs were seen everywhere touting "Shake Things Up" and "Hard Work To Shake Up Columbia."

With the November election a few weeks off, I am proud to say that, indeed, Republican Sen. Shane Massey has been a refreshing voice in the long-overdue process of calling for change in the way government works and serves South Carolinians.

All throughout his campaign last year and up to the present, Shane has let it be known that you can call him on his cell phone. Unlike some entrenched elected officials in Columbia, he actually wants to hear from you. Imagine that!

He has also made himself accessible by publicly announced town hall meetings throughout the district.

At the start of the 2008 legislative session in Columbia, Shane was not content to sit on the back row and wait his turn to be heard by the Senate's leadership. Instead, he immediately gained the attention and praise of his colleagues by speaking up, sponsoring legislation and working tirelessly on issues important to us all.

During this time, it was not uncommon for him to go against senior committee members if the issue being debated was not in the best interest of the citizens in our district or throughout South Carolina.

I have known Shane for several years, and we have had many conversations on issues facing our state and our nation as a whole. He is morally grounded and is genuinely a caring person who is not in Columbia for partisan games. Regardless of party affiliation, he is only there to serve you.

Please join me in voting for a true modern-day statesman on Tuesday: Sen. Shane Massey.