Background
Theodore, Nick Andrew was born on September 16, 1928 in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. Son of Andrew John and Lula (Meros) Theodore.
Theodore, Nick Andrew was born on September 16, 1928 in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. Son of Andrew John and Lula (Meros) Theodore.
Theodore attended the University of Georgia and graduated in 1952 from Furman University with a Bachelor of Arts.
He was a State representative from 1963 to 1966 and 1970 to 1978, a South Carolina state senator from 1967 to 1968 and 1981 to 1986, and the 85th Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina from 1987 to 1995. He spent a total of 24 years serving in the South Carolina state legislature before being elected in 1986 to the office of Lieutenant Governor having beaten Republican Congressman Thomas F. Hartnett to the position. He served two full terms in that post under Republican Governor Carroll Campbell.
Ironically, it was fellow Greenville resident Campbell who, in 1978, had defeated Theodore in an election to the United States House of Representatives from South Carolina"s 4th congressional district, one of famed political strategist Lee Atwater"s first major triumphs.
At the conclusion of Campbell"s two terms in office, Theodore ran for Governor in 1994, defeating Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Junior. to secure the Democratic nomination. Theodore lost to Campbell"s protégé David Beasley, however, in the general election.
Four years later in 1998 he tried to regain his former post as Lieutenant Governor but lost in the general election to incumbent Bob Peeler (R).
In 2002, Theodore came out of a quasi-retirement to accept an interim appointment to the South Carolina Public Service Commission, ending in 2004.
Despite this history, and the differences in their political philosophies and party affiliations, Campbell and Theodore worked together quite effectively during their two terms in office, and remained friendly with each other.
Past co-director American Red Cross. Past co- chairman March of Dimes Campaign. Secretary St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1955-1957.
Chairman Commission on the Future of South Carolina, 1987-1989, Hazardous Waste Task Force, 1987-1988. Member Greenville Junior Chamber of Commerce (president 1957-1958).
Married Emilie Demosthenes, April 25, 1955. Children: Drew, Angela, Stephanie.