Brown picks up Democratic challenger

Looks like the area's favorite brain surgeon, U.S. Rep. Henry Brown, has picked up November opposition.

Seems that on Tuesday, Jan. 31, Charleston real estate investor Randy Maatta will announce his candidacy. Maatta, a former accountant with the Federal Communications Commission and State Department, is running as "new Democrat," which he describes as fiscally conservative and socially moderate (which is what Democrat Andy Brack did in 2000 when he lost to Brown).

Says the Myrtle Beach Sun News: "Democratic candidate Randy Maata's challenge to Brown, announced this week, is welcome because 1st District voters haven't had a credible choice for the seat since Brown won the office in 2000." (NOTE TO THE SUN NEWS: Learn how to spell the guy's name.)

• More: Maatta for Congress.

Intersting fun fact: Maatta started his career at Piggly Wiggly, the same company where Brown worked for decades.

Up next: Look for the announcement soon from a Republican businessman against Brown in the primary.