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.

Brown to bow out?

Our favorite rocket scientist, U.S. Rep. Henry Brown, reportedly is thinking about NOT running for re-election to Congress this year. Seems like Brown, who will be eligible for his full federal pension after only six years of service, may want to retire from Congress.

We hear Brown quietly has asked some bigwig Lowcountry GOPers about the possibility of stepping down to run for State Treasurer, a race already in the sights of salivating S.C. Sen. Greg Ryberg, R-Aiken. Brown, who has almost $800,000 on hand in his federal campaign account, would be able to mount a formidable challenge, although few expect he has the base to be successful.

Would Brown be missed in Washington? Doubt it. He hasn't done much but take up space.