GREENVILLE S.C., May 1, 2003 – The parade of prominent Democratic officials and leaders to support Joe Erwin for S.C. Democratic Party Chairman continued on Thursday as six former Democratic Party Chairmen gave Erwin another strong endorsement. Among those former Chairmen endorsing Erwin were Don Fowler, Frank Holleman, Crosby Lewis, Donald McElveen, Albert McAlister, and Ronald Maxwell.

Erwin said he was "truly overwhelmed and humbled" by all of the support he has received from party leaders as well as rank and file Democrats from all over the state. The Greenville Democrat said, however, the most recent endorsement was one of the most gratifying: "These are the folks who know the great challenge and responsibility this job presents. They know the hard work and dedication to do this job right, and they have met the challenge. For each of these former party chairs to give me such a public vote of confidence is really meaningful." Erwin added, that he expects that their advice and counsel will be "critical" in his efforts "to rebuild the party and return it to its former prominence."

These endorsements culminate a week in which Erwin was endorsed by House and Senate Democrats, State Treasurer Grady Patterson and Secretary of Education Inez Tennebaum as well as numerous current and past officers of the Democratic Women's Council. Erwin had already received endorsements of Congressmen Spratt and Clyburn as well as U.S. Senaotr Fritz Hollings. The Democratic State Convention will be held in Columbia this Saturday at which Democrats will elect their next party Chairman.

Erwin, 46, is president of Erwin-Penland, Inc., South Carolina's largest advertising and marketing firm.


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