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Greenville News, by John Boyanoski
GREENVILLE, S.C., Feb. 27, 2003 - Saying the
Democratic Party has lost its way, Greenville advertising executive
Joe Erwin announced his candidacy Thursday for the chairmanship
of the state party and received the endorsement of U.S. Sen.
Ernest F. Hollings, D-S.C.
John Funderburk, a Hollings spokesman, said Erwin, 46, is the
person Hollings believes can restore the party in the state.
"As essentially the head of the party, he is very anxious to
see how it goes and thrives," Funderburk said. "We are a party
that really needs to be better represented through all groups
of people, and I think Joe Erwin is going to do a fantastic
job."
Erwin's competition is Margaret Feagin of Columbia, president
of the South Carolina Democratic Women's Council. Columbia's
Dick Harpootlian vacated the position following November losses
in the gubernatorial and several statewide races.
"We have to get back to being a party of ideals people believe
in," Erwin said during a press conference Thursday in downtown
Greenville.
The chairmanship will be decided on May 3 in Columbia by delegates
to the party's annual state convention.
Erwin is president and CEO of the Erwin-Penland Inc. advertising
agency, one of the state's largest. A native of Florence, he
grew up in Greenville and graduated from Clemson University.
He has been a delegate to the state Democratic Convention and
a volunteer on campaigns for Dick Riley, James Clyburn and Jimmy
Carter.
He is on the board of the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce,
assistant director of Palmetto Boys State, and on the board
of directors for the Historic Greenville Foundation.
When first approached about seeking the position he compared
it to being asked to captain the Titanic, but relented when
he saw he could make a difference, Erwin said Thursday. He saluted
the Republican party for being better organized and clear on
their goals.
However, he said the state needs a strong two-party system if
it is going to succeed.
"We are not complete as a state," he said.
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