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The State,
by Lee Bandy
Feb. 28, 2003 - Greenville businessman Joe
Erwin announced his candidacy for the South Carolina Democratic
Party chairmanship Thursday, promising a kinder, gentler approach.
"We need a return to grass-roots politics," he said. "We got
too infatuated with electronic media. That doesn't build a party."
Erwin would replace Dick Harpootlian, a Columbia lawyer and
political firebrand known for his combative style.
"It's time to change that facet of the party's image and bring
new ideas, new people into leadership," he said.
A new party chairman will be elected at the state Democratic
convention May 3.
Margaret Feagin, a member of the party's executive committee
from West Columbia, is the only other announced candidate.
"I must be out of my mind," Erwin laughed.
Actually, Erwin said he looks forward to the challenge. He promises,
if he is elected, he will use his business skills in helping
rebuild the party.
"We have lost our way in the pursuit of retail politics," he
said.
He doesn't look for any miracles, if elected.
"We're not going to become the majority party in the short term,"
Erwin said. "But we can be more competitive by offering quality
candidates and establishing a strong grass-roots organization."
"We've got a big challenge on our hands," Erwin said.
The chairman's election comes in the midst of the party's planning
for the biggest event in years: its first presidential primary
since 1992.
"We're not ready for it right now," he said.
The party's annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner will be held Friday,
May 2. A presidential debate will follow, the next night.
Erwin believes these events will go a long way toward rebuilding
the party and establishing a large voter base.
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