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Charleston
Post-Courier, by Schuyler Kropf
Feb. 28, 2003 - A second candidate for chairman
of the S.C. Democratic Party has entered the race, and he comes
heavily armed with the backing of U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings.
Greenville advertising executive Joe Erwin announced his bid
Thursday to succeed Dick Harpootlian, who is stepping down after
five years.
Party activist Margaret Feagin, president of the South Carolina
Democratic Women's Council, announced her bid two weeks ago.
The election will take place at the May 3 state convention in
Columbia.
Erwin is considered a favorite. Hollings and Charleston County
party Chairwoman Diane Aghapour are behind his bid.
Erwin conceded Democrats face a number of rebuilding challenges
after November's losses. "It was a thumping, to be sure," he
said. "We need to get organized just as the Republicans have."
Erwin said he would stress building party operations. "We don't
communicate internally enough as a party. We're not getting
our message out in a compelling way."
Erwin, 46, is president and CEO of the Erwin-Penland advertising
agency, one of the largest in the state. The firm was a bidder
for the S.C. Education Lottery's marketing contract, but lost
in a three-way race.
He started his career in politics in 1974 as a high school senior
when he supported Charles D. "Pug" Ravenel for governor. Other
Democrats he's helped include Hollings, former Gov. Dick Riley,
current 6th District Rep. Jim Clyburn, former Gov. Jim Hodges
and Education Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum.
Hollings prodded Erwin into pursuing the job. "Fritz said this
is about service, and we need you," Erwin said.
"(Hollings) generally believes he's the right person at the
right time for this job," said Hollings spokesman Andy Davis.
A key rebuilding target, Erwin said, is to rekindle interest
among young voters by visiting college campuses and getting
"Young Democrat" groups thinking about taking part in the state's
February 2004 presidential primary, the first in the South.
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