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Greenwood Index-Journal
March 3, 2003 - It would be hard to dispute
the fact the Democratic Party has had some rough going in recent
times. Democrats have suffered some influence-changing defeats
in South Carolina and all over the country. The fact that Republicans
captured the governor’s mansion and both houses of the
state Legislature leaves little doubt. The same goes for the
White House and Congress.
Many political analysts attribute the losses to a mean-spirited
approach to politicking and extreme and liberal positions taken
on many issues.
Some Democratic leaders, especially on the national level, have
proposed changes that would take the party even more to the
left. Along with that could well be a perception that moving
leftward would enhance the mean-spirited approach that has turned
off a lot of historically loyal party members. That approach
also has alienated voters who might otherwise vote for Democrats.
So along comes a candidate to succeed Dick Harpootlian as South
Carolina party chairman who wants to project a gentler image
for Democrats. Joe Erwin, Greenville advertising executive,
has received the endorsement of U. S. Senator Ernest Hollings,
who, for all practical purposes, is the titular head of the
party in the Palmetto State.
Erwin said, “We have to get back to being a party of ideals
people believe in.” It’s obvious the ideals it has
become famous for in recent times haven’t helped attract
winning numbers to the voting booth.
Politicking has gotten dirtier in recent times, and voters have
become disenchanted enough to make Democrats and Republicans
step back and survey their own situations.
If recent elections are any indication, the Republicans have
won that battle.
While national Democrats cling to the same old policies and
“ideals,” Erwin offers exactly what’s needed.
If he can pull it off, politics in South Carolina will be a
lot less mean and nasty and a lot more enjoyable. It wouldn’t
hurt if Republicans kept pace and kept politics on the higher
plane. However, they seemed to sense that quicker than many
Democrats. It’s never too late, though, and apparently
Erwin knows that. He is only one man, but if his attitude prevails,
one man may be all it will take.
One thing is for sure. If both major parties clean up the political
atmosphere in South Carolina – and the nation –
a lot of voters will be happier…and maybe many who have
stopped voting will get back to being part of the process.
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