Democratic debate

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South Carolina Democrats may face continued struggles in a Republican-dominated state, but they're finding themselves to be an influential voice in presidential politics. The reason is simple: The state Democratic Party, copying the state GOP, moved its 2004 primary to Feb. 3 — the first in the South. Only Iowa and New Hampshire have earlier primaries.

That means that Democrats here have a unique opportunity to mold the agenda of the party's presidential nominee and a chance to influence Democratic voters elsewhere, particularly in later Southern primaries. A high-profile win here certainly will boost a candidate's chances in the dozen primaries that follow in March.

Not surprisingly, Democratic presidential hopefuls have visited the state frequently to drum up support and they'll continue to do so in the coming months. On Tuesday, Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., stopped by downtown Greenville to rally supporters.

Recently, the state Democratic Party announced another coup: a major Democratic presidential debate in the state on Jan. 29, 2004. The event will take place a mere five days before the primary here, when much attention will be focused on the election. Greenville is high on the list to be the site of the event. Earlier this year, on May 3, Columbia was the site of the first televised debate of the 2004 Democratic presidential primary.

Even as the majority of South Carolina voters overwhelmingly back George Bush, Democrats in the state are reveling in their new-found influence in Democratic presidential politics. All the attention and excitement may help reinvigorate a state party that has suffered considerable electoral losses in recent years.