Hodges, who won the Democratic Party's primary in June, is campaigning against Republican primary winner Jennifer Bailey for the seat left open by the April death of Lloyd, D-Walterboro. The special election for the seat will be held Aug. 16.
District 121 comprises more than 14,000 registered voters in Beaufort and Colleton counties, with 62 percent in northern Beaufort County, including Yemassee and Sheldon, part of Burton, all of Pigeon Point and downtown Beaufort north of North Street and west of Charles Street.
Clyburn, a South Carolina Democratic who represents the 6th Congressional District that includes Colleton County, told a crowd of more than 70 Hodges supporters gathered at Canaan Baptist Church that tides have turned against Democrats because of voter turnout.
"We Democrats took things for granted and stayed home," he said. "And when Democrats stayed home, bad things happen."
Both Hodges and Clyburn noted the potential the region has in promoting its history as a vehicle for tourism.
"That can be an economic engine," Hodges said.
A 2004 study by the Regional Beaufort Chamber of Commerce noted tourists traveling to the region for its history stay longer and spend more money than others who travel to the area.
Hodges also took the opportunity to thank Clyburn for supporting a $10 million earmark for widening U.S. 17 included in the federal highway bill approved by Congress last month. But Hodges noted more fundraising for the up to $200 million project is needed in Washington and Columbia.
"Two hundred million dollars is a lot and we're just beginning," he said.
State House Minority Leader Harry Ott, D-Calhoun, said the legislature will continue to wrangle over education funding, health care, economic development and property taxes.
"I need some help in Columbia," he said.
