The name of Inez Tenenbaum is among those being mentioned as the new leader of the National Democratic Party. But what might be good for the national party would be a death knell for Tenenbaum's political career in South Carolina.

We'd take odds that within a few years she'll be back on the S.C. campaign trail.

The fact is that Tenenbaum still has two years left in her term as state superintendent of education. Had she won her race for the U.S. Senate, Republican Gov. Mark Sanford would have had the power to appoint her replacement.

No question the state Democratic Party was willing to give up a state constitutional office in exchange for a U.S. Senate seat. But a party job in Washington isn't in the same league.

Further, leaving her elected state position for a national party post wouldn't exactly endear her to the voters if she were contemplating another statewide run.

Maybe she will make another try for superintendent of education, or even governor. Those who are looking for a replacement for Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe would do well to scratch Inez's name off their list.