GREENVILLE — The state’s Republican and Democratic parties have quite different financial pictures, with the GOP flush with cash and the Democrats in debt, according to Federal Election Commission reports.

“I can’t sugarcoat it,” said Joe Erwin, state Democratic chairman. “We are in a less desirable position than the Republicans.”

The Democrats had $5,581 in available cash June 30 and $41,367 in debts after taking in $145,804 and spending $151,908 in the year’s first six months.

Republicans reported $290,706 in the bank and no debts. Their January-June receipts were $366,496 and expenditures totaled $265,148.

The GOP controls seven of nine state offices, including governor and lieutenant governor, the state House and Senate and both U.S. Senate and four of the six U.S. House seats. Experts say that majority status is a major factor in the financial disparity.

“Republicans have the dual advantage of dominating the statewide offices as well as traditionally enjoying strong support within the business community,” said John Simpkins, a Furman University political science professor.

“Incumbents usually have a fund-raising advantage, and most of the incumbents in the offices that matter in South Carolina are Republicans,” he said.