Party's leaders bullish on future

South Carolina's Democratic primary kept John Edwards' presidential hopes alive, but local political insiders believe it did nothing to slow the momentum of frontrunner John Kerry.

"(Edwards) did what he needed to do, but so did Kerry," said Ron Romine, a USC Spartanburg political scientist and Democratic activist.

Edwards was the winner in South Carolina, gaining 45 percent of the vote. Kerry ran second with 30 percent.

While Edwards keyed on the state in the last week, Kerry made only two visits since the New Hampshire primary, spending more time -- and successfully picking up support -- in Tuesday's other primary states.

Edwards spokeswoman Jenni Engebretsen declared Edwards' victory was proof he can win in states with a mix of rural communities and predominantly African-American precincts.

The results in Spartanburg County reveal that Engebretsen's analysis may be partly -- but not entirely -- correct.

Edwards won big in numerous rural and suburban precincts. He outpaced Kerry 208-80 in Boiling Springs, 34-19 in Cross Anchor and 142-66 in Reidville.

But in precincts with large African-American and Hispanic populations, the gap was much closer.

At C.C. Woodson Recreation Center, Kerry ran close, losing only 85-78. In the Una precinct, Kerry won, 22-14.

Statewide, Kerry beat out Edwards for the black vote.

Holly Armstrong, a spokeswoman with the Kerry campaign, touted his strong showing among minority voters in South Carolina and beyond as proof of his "broad base of support."

"I thought the vote for Kerry was quite remarkable," said Romine, adding that his strong run in the state undermines the notion that Kerry cannot win in the South.

Romine believes the endorsement of Rep. James Clyburn, the state's only black Congressman, boosted Kerry's standing among black voters. But he added that Kerry's success is in line with the Democratic trend in other states to settle on "the best candidate against Bush."

That's why Spartanburg City Councilwoman Linda Dogan believes the Rev. Al Sharpton didn't fare better in South Carolina.

Dogan said she believes Sharpton has raised awareness of important issues and had a positive effect on the race, but noted, "He was not going in there to win."

Dogan supported Edwards and was encouraged by his overall showing. "He had people like myself working with him, and he has the ability to communicate not just with the rich, but with the average person."

As the campaigns head into other states, state and local Democrats are hoping the primary benefits their party beyond 2004.

The Spartanburg County Democratic Party failed to challenge the Republicans in any local races two years ago, but party chairman Albert Smith believes things are headed in a more positive direction.

"We had better turnout than we expected in some heavily Republican precincts. People used to be ashamed to admit they were Democrats," he said. "I think that veil has lifted."

Romine added: "Aside from (the primary turnout), the preparation gives us a strong leg up for precinct meetings and for the county convention. Democrats are excited in Spartanburg right now."

Baker Maultsby can be reached at 562-7425 or baker.maultsby@shj.com.

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