COLUMBIA, S.C. - Lachlan McIntosh, a veteran campaign worker, has been named the new executive director of the South Carolina Democratic Party.

McIntosh succeeds Nu Wexler, who resigned to pursue work in Washington, D.C.

McIntosh said he's "very excited" about the challenge to rebuild the party as it enters the 2006 election cycle. The Summerville native said he will focus on grassroots development and raising money to help the party be competitive next year.

McIntosh has held key positions in the campaigns of retired U.S. Sen. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings, 2004 presidential candidate John Edwards, former Gov. Jim Hodges and former Attorney General Travis Medlock. Most recently, McIntosh lost a state House seat to Republican Rep. George Bailey of St. George.