Democrats hold 'reunion' 100 days before election

SEANNA ADCOX

Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. - With 100 days to go until the November election, South Carolina Democrats are holding events statewide Saturday to recruit volunteers and show they're an organized force.

Democrats in a half dozen Palmetto State cities are holding "Democratic Reunion" events, ranging from a barbecue and stump speeches in Anderson to door-to-door voter greetings in Charleston.

The get-togethers are part of the national Democratic Party's organizing effort, dubbed "reunions," in hopes they become a yearly tradition. More than 800 events are planned nationwide, with some states holding more than 40, said Stacie Paxton, spokeswoman for the national party.

In South Carolina, where Republicans control the governor's office, the Legislature and all but two statewide offices, organizing Democratic events can be difficult.

"It's hard to get people out. It's hard to raise money," said Bernard Silverman, treasurer of the Horry County Democratic Party, which is having a "sweet and salty" snacks drop-in Saturday evening.

"A lot of people say, 'I didn't know there were any Democrats in Horry County.' I think some people don't want to be known as a Democrat," he said, recalling a meeting earlier this year when a woman whispered her party affiliation to him. "There are more Democrats moving in, but it's been hard to get them active."

He hopes the event brings out people who might not come to a rally or speech.

Anderson Democrats planned a barbecue for 200 people at the local farmer's market. County Chairman Stuart Sprague hopes the party atmosphere, complete with a bluegrass band, provides a fun way for Democrats to meet each other.

"The goal is to have a visible presence of Democrats in the county. We've been on the decline in visibility and influence over the years," Sprague said. "I feel there needs to be more balance."

Since he became chairman in March, he said, "I see people wanting to be identified as Democrats who were silent before."

Candidates slated to speak at the barbecue include lieutenant governor candidate Robert Barber, congressional candidate Lee Ballenger and agriculture commissioner candidate Emile DeFelice, who said the farmer's market location is ideal.

The candidates already spend their weekends meeting voters across the state. What's different about Saturday, DeFelice said, is that the Democrats are coming together.

"The Democratic Party acting in an organized, unified fashion is a nice thing to see," he said. "It's nice to realize I'm not out on my own on a whim. ... Democrats do as much as they can, which is not a lot compared to Republicans. It's a hostile climate. That's just the reality."

Scott Malyerck, executive director of the state GOP, said his party's success in South Carolina is due to constant planning and organization at the local level.

"The party has worked hard at the grass-roots level. It's something you can't do sporadically, periodically. It's something that has to be an ongoing effort, even in non-election years," he said.

Francis Marion University political scientist Neal Thigpen said Democrats "should be applauded for trying to get something together. One of the toughest things to do in politics is get people there, in both parties."

The state GOP has more money, more people and more events, he said.

"Let's face it, the Republicans are better at stuff like that," Thigpen said. But it's important Democrats hold events to keep people interested. "You've got to give Democrats some credit."

State Democratic Party Chairman Joe Erwin said voters will see more get-togethers in the future, as successful events inspire local organizers to do more. Last Saturday, U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts spoke in West Columbia. Next month, Spartanburg County Democrats will hold a rally.

He described the events as "a grass-roots momentum builder more than anything else."

"Things are changing," he said. "I've never seen such a passion among South Carolina Democrats to do something."