The Democratic National Committee's decision to add South Carolina to one of the four early 2008 presidential primary slots will mean more visits from Democratic presidential nominees, more televised debates and more revenue for the state, according to Joe Erwin, the state's Democratic Party chairman.

"The DNC made the right decision," Erwin said.

The committee approved a recommendation from its rules committee Saturday that leaves Iowa in the lead of 2008 presidential politics with a Jan. 14 caucus.

But it added a Nevada caucus on Jan. 19, three days before the nation's first primary in New Hampshire. South Carolina's primary would come a week later on Jan. 29, according to The Associated Press.

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Erwin said adding Nevada and South Carolina to the list of early primaries showcases the country's diversity because the states have large minority populations.

"In South Carolina, as a presidential candidate, you're challenged to connect with more conservative Democratic voters and a large pool of African-American voters," Erwin said.

Erwin said a group has been working to bring the early primary to the state for two years.

"We've worked this like a full-time job," he said.

With the primary spot secured, Erwin said he'd like the state to hold two televised presidential debates; one next spring and another following the New Hampshire primary.

"Now, with this vote today (Saturday) in Chicago, the Democratic Party nationally is investing in the state," Erwin said. "That's good for South Carolina Democrats and good for democracy."