CHARLESTON — Former Gov. Jim Hodges has been contacted in recent weeks about seeking the Democratic national chairmanship and says he is considering the possibility.

“I’ve had some phone calls from former colleagues,” said Hodges, who was elected in 1998 and served one term as governor. “But I’m pleased with what I’m doing now. I haven’t decided yet.”

Two other South Carolinians — state party chairman Joe Erwin and education Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum — also have been mentioned as potential candidates for the job.

Hodges runs a business consulting firm. His is one of numerous names that have surfaced in discussions about a possible successor to Terry McAuliffe, who is not seeking another term. The 400-plus members of the Democratic National Committee meet in February to choose a new chairman.

Hodges said he will consider the possibility and decide in the next few weeks. “Certainly we need someone strong who brings (the thinking of) the South and the Midwest to the position,” Hodges said.

As to those who called, “I can’t quantify their interest or my interest” at this point, he said.

Hodges added some Democrats feel the party needs less of a Washington focus.

Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack has told Democratic leaders he may seek the position, and former Democratic presidential hopeful Howard Dean already has been seeking support among the committee members.

Others mentioned include Harold Ickes, adviser to former President Clinton; former Gov. Roy Barnes of Georgia; former Housing Secretary Henry Cisneros; Simon Rosenberg, founder and president of the centrist New Democrat Network; Gov. Mark Warner of Virginia; and California party chairman Art Torres.