SCDems News
Democrats gather in park to boost enthusiasm, raise funds
July 28, 2008
Whether it's excitement about the presidential race or a desire for new people in government, local Democrats are sure 2008 will be their year.
"There are a lot of Democrats who, in the past, felt they were in the minority. They have the confidence that we can win again," said Beverly Dore, chairman of the Beaufort County Democratic Party.
On Saturday hundreds of people came to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park for the Democrats' eighth annual fish fry and to meet some of the candidates who will be running for local office.
"It kind of rallies the troops around a common cause, which is to work hard during the upcoming election cycle," Dore said.
Earlier on Saturday, the Democratic Party celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters on Boundary Street. Despite the rain, more than 100 people came for the opening.
Candidates for offices from the U.S. Congress to County Council seats were optimistic about their chances in the upcoming election.
"I think we have a great chance," said Katherine Hatchett who is running for the District 9 County Council seat . "This is our year."
Kent Fletcher, who is running for State Senate District 46 against Republican Tom Davis, said 2008 will be a year where voters will be looking for change in Columbia.
"People are hard-working, patriotic and want to believe in candidates," Fletcher said. "There will be a change in what accountability is all about and there will be a change in getting the job done."
Despite his party affiliation, Fletcher said solving issues in the state will take Democrats and Republicans working together.
"We're all here together no matter what," he said. "It's the issues we fight, not each other."
Rob Miller is trying to unseat incumbent Republican Joe Wilson from his U.S. House of Representatives seat in Congressional District 2. Miller said he thinks voters will look more at candidates' positions than at which party they belong to.
"This is a district filled with South Carolinians worried about the future," he said. "I'm a Carolina Democrat. I'm a pro-gun Democrat and a pro-troops Democrat. We need to cut through partisan b.s. in Washington to find what everyone agrees on and move the country forward."
The Beaufort Gazette
