The major political parties in South Carolina held their biannual conventions in Columbia on Saturday.
The most significant outcome was the election of Jaime Harrison as the Chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party. Harrison becomes the first African-American to lead a party in the state.
Despite the fact that it holds all but one of the seats in the Congressional delegation and all of the constitutional offices, the Republicans gathering was decidedly more contentious.
In the weeks leading up to the convention, a rift developed within the party against Chad Connelly, who was running again for state chair. The opposition to Connelly was centered in the Upstate and among some liberty activists. Critics of Connelly pointed to the fact that the party had fallen into debt and been forced to take out another mortgage on the headquarters in Columbia.
Connelly's supporters noted the record turnout in the Presidential Primary last year as well as the strong performance electorally and in the area of fundraising.
The critics proved to be a distinct minority as Connelly was easily re-elected with 76 percent of the vote among delegates.
Prior to the voting, Gov. Nikki Haley and Sen. Lindsey Graham spoke to the delegates.
Haley, who is expected to make her re-election campaign official in the summer, detailed the economic successes of her administration as well as victories in Voter ID, tort reform and the fight against labor unions.
Graham discussed immigration reform, national security and gun control. Addressing his often vocal critics said,” The only thing I'm good at is being me. I will tell you the truth as I see it."
Graham also implored the delegates to continue to reach out to minorities and young voters, which was a recurring theme throughout the day among the many speakers. Tied to that theme was the belief that the party could execute the outreach without betraying its principals.
The other officers elected on Saturday:
SC Democratic Party:
1st Vice Chair: Kaye Koonce
2nd Vice Chair: Melissa Watson
3rd Vice Chair: Tyler Jones
SC Republican Party:
1st Vice Chair: Lin Bennett
2nd Vice Chair: Ese Epko
3rd Vice Chair: Allen Lollis
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