SC Democrats — and voters who want to cast a Democratic ballot — will go to the polls starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday to pick the Democratic nominees for governor, U.S. and SC. House seats and local county council races.
Here are 12 things you should know about Tuesday's primary:
1. Who is running for the Democratic nomination for governor?
There are three candidates: Charleston consultant-businessman Phil Noble[1], state Rep. James Smith of Columbia[2] and Florence attorney Marguerite Willis[3].
2. Will there be a runoff?
Anyone's guess. Polling has been scarce, all over the map and — frankly, in some cases — not believable. If there is a runoff, Smith most likely will face Willis. Thus far, Smith, the anointed favorite, has been slow to catch fire. However, Smith could avoid a runoff on the strength of support from the political machine of U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn[4], D-Columbia, who has endorsed the longtime state representative.
3. What is the case for Smith?
Electability, an odd argument for a Democrat, who has not won the Governor's Mansion since 1998. However, Smith hopes to appeal to independents and some moderate Republicans by stressing his military service in Afghanistan[5] and his support for Second Amendment[6] rights, which Noble, in particular, has pounded him for[7]. Also, Smith says he will focus on improving the state's schools as governor and, anticipating that Republicans will maintain their majorities in the House and Senate, says he has a record of being able to work across party lines to get things done.
