Condon plans to run for U.S. Senate seat [SC - Harrell won't]

The Sun News ^ | 4/4/2003 | from wire reports

[JohnnyZ]

Condon plans to run for U.S. Senate seat

The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee says he won't challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Ernest F. "Fritz" Hollings in 2004, but a fellow Lowcountry Republican says he will.

Rep. Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, said Wednesday that family concerns and his senior position on the powerful budget-writing committee led him to decide against a run for the U.S. Senate.

Harrell, who has served in the General Assembly since 1992, did not rule out seeking high office sometime later.

Former S.C. Attorney General Charlie Condon, however, said he expects to declare his candidacy officially this spring. "I'm headed that way, yes," Condon said Wednesday afternoon. "I've got to kick it into high gear and raise some money."

Condon is one of several Republicans looking to challenge Hollings next year.

Others considering a run include U.S. Rep. Jim DeMint of Greenville, Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride and Thomas Ravenel, son of state Sen. Arthur Ravenel Jr., R-Mount Pleasant.

Hollings has not confirmed that he will seek re-election in 2004.

[JohnnyZ]

Let's try to get some more of these articles into campaign central so they're all in one place, rather than wandering around General Interest.

Jim DeMint is the favorite going in, but Charlie Condon could give him a run for his money.

[JohnnyZ]

Senate 2004 ping

Also trying to get more election stuff onto Campaign Central

[No Dems 2004]

Thanks for keeping me posted. I think this is an excellent pickup opportunity!

[fieldmarshaldj]

That's a tough choice between the two. DeMint would be a solid Conservative (and non-controversial) choice, but Condon has style !

[Coop]

The latest rumors I've heard have the Democrats trying to recruit Strom Thurmond for the seat.

[fieldmarshaldj]

It's funny you should mention that. There was some talk that Strom Thurmond, Jr. (SC US Attorney) would be recruited by the GOP for the Senate seat, if he was elected in '04 and lived to be as old as pop, he could serve until about 2071. =8-0>

[LdSentinal]

Isn't Condon from Upstate along with DeMint? If so, the primary might be decided by the Downstate vote. Still, DeMint, I believe could finance a good amount of his own campaign.

[LdSentinal]

The article mentions that he was from the Lowcountry. I could have sworn he was from Upstate. My bad.

[zebrahead]

DeMint will probably be the nominee but I've seen Condon as well and he would be an excellent nominee as well. DeMint has two major things working in his favor that will probably make the difference. His close relationship with the White House and the fact that he is well-financed make him the man to beat at this point. I think Hollings is starting to see the writing on the wall and will wind up bowing out rather than be forced into retirement by finally losing an election.

[LdSentinal]

Peeler was from upstate and Sanford was from the lowcountry. I mixed up Peeler with Condon. My bad again.