DeMint tops $380,000 for Senate bid

The Greenville News (GreenvilleOnline.com) ^ | April 6, 2003 | Dan Hoover

[JohnnyZ]

Greenville Congressman Jim DeMint said Friday he has raised "over $380,000" for his 2004 U.S. Senate race. The third-term Republican U.S. House member from Greenville released the overall figure after filing his first-quarter campaign finance report with the Federal Election Commission. The FEC will make reports, including donor lists, public on April 15.

[JohnnyZ]

Not really that much money for DeMint. Still, it's almost as much as he raised in the 2001-02 campaign cycle, and he hasn't had his campaign committee up for very long.

DeMint will probably get a lot of support from his CD, but Condon is high-profile in the state and can raise money nationally.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Since Condon is out of office, he can also similarly devote more time than DeMint to fundraising, too. While it's perfectly fine to see Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint as the two Senators, I'd like to see at least one colorful Senator from South Carolina (and Condon would fit the bill).

[Kuksool]

Charlie Condon could be the next Jesse Helms. He is a principled conservative. Condon did what attorney generals were supposed to do, enforce the law. A lot of RAT attorney generals would rather shake down Microsoft, Big Tobacco, Big Oil, gun shows, and other businesses than enforce the law. RAT attorney generals uphold the law only when it is convenient for them.

As much as I like Condon, I think we should back DeMint. The 2002 election showed that the GOP did best when GOP members of the US House ran for higher office. Lindsey Graham, Saxby Chambliss, Mark Sanford, and Bob Riley are perfect examples.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Yeah, you're probably right. Safe and non-controversial is better for us, though I think we need a few "characters" to give the "jurnt" some atmosphere (and to give the 'Rats heartburn). I was backing Condon for Governor, but he just got lost in the mess of Republicans running.

[JohnnyZ]

Lindsey Graham, Saxby Chambliss, Mark Sanford, and Bob Riley are perfect examples.

Oh, so Riley got elected finally, did he? (j/k)

YOU'RE NEXT, RONNIE!

[republicanwizard]

I don't like Condon that much. Polls showed that he would have easily lost to Hodges.

Republicans need to rally around DeMint. A primary is a good thing though. I do think that the primary and the runoff made Sanford a much better contender, as it tested him and made his well-known statewide.

[nospinzone]

The more I hear, the more it sounds like Hollings is going to throw in the towel. I think this seat is going to fall in our lap.