Posted on 06/22/2003 5:05:05 AM PDT by The Anti-Democrat
Fritz Hollings, it's time to quit playing games.
There are only so many ways you can continue to tell us that you're struggling to determine whether there's a seventh term in your future as a U.S. senator.
Your latest gimmick is real cute -- giving the state Democratic Party the green light to actively search for a viable successor to replace you on the ballot in 2004, and your suggestion that if that effort fails, you might entertain us with another re-election bid.
Why don't you just be up front and tell us what you already know? You don't want to run again. The fire is not there any more.
With your blessing, state party chairman Joe Erwin has begun the task of recruiting a replacement candidate.
Because you were so clear with him -- he says you advised him to be assertive -- Erwin feels compelled to come up with a candidate. He promises to get back with you soon to let you know where he is in the process.
Whatever, the chairman hopes by then to have located a candidate or candidates willing to run and capable of winning.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee recently commissioned a poll to help in the candidate search and to measure your chances should you decide to risk another race.
That survey sent out mixed signals.
It shows both you and state Superintendent of Education Inez Tenenbaum leading the likely Republican nominee, U.S. Rep. Jim DeMint of Greenville. You had 43 percent of the vote to 38 percent for DeMint. Tenenbaum did slightly better, winning 45 percent to DeMint's 33 percent.
But don't get too excited. The survey also showed that hardly anyone knows DeMint.
Not surprisingly, Senator, your negative ratings in that poll hovered around 40 percent -- the so-called danger zone. Most candidates lose when their negatives reach that level. But somehow you always manage to survive. You always do better on Election Day than six months out. You've shown that again and again.
Given the weakness of the Republican field, you can win in 2004. Consider the GOP candidates:
- Former Attorney General Charlie Condon -- Some Republicans say he's too right-wing.
- Thomas Ravenel, a 40-year-old commercial real estate developer -- He's loaded, but how often do you see a candidate write a personal check for his own campaign. Not often.
- Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride -- Who?
- DeMint -- A nice guy, but dull. He is rumored to be the choice of the White House, but President Bush's people deny it.
Tenenbaum, the most popular Democrat in the state and the party's biggest vote-getter in 2002, would be somebody you could step aside for, Senator. She would be a credible candidate. She's giving the race serious thought, but is not close to making up her mind.
Senator, at age 81, voters would certainly understand your reluctance to run -- especially in a state that is trending Republican and is even more so in presidential election years.
If it were just you vs. DeMint or Condon or any one of the GOP hopefuls, you'd win hands down. But you're also running against President Bush and, more each year, against the rising GOP tide in the state.
It seems you've already decided to call it quits after 50-plus years of public service.
Your friends are telling you not to run. Your wife, Peatsy, isn't thrilled about another race. They fear you might lose, and they want you to go out on top.
If you run and lose, that's all people will remember -- and you deserve better.
But, of course, it's not all about you, Senator. For the good of your party -- and your state -- make the call now.
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