Welcome to South Carolina, the land the Dem's forgot. Well, okay, not really. It's not a secret that this historically entrenched red state often gets written off as going to the Republicans in terms of national seats and races.
Currently, out of the 6 congressional seats within South Carolina, only two are held by Democrats, Representative James Clyburn SC-06 and Jack Spratt SC-05. Both seats are expected to remain within Democratic control.
It's logical for the DNC not to put alot of effort into this state, given it's history and the seemingly losing battle that goes with the political races here for the Democrats. Of course, Mississippi showed us that anything is possible.
The climate is changing in South Carolina, slowly. The are grumblings of discontent are getting louder. During the 2006 elections many found themselves having been purged from the voters rolls (to include my husband). Shortly after scandal hit the Republican party with the Thomas Ravenel's drug charges. During the primaries, we've started watching a small tide of angry republicans starting to move towards the left and claiming they'll be voting Democrat.
In 2006, Representative Joe Wilson Republican, won the SC-02 congressionl seat by 60% of the vote. Under the Republican watch, maintaining the business as usual as Representative Wilson has done, his constituents has seen no end in sight to the war, despite the growing disapproval here in the state regarding it. The rise in gas prices and groceries, along with SC being hit hard with the mortgage crisis, could cost Wilson his base and open the door for his Democratic challenger.
Rob Miller, a decorated Iraq Veteran out of Beaufort, SC is challenging Joe Wilson for his seat. There's speculation, due to his ability to raise money, that he's a viable and one of the strongest Democratic challenger in recent history. His experience as a war veteran would give him credence in national defense and military issues. Wilson, a veteran himself, had appealled to voters in this regards.
Miller's platform is establishing an exit strategy to bring the troops home from Iraq, revitalizing the economy and working to bring back jobs to South Carolina, which, in May had report a 5.5 unemployment rate statewide. He also stands on working for improving access to healthcare, overturning the "No Child Left Behind" and improving the education.
Personally I don't know much about Rob Miller except what his site discusses his stance on the issues, though in the upcoming months I'll definitely know more.
We've seen a "miracle" in Mississippi, it's very possible we can see one in SC-02.