I freely admit I don't know much about South Carolinian politics. I'm from Massachusetts, after all, and not as much as a politics geek as some people on this site. I don't know how he won - I doubt the operation chaos theory, 'cause SC had a competitive primary on the Republican side. Was it identity politics? The mother of all stealth campaigns? Or were people angry with Vic Rawls for being too establishment, too much of a career politician - I mean, he had held public office before. But I can say I've been greatly heartened by the story of Alvin Greene's victory.
Maybe it's a stupid investment, but I love the idea of an unemployed guy scrounging around for $10k in savings to drop on a primary race in the hopes of being elected senator and getting the state back to work.
If he isn't a plant, then yeah, he might be stupid, but he's also demonstrated an extreme commitment to public service that should impress anyone. Some patriots serve in the army - he did that, and then spent money he probably can't afford to lose to try and make his country - our country, a better place.
And honestly, I like that he won without campaigning, without spending any money but the filing fee. I think politics has become too much about campaigns and rallies and charisma, and not enough about ideas.
I don't know his full platform, 'cause he doesn't have a website. But I like what he's talked about: Jobs, jobs, education, cheap gas, and jobs - issues that matter not just to the poor and unemployed, but also to the middle class. "We have more unemployment now than any other time*, and we spend two times more on inmates than students." Maybe he's not right; I honestly don't know if either of these statements are true, and given the fact of the Great Depression I kind of doubt the first one. But still, more democrats could stand to learn from that example; unemployment in this country is sickeningly high, and I'd like to see a country where everyone who wanted to could find work.
Will he win? I don't know. If I were him, I would've put up a campaign website, or at least a blog. I would've worked the netroots. I might not have gone door-to-door, but I'm a 21-year-old student and even I'd do that much, even if I was just running for state or municipal office. But there's anti-incumbent sentiment, he's the ultimate underdog, and it doesn't get much more outsider than this.
I don't think he could beat Jim DeMint. But I didn't think he could beat Vic Rawls, either - no one did.
And I can say he's an inspiration for the little guy, for every average person who think they couldn't get a ballot line - after all, if he can win a primary, you might as well try yourself if you're old enough and interested in politics. And if he somehow can win a general, it'd be amazing.
Heck, I'd volunteer for his campaign. If I lived in South Carolina. And if he had one.
*http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20100609/NEWS/306090055/Jim-DeMint-to-face-Alvin-Greene-in-
U-S-Senate-race