By The Associated Press
South Carolina Democrats launched their annual convention weekend insisting they can return to power in this GOP-dominated state.
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia told more than 600 Democrats on Friday that his state provides the model. Virginia Democrats there now hold every statewide constitutional office and both Senate seats.
Warner said the Democrats must use economic arguments to win over middle-class voters who have defected to Republicans or no longer vote. He also said the party must better defend President Barack Obama’s successes against constant GOP opposition and attacks.
State Democrats will hear on Saturday from presidential hopefuls including Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley. Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton isn’t attending, but Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe will speak on her behalf.
