Dems discuss presidential election, issues at Fish Fry

Democratic candidates in several races came out to meet the voters Thursday at the Aiken County Democratic Party's seventh annual Fish Fry.

"If you recall, it wasn't too long ago, only a year ago, that we all worked together and elected President Barack Obama," said John Brecht, president of the Aiken County Democratic Party. "We worked very, very hard, and I can only hope in the future we continue that effort."

Catered by Sharon Holloway, members of the party munched on fresh fish while listening to speeches from Jane Dyer, 3rd Congressional District candidate for the House of Representatives; Rob Miller, 2nd Congressional District candidate for the House of Representatives; U.S. Senate candidate Chad McGowan; and District 72 S.C. State Rep. James E. Smith, who spoke on behalf of gubernatorial candidate Vincent Sheheen.

"Basically, I am a worker, and that's why I am running. We've got a lot of problems for working people here in South Carolina," said Dyer, who detailed her history in the Air Force and as a commercial pilot. "I firmly believe with my experience and your support we can bring new jobs to South Carolina. I've done a lot of tough things, and it seems like Washington is becoming a very tough place."

Miller discussed his time in the U.S. Marines and how it has led him to a commitment to ensuring benefits for veterans.

"We made a sacred promise to take care of our veterans," Miller said. "For far too long my opponent (Rep. Joe Wilson) has been focused on his own interest and special interests. He voted to send jobs overseas, he voted against our schools, he voted against our veterans. I believe if you say you're going to do something, then you stand up and you do it."

McGowan, a last-minute addition to the program, had fighting words for his opponent, Sen. Jim DeMint.

"I'm a trial lawyer. I represent individuals in South Carolina against the biggest corporations and insurance companies in the country. People are true to their fundamental natures, and my nature is to represent individual people against powerful special interests," McGowan said. "One thing I do have in common with Jim DeMint, we've both taken millions from insurance companies. The difference is that they wanted to give them to DeMint."

In giving an overview of 2010 elections, Peggy Franklin called on Aiken Democrats to show the same energy they showed in campaigning for President Obama.

"Remember last year? We couldn't even get into our headquarters, so many people came out of the woodwork to elect Barack Obama. I want to see that again this year," she said. "Don't shy away from telling people you're a Democrat; let people know there are Democrats living in Aiken County."

Contact Suzanne Stone at sstone@aikenstandard.com.