Youth (age 21) Challenges Oldest S.C. House Member (in Democratic primary)

[deadparrot]

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The oldest member of the state House of Representatives is facing a challenge from a 21-year-old looking to become the body's youngest member.

Bakari Sellers announced his candidacy Saturday, less than two weeks after his birthday. His opponent in the Democratic primary next June will be Rep. Thomas Rhoad, an 82-year-old lawmaker seeking his 13th term in office.

Sellers, whose father became an icon of the civil rights movement in South Carolina, wasn't even born when Rhoad was first elected to the Statehouse in 1982.

"I have nothing against him, but I definitely think it's time for a change," said Sellers, a law student.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051002/ap_on_el_st_lo/young_challenger

[bluestateguy]

1. I'm no South Carolinian

but I'll just say this: this is how Democrats build a party for the future in the South: recruitment of bright, energetic young candidates to district and local offices. Then they become congresspersons, senators and governors, and so on.

[napi21]

2. Does SC law allow someone that yourg to run?

I lived in SC for 6 years, but I don't remember this ever being discussed. I can only hope Sellers has a chance. I can only tell you, with a name like Bakari, he's not going to have much of a chance there. I'm just being honest here.

[ncrainbowgrrl]

3. Yes- according to that article, anyway.

"State law sets 21 as the minimum age for a House member"

[Toots]

4. I say good

If a few more Dinos get some Primary competition they may realize just who their base truly is.

[loudsue]

5. It's a start! We need to replace a helluva lot of Dems currently

holding office. We need candidates running at every level of government, and candidates that can bring up the IMPORTANT talking points. I'm SO SICK of the crop of dems currently shuffling around doing nothing.

The Dems we need to keep are the ones who are passionate about the PEOPLE of this country, and don't give in to the corportate demands that hurt our people.

:kick: