Clyburn likes his chances

Sixth District U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn figures his chances of remaining in the No. 3 leadership position in the U.S. House look as good as his odds of getting re-elected Nov. 4.

But for Clyburn to win re-election, he first must defeat Republican challenger Nancy Harrelson, a political newcomer from Marion who has little name recognition, virtually no campaign money (compared with about $1.3 million in Clyburn's war chest) and who puzzled political observers by turning down a chance to appear at a forum with Clyburn on statewide television Monday.

What Harrelson does have is a desire to travel the back roads of the 15 counties that make up the congressional district, including parts of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester, and to chat with as many voters as she can find. Also, she has opinions.

"I'm very disappointed in a lot of our politicians, Republicans and Democrats. I feel we have a lot of wusses up there scared to make a decision," she said. "I'm just sick to death of these politicians who think the only way to solve a problem is to throw money at it, and it's not their money."

Clyburn's strength as a candidate was demonstrated in 2006, when he thumped Republican Gary McLeod of Manning, winning almost 66 percent of the vote. University of South Carolina political science professor Blease Graham said one trusty rule of thumb is that whenever an incumbent gets at least 55 percent of the vote, "then it's the incumbent's seat to lose, and I don't see any meaningful probability that Representative Clyburn won't be re-elected."

When he began his eighth term in January 2007, the Democrats regained control and elected Clyburn as House Majority Whip, the third-highest ranking leadership post and the position responsible for figuring out which members will vote which way when important issues hit the floor. Clyburn said the last two years have changed his life.

"I've had to broaden my approach beyond the parochial interests I've always concerned myself with," he said. "My constituents seem to be aware of the importance of the position. I think that's the biggest surprise — and a very pleasant surprise."

Clyburn said his leadership position had paid off by his ability to make sure the Democrats' agenda remains inclusive and by making sure people come to meetings to advance that agenda. He has led Congress' Faith Working Group, and the group working to help communities hit by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

He also has helped promote making nuclear energy part of the nation's energy plan — an idea he supports enthusiastically but one that many of his Democratic colleagues are leery of.

When Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer talk to the TV cameras, Clyburn often can be seen standing nearby and making his comment once they are done.

Clyburn has had the luxury of spending recent weeks on the campaign trail — for other Democratic candidates, including presidential hopeful Barack Obama. He has stumped for House candidates in North Carolina, Florida, Michigan, Louisiana and Mississippi. He expects the Democrats will enlarge their majorities in both the House and Senate, a view widely held by other political observers. Clyburn said he will concentrate on his own re-election in the home stretch.

And he remains well-positioned to direct earmarks toward the state.

Clyburn noted the plans by Jafza International to build a massive warehouse and transportation hub, which could generate up to 10,000 jobs for Orangeburg County, took shape only after he helped establish the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency. That agency, which Clyburn helped create with an earmark, will serve the project that Clyburn called "one of the biggest game changers in the state of South Carolina."

Harrelson's platform — like other Republicans' — calls for ending earmarks, ending illegal immigration through better identification procedures and balancing the budget while cutting taxes.

State Republican Chairman Katon Dawson isn't ruling out Harrelson's chances, but he noted Clyburn's powerful position has given him an impressive financial edge. "I think she has as good a shot as anybody else," Dawson said.

Told that other political observers have all but counted her out, Harrelson said, "I'll talk to them on Nov. 5, and I'll tell them my secret."

JIM CLYBURN

PARTY: Democratic

BIRTHDAY: July 21, 1940

FAMILY: Married, three children.

EDUCATION: Graduated from Mather Academy; graduated from S.C. State University; attended the University of South Carolina School of Law.

OCCUPATION: 6th Congressional District Representative.

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: U.S. House (1993-present, serving as House Majority Whip from 2007-present).

SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME: I'm a pretty prolific Bible reader.

ONE SPECIFIC GOAL: My obsession is the I-95 corridor. That is one of the major arteries in our country, and to have the stretch in South Carolina the poorest, least educated, most unhealthy communities in our state, that's an abomination.

CONTACT INFORMATION: (phone, email address, Web site) 803-795-5165 or 1-888-JIM-0006; info@clyburnforcongress.com; clyburn.house.gov; clyburnforcongress.com/

NANCY HARRELSON

PARTY: Republican

BIRTHDAY: Jan. 18, 1954

FAMILY: Married, two children.

EDUCATION: Graduated from Marion High School, attended two years at Oklahoma Baptist Institute.

OCCUPATION: Construction management.

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: None.

SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME: All I've done is work since I was 6 years old.

ONE SPECIFIC GOAL: Pass the Fair Tax Act and get the government out of people's lives.

CONTACT INFORMATION: (phone, e-mail, Web site) : (843) 229-0800; nancy@nancyharrelson.com; nancy4congress.com.