Aiken County Democratic Chairman Charles Staples (right) leads Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Inez Tenenbaum (center) through a rush of supporters at the Hotel Aiken. Mrs. Tenenbaum spoke to about 150 people during the stop. Ron Cockerille/Staff

Touring Tenenbaum stands up to critics

AIKEN - It isn't Labor Day yet, but the sparks already are flying in the general election campaign for U.S. Senate in South Carolina.

ADVERTISEMENT

Have a thought? Go to the Forums or Chat.

Subscribe  E-mail this story  Write a letter to the Editor  Printer-friendly version  Get news on your PDA  Get e-mail headlines

The Democratic nominee, state Education Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum, blitzed through Aiken on Wednesday as part of a statewide campaign sweep, taking several thinly veiled swipes at her Republican opponent during a crowded buy-your-own-lunch rally at the Hotel Aiken.

Mrs. Tenenbaum portrayed herself as the independent-minded politician South Carolinians traditionally favor, a counter to U.S. Rep. Jim DeMint's frequent reference to his close ties with the Bush administration.

"That's what South Carolinians want - someone who will represent South Carolina, who won't be a rubber stamp for any party and who will put a stop to all this bickering and partisan politics," she said in brief remarks to a crowd of more than 150 people. "We don't care what your label is. We care about where your heart is on helping education and children."

While Mrs. Tenenbaum was busy casting herself in the tradition of the late Strom Thurmond, the nation's longest-serving U.S. senator, and of U.S. Sen. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings, the Democrat she hopes to succeed, state Republicans blasted her for accepting a $1,000 contribution from actress and "well-known, ultra-liberal activist" Barbra Streisand.

In a statement, state GOP Chairman Katon Dawson tried to portray Mrs. Tenenbaum as a creature of the liberal politics of the national Democratic Party, noting that the abortion-rights group EMILY's List has raised $415,000 for her campaign.

"Now we discover her campaign is backed by one of the most far-out, ultra-liberal musicians of our time," Mr. Dawson said. "Tell me ... just how is this supposed to help her 'independent' campaign in South Carolina?"

In an interview with The Augusta Chronicle, Mrs. Tenenbaum brushed aside Mr. Dawson's attack and the ongoing attempt to portray her as being in lockstep with the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. John Kerry, of Massachusetts.

Regarding the campaign contribution from Ms. Streisand, Mrs. Tenenbaum said the actress "loves South Carolina because she made Prince of Tides here and her good friend Pat Conroy is supporting me." Ms. Streisand starred in the movie based on Mr. Conroy's book.

"This election is about South Carolina and South Carolinians," the candidate said.

Mrs. Tenenbaum, who said she would work to support Savannah River Site, blasted Mr. DeMint for not taking a tougher stand on trade agreements with China, whose rising imports have been blamed for job losses in American textile mills and other sectors of manufacturing.

"Jim DeMint never says anything about enforcing the trade agreements we already have in place," said Mrs. Tenenbaum, who has called for a moratorium on new trade pacts that cost American jobs. "We should open our markets and expand our exports overseas, but we shouldn't be a sucker for every free trade deal that comes down the pike."

Prominent Aiken County politicians in the luncheon crowd included state Sen. Tommy Moore and Aiken County Councilman Willar Hightower.

"South Carolina is ready for unity," Mr. Moore said.

"This business of trying to mimic Washington on raw partisanship isn't what South Carolina voters want," he said.

Reach Jim Nesbitt at (803) 648-1395, ext. 111, or jim.nesbitt@augustachronicle.com.

--From the Thursday, July 29, 2004 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle