Harpootlian speaks during the state Democratic convention on Saturday

Former South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Dick Harpootlian was elected to lead the organization again Saturday.

Harpootlian, a Columbia attorney who achieved national name-recognition during his first stint from 1998 to 2002, received slightly below 61 percent of the vote during the party’s convention. He finished ahead of Charleston political consultant Phil Noble (30 percent) and Marion County Democratic Party Chair Lee Jenkins (8 percent).

Harpootlian, well-known in South Carolina political circles for his sharp (and often controversial) tongue, immediately went on the attack after his election. He targeted Republicans who have controlled the state since 2002.

It’s been a total bust. So, it’s time for the people of South Carolina to wake up and say, “That Coca-Cola don’t taste so good, anymore. Maybe I ought to switch to Pepsi.”

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The Democratic Party will choose a new leader today, which will decide the tone the party will take in the upcoming elections. As Democrats are fighting for traction, two of the men who want to lead the party are waging a war of words.

Dick Harpootlian is known for his sharp tongue, perhaps too sharp says his opponent, Phil Noble. After the most recent statement and apology for calling certain legislators “retards.” Noble says the party cannot risk that kind of divisive speech.

Harpootlian has a retort to that. He says effective leaders speak in sharp terms, ones that are quotable, and he has gotten lots of press since he decided to run. Noble, who has tried to recreate the party, says he has a plan, not just talk.

Who will lead the Democratic Party? That will be decided today at the State Convention, held in Columbia. Stay tuned to SCRN to find out the outcome.