Senator Giese decides to become a Democrat

[Catbird]

Party change leaves Republicans with no countywide officeholder
By ADAM BEAM and TIM FLACH
Staff Writers, The State, Columbia SC

Fifth Circuit Solicitor Barney Giese is leaving the Republican Party with which his family long has been identified.

Giese is running for re-election this fall as a Democrat after concluding frayed ties with local GOP leaders are beyond repair.

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Giese is the second local Republican officeholder to switch to the Democratic party since 2001, bucking a statewide trend as the GOP’s hold on South Carolina strengthens.

<snip>

The switch sends a message to moderates and conservatives, particularly those in law enforcement, that Democrats welcome them, he said.

Reach Beam at [phone] or [e-mail] Reach Flach at [phone] or [e-mail] .

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/13770298.htm

[styersc]

1. This is positive news.

I've bent elbows with Giese and always thought that his party affiliation was a shame. I guess the next time I have an opportunity I'll by a round.