Hello Greenwood Democrats,

I was pleased to learn from First Vice Denise Waldrep that you had a very successful meeting earlier this month. I was not sleeping in. I had another engagement that I had not attended in years because our meeting times are the same.

I wanted to update you on some very important upcoming events. I am still working for this party about as hard as anyone can expect, and I do encourage you to hold on. Do not give way to negativity. Keep your eyes on the prize: November 2020. In order to make that a reality for Democrats, we must put in the work. I have taken the opportunity to make a presentation to County Council and attend Chamber meetings. For those who may not know, the Greenwood Democratic Party is now a member of the Chamber. As I told the Executive Committee, in order to keep up with what is going on in this town we must subscribe to the organization that makes it happen. In the past, we would always find out about events afterwards, when we saw them in the paper. This has changed with our membership. I was present when Sen. Nicholson received his honor of being inducted into the Chamber Hall of Fame. I was there when the firm looking for a Superintendent gave their presentation to the school board. I learned about these events from the Chamber site.

Most of you know Garrett McDaniel, South Carolina Congressional Democratic candidate for House Seat 14. We met him at our February meeting. I called a meeting with the Laurens County Chair along with some of our Executive Committee members and Garrett at Break on the Lake to find out how we could help him in his primary. Last Monday I met with the Laurens Democratic Party Chair along with Garrett McDaniel. Now that the Primary is over and the special election is just around the corner, I have asked Dr. Bob and his Committee (Search and Support) to meet with Garrett to work on issues that he mentioned needing help with and also look into finding a candidate for the recently vacated City Council seat. Please let Dr. Bob know of anyone you think would fit the bill.

I want to remind you that one of our largest fund raisers of the year, Fish and Dogs, is coming up the first weekend in May. Mr. Danny McCormack is the Committee Chair. Please call Danny if you would like to do some work. That is exactly what he and those on his committee have signed up for. If you would like to contribute to moving this party forward, this is one example of how you could do it. Please contact Danny or anyone on his committee for details. Remember, we cannot do any of this without all of us working together. Mr. Claude Wright will be assisting with his famous fish seasoning, which will keep you coming back again and again. Now we just need you to all get out and sell some tickets!

As you may know, the Carnell / Drummond Dinner, our fall event, is also just around the corner. We need a chair for the planning committee. Please be reminded that all funds collected from these events and during monthly meetings are set aside primarily to open a headquarters during the general election. The cost of the headquarters for the 2016 election, located in a storefront, was $700 a month. That does not include the cost of insurance, lights, telephone line, and cable to watch the results. Other spending information during the year can be obtained by contacting our treasurer, George Swindell.

I am truly excited about the upcoming Fish and Dogs and the chance to spend a beautiful summer day with you all.

Charles Lewis
GWCDP/Chair
2020 SC BLUE