In South Carolina, Democrats try forgiving a candidate with abuse in his past
WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jim Clyburn is of two minds about Archie Parnell.
A Democrat running to represent South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District, Parnell beat his then-wife in 1973. But given his razor-thin defeat in a special election last year, he is resolved to keep campaigning.
Clyburn, a high-ranking Democratic member of Congress and South Carolina party kingmaker, says that’s a decision he can’t support.
Still, as a devout Christian and the son of a minister, “I do believe in redemption,” Clyburn told McClatchy. “I’ve always believed one can be redeemed.”
By staying in the race in spite of the 45-year-old incident, Parnell has created a complicated and fraught dynamic for fellow Democrats.
Read more: https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/congress/article216368385.html