Clarendon County will have not one but two representatives at national political conventions this summer.
Clarendon County GOP Chairman Moye Graham will attend the Republican National Convention from July 18-21 in Cleveland, Ohio, while Manning Mayor Julia Nelson will attend the Democratic National Convention from July 25-28 in Philadelphia.
This will be the third national convention for both Graham and Nelson with the Republican and Democratic parties, respectively.
Graham was chosen as a delegate from the 6th District on April 23 during the district’s convention at Manning High School. During the meeting, Graham declined to run for chairman of the district again.
Sandra Bryan was elected to the position of district chairwoman. Other officers elected during the convention included Cindy Risher as first vice-chairwoman; Ida Martin as second vice-chairwoman; Lynn Doster as secretary; John Matthews as sergeant at arms; and Drew McKissick as parliamentarian. Kay Maxwell was appointed treasurer.
Joining Graham from the 6th district as Republican delegates are Ida Martin of Williamsburg County and Karen Wyld of Jasper County. Alternates include Lori Beard of Colleton, Bob Barnwell of Richland and Chester Palmer of Orangeburg.
“Half of our delegation in Cleveland will be women,” Graham said.
Graham is hopeful to set a record for serving as a delegate from Clarendon County to the national convention, a record currently held by Gerald Bates, who attended four conventions from 1940-52.
“Mayor Julia Nelson is right there with me on the Democrat side, and she just got elected again for the third time in a row,” Graham said. “It’s pretty special for Clarendon County to be able to send two to the National Conventions of each major party.”
Graham will have company from his son, Sumter, who was elected as a national delegate in Columbia.
