Joe Biden Scheduled to Speak in Columbia

Democrats in South Carolina got a jolt of energy on Saturday when Rep. Jim Clyburn (D – 6) confirmed that Vice President Joe Biden would attend the Democratic Party State Convention and Jefferson-Jackson Dinner on May 3. The events take place at the Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia.

Clyburn made the announcement at the party’s Issues Conference in West Ashley. He also said that President Barack Obama is likely to visit the state in 2013.

The timing of Biden’s appearance—just four days before the special election in the First Congressional District—immediately gave rise to speculation that he could campaign on behalf of Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch, but that was not confirmed.

Biden has not ruled out the possibility that he could seek the presidency in 2016 and an appearance in South Carolina could lay the groundwork for just such a bid.

Another potential 2016 candidate, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, appeared at the Democrats’ Issues Conference on Sunday.

O’Malley is the Finance Chair for the Democratic Governor’s Association and he spoke mostly about the looming rematch next year in the race for governor between Gov. Nikki Haley and Sen. Vincent Sheheen.

But O’Malley did take time in his remarks to promote the candidacy of Colbert Busch.

“We are incredibly gratified to have Gov. O’Malley’s support and enthusiasm for our commitment to creating jobs and expanding opportunities here in the 1^st District, “ the Colbert Busch campaign said in a statement.

Clyburn, who as emerged as one of Colbert Busch’s most vocal supporters, put it plainly to the attendees of Saturday’s conference. He said he gave the maximum contribution to Colbert Busch primary and plans to do so again for the general election.

“We need to make whatever sacrifices are necessary with our time and money to get Elizabeth Colbert Busch elected to Congress,” Clyburn said.

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