The South Carolina Democratic Party has asked its U.S. Senate nominee, Alvin Greene, to withdraw from the race because he has a pending felony charge.

But the candidate says he won't budge.

Greene, 32, was arrested in November and charged with showing obscene Internet photos to a University of South Carolina student, according to the Associated Press. State Democratic Party chairwoman Carol Fowler said Greene does not represent the party’s values.

“Our candidates want to give this state a new beginning without the drama and irresponsibility of the past 8 years,” Fowler said in a statement, “and the charges against Mr. Greene indicate that he cannot contribute to that new beginning. I hope he will see the wisdom of leaving the race."

Greene, an unemployed veteran who lives near Manning, was a surprise winner over better-known and better-funded candidate Vic Rawl.

Greene told The Associated Press he's the people's choice and will not step aside.

– John O'Connor