Former SC Dem chair: Party needs to plan for replacement nominee

While Hillary Clinton’s campaign is trying to quiet concerns about her health after Sunday’s public bout with pneumonia, one South Carolina member of the Democratic National Committee reportedly suggested party leaders seriously consider what to do if the nominee can’t finish the race.

“Now is the time for all good political leaders to come to the aid of their party,” Don Fowler is quoted as saying in a Politico article. “I think the plan should be developed by 6 o’clock this afternoon.”

Later Tuesday, a Wall Street Journal reporter said Fowler denied that statement.

Fowler, a longtime political consultant and University of South Carolina professor, is a long-time Clinton ally. He was the chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1995 to 1997 while Hillary Clinton’s husband Bill Clinton was in the White House.

In the Politico article, Fowler said he expects Clinton to make a full recovery after she was forced to leave a 9/11 memorial service early on Sunday and was captured on camera needing help to get into an SUV. But Fowler says Democrats shouldn’t wait until they have to name a new presidential nominee to spell out how the party can do so after this summer’s nominating convention.

“I’m sure some of the Sanders people would want to get into play and some of the Biden people,” Fowler said, referring to Clinton’s primary opponent, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Vice President Joe Biden. “I think you’re likely to have at least discussions and perhaps controversy.”

In the same Politico article, another prominent Democrat, former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, said any discussion about party rules should wait until after the election.

“There is absolutely no chance Hillary Clinton will withdraw from running for the presidency,” Rendell said.

This story was originally published September 13, 2016 at 2:30 PM with the headline "Former SC Dem chair: Party needs to plan for replacement nominee."