Bernie Sanders to speak at S.C. Democratic convention

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont Independent, will speak at the S.C. Democratic Party’s convention Saturday.

The self-described socialist is considering running for the Democratic nomination for president in 2016. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced earlier this month that she is running.

"South Carolina Democrats are thrilled to be hosting Democratic Party leaders and potential presidential candidates from all over the country at our state convention, especially a progressive U.S. senator like Senator Sanders," said Jason Perkey, S.C. Democratic Party executive director.

Democrats will host several 2016 hopefuls or their surrogates for their two-day gathering in Columbia. U.S. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia on Friday night will deliver the keynote address at the Democratic Party’s Jefferson Jackson dinner.

Democrats also expect visits from former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a friend of Clinton’s, and David “Mudcat” Saunders, a friend of former U.S. Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia.

This story was originally published April 21, 2015 at 6:24 PM with the headline "Bernie Sanders to speak at S.C. Democratic convention."