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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A former executive director of the U.S. House Democratic Caucus wants to be the new director of the South Carolina Democratic Party.

Jamie Harrison announced Monday that he will run to replace Dick Harpootlian. State Democrats will choose their new leader at a convention in May. Harpootlian is not running again.

Harrison is currently a first vice chairman for the state Democratic Party.

Harrison says he thinks he has a strategy to help the Democrats win more seats in 2014. He says he also had a "46 counties" strategy to make sure party members all over the state get the training, technology and resources to win elections.

All nine statewide offices are up for election in 2014. All nine are currently occupied by Republicans.