The messages at the Dorn-Derrick Dinner sounded consistent themes - the need for more Democrats to get involved with the political process - including voting - and to push for better - opportunities and serious infrastructure initiatives statewide.
The Aiken County Democratic Party held its annual dinner on Thursday, welcoming keynote speaker Bakari Sellers, a former state legislator and unsuccessful candidate for lieutenant governor last fall.
Now, he practices law every day. While Aiken County and others throughout the state "got drummed, the overarching theme will be hope," Sellers said during an interview.
He remains concerned that the numbers between Democrats and Republicans in South Carolina are not that far apart, but the Democrats stayed home during the November elections.
Beyond that, "I tell people not to complain about things they want to change and then send the same people to Columbia each year."
Dana Cozad and Doris Stephens received awards for their service to the community and the party. Cozad received the Richard Johnson Jr. Award, which he presented. She is one of the founding members of the Aiken County Democratic Party and has been involved in voter registration and programming.
Teresa Harper, the party vice chairwoman, presented the Elise O. Curtis Memorial Award to Stephens. A teacher for 41 years, she has volunteered for local, state and federal elections for many years.
S.C. Sen. Nikki Setzler, D-Lexington, acknowledged that Republicans have the majority in the S.C. House and Senate, "but we'll fight every day for hard-working South Carolinians."
He cited the need for a formal program on roads throughout the state. He also is determined to move forward on how to implement the S.C. Supreme Court's favorable ruling in a lawsuit that could bring about assistance for rural schools.
Setzler said he will co-chair a special committee that will explore those issues.
"It's not just about money," he said. "It's about the schools they're in, the infrastructure."
Harold Crawford, the county's Democratic Party chairman, reiterated that the local party must deal with the challenges in the community and those statewide by going to the voting booth, not by staying home.
"This is the message that needs to be said," Crawford said. "We need to look in the mirror ... It's not about registering new voters. It's about getting to those who are registered and don't come out."
The dinner is named after two former Congressmen - the late Butler Derrick and William Jennings Bryan Dorn.
Senior writer Rob Novit is the Aiken Standard's education reporter.