Dick Harpootlian backs Bernie Sanders in SC Democratic presidential primary

A former Obama booster and flame-throwing S.C. Democratic Party chairman is backing Bernie Sanders.

Columbia attorney Dick Harpootlian endorsed Sanders Wednesday, the day the Vermont U.S. senator and Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton participated in a town hall forum in New Hampshire.

Harpootlian said he decided to endorse Sanders after speaking to the senator who reminded him of Barack Obama.

“After talking to Bernie Sanders, I had that same feeling, that this guy is an inspirational figure and about changing the direction of this country,” Harpootlian said, noting that in 2007, he had planned to back Clinton until he met Obama.

In this presidential cycle, Harpootlian wanted Vice President Joe Biden to seek the nomination.

Last year, Harpootlian said that he did not expect to back any candidates because none excited him. He also said at the time that Clinton – who he has been critical of, accusing her of lacking authenticity – would win the nomination.

On Thursday, Harpootlian said Sanders closing a double-digit gap, effectively tying Clinton in Iowa, shows “she’s not resonating. She's not an inspirational figure.”

Harpootlian – who, according to USA Today, collected more than $500,000 for Obama’s re-election bid – said he would donate the maximum amount to Sanders’ campaign and help him raise money and support.

“I believe strongly that he will be a great president. I will do whatever they ask me to do.”

The endorsement comes as Clinton’s campaign has been turning up get-out-the-vote efforts and sending high-powered surrogates to the state to campaign for her.

President Bill Clinton stumped for his wife at the historically black Allen University on Wednesday. Chelsea Clinton will campaign in the Palmetto State this weekend.

Clinton also has secured several high profile endorsements from S.C. Democratic leaders, including former S.C. governors Jim Hodges and Dick Riley and former Obama administration official and state schools chief Inez Tenenbaum.

Harpootlian said Clinton’s campaign “machine” will be tough to beat. “If you believe in endorsement politics, it will be difficult,” but, he added, Obama also surprised people in 2008.

"If we're going to turn the page, Bernie Sanders is the candidate, not Hillary Clinton,” he said.

This story was originally published February 4, 2016 at 11:58 AM with the headline "Dick Harpootlian backs Bernie Sanders in SC Democratic presidential primary."