Donald Fowler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Donald Fowler
Fowler in 1972
National Chair of the Democratic National Committee
In office January 21, 1995 – January 21, 1997 Serving with Chris Dodd (General Chair)
Preceded by	Debra DeLee (Chair)
Succeeded by	Steve Grossman
Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party
In office 1971–1980
Preceded by	Harry Lightsey
Succeeded by	William Dorn
Personal details
Born	(1935-09-12)September 12, 1935 Spartanburg, South Carolina, U.S.
Died	December 15, 2020(2020-12-15) (aged 85) Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouses	Septima Twyford Briggs Carol Fowler
Education	Wofford College (BA) University of Kentucky (MA, PhD)

Donald L. Fowler (September 12, 1935 – December 15, 2020) was an American political scientist and professor. He was also a political leader who worked for the Democratic Party. From 1995 to 1997, he was the National Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). During this time, Chris Dodd served alongside him as General Chairman.

Fowler was a professor and businessman from South Carolina. He spent most of his adult life working in different roles for the Democratic Party. These roles included being the state party's executive director and state party chair. He also served as the CEO for the 1988 Democratic National Convention in Atlanta.

Donald Fowler's Early Life and Education

Donald Fowler was born on September 12, 1935, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He went to Wofford College in Spartanburg and earned a degree in psychology in 1957. At Wofford, he was a star basketball player, and his jersey was retired. He was also the student body president.

For his advanced degrees, he studied at the University of Kentucky. He taught subjects like public administration and American politics. He taught at the University of South Carolina starting in 1964. He also taught at Wofford College and The Citadel. Fowler was a colonel in the United States Army Reserve and graduated from the U.S. Army War College. He retired from the army in 1987.

Donald Fowler's Early Political Work

Fowler was the chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party from 1971 to 1980. This was during the time when John C. West and Richard Riley were Democratic governors.

Before the 1984 Democratic National Convention, Fowler was chosen to lead the "Fairness Commission." This group was created to improve how presidential candidates are chosen. Fowler's commission made some important changes:

• It allowed "open primaries" in Wisconsin and Montana. This means voters could choose which party's primary to vote in.
• It lowered the percentage of votes a candidate needed to get delegates from 20% to 15%.
• It increased the number of special delegates, called superdelegates, from 568 in 1984 to 650 in 1988.

Fowler also served as the CEO for the 1988 Democratic National Convention in Atlanta. This meant he was in charge of organizing the big event where the party officially chooses its presidential candidate.

Leading the Democratic National Committee

Donald Fowler's time as National Chairman of the DNC included the 1996 presidential election. In this election, Bill Clinton ran against Bob Dole. As National Chairman, Fowler managed the daily operations of the party. Chris Dodd was the General Chairman and worked with Fowler as the public face of the party. These two co-chair positions were used several times between 1995 and 2001.

In 1996, a candidate named Lyndon LaRouche was trying to get the Democratic presidential nomination. Fowler decided that LaRouche did not truly represent the Democratic Party's values. He told state parties not to count votes for LaRouche. LaRouche tried to challenge this decision in court but lost his case.

Donald Fowler's Later Career

Fowler at the 2017 Democratic National Committee Winter Meeting

Fowler continued to be active in Democratic politics. He remained a member of the DNC. After the 2006 midterm elections, some people suggested removing Howard Dean as DNC chair. Fowler disagreed and sent an email to his fellow DNC members. He wrote that Dean's "50-state strategy" was exactly what the party needed. He pointed out that Democrats had won many victories in 2006, including control of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. He believed Dean deserved to continue as DNC Chair.

Fowler was also the Chairman of the Board for Fowler Communications, Inc. This company focused on public relations and government affairs.

Up until 2018, Fowler was a professor in the Political Science Department at the University of South Carolina. In 2014, the state legislature recognized him for teaching at USC for 50 years.

Donald Fowler's son, Donnie Fowler, also ran for DNC chair in 2005 but was not successful.

Personal Life and Passing

Donald Fowler had two children with his first wife, Septima Briggs, who passed away in 1997. In 2005, Fowler married Carol Khare. Carol had worked with him at the DNC and his communications company. Two years later, Carol Fowler became the chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party.

Donald Fowler passed away on December 15, 2020, at his home in Columbia, South Carolina. He was 85 years old. He died from leukemia, which was made worse by COVID-19.

See also

• Majority Action, a group that works on political issues