COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Rock Hill Democrat Chad McGowan has formally launched his U.S. Senate bid to defeat Republican Sen. Jim DeMint.
McGowan said Monday he'll work full time on the race, taking a break from his law firm.
DeMint has nearly $3 million in cash on hand in his bid for a second term. McGowan said he'll raise whatever money is needed to challenge DeMint.
DeMint has become a prime target for Democrats as he's raised his national profile on issues that include immigration and health care system overhauls.
This summer he rallied GOP opposition to President Barack Obama's health care agenda by saying a Republican-driven defeat would become Obama's Waterloo.
McGowan is Clemson University and Emory Law School graduate. He is married and has three children.
(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)