News 12 at 6 o'clock / Tuesday, August 11, 2010

AUGUSTA---He lives with his father. He's unemployed. He's the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senator in South Carolina. We talked to Alvin Greene about how he got this far and to a local man who wants to challenge him.

Alvin Greene is an unemployed, honorably discharged military veteran.

"I'm someone that has experienced the failing system," he told us.

Brandon Brown is Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. Both men are looking to become U.S. Senator from South Carolina.

It won't be easy. In Greene's case...

"For cash on hand, zero dollars," we pointed out to Greene. "How do you run a campaign with zero dollars?"

"Who filed this?" Greene asked with a puzzled look.

Those numbers came from the Federal Election Commission. Candidates are required to file quarterly reports to disclose all of their receipts and disbursements. Greene's response and those numbers led us to question his ability to pay the more than $10,000 qualifying fee.

"I saved it," replied Greene. "About 3 years ago...2 years ago."

He now has three months to stage a serious campaign against well-funded Republican incumbent Jim Demint--and possibly Brandon Brown, who raises money for a living.

"How are you going to get your message out?" we asked Greene.

"If all you're going to talk about is money," replied Greene as he removed his microphone, "this [interview] is over."

"What has happened in Washington D.C. where our sitting U.S. Senator has allowed this former veteran to come home and not be able to find a job?" asked Brown.

Brown says Greene's story inspired him to consider run.

"I'm a South Carolinian born and raised," said Brown. "It's tough when you see people in your state hurting."

Brown has launched a website and hopes his work for figures like Joe Biden will play well on the national scene. Brown served as State Deputy Political Director for then-Senator Joe Biden's presidential campaign in 2006.

Brown says he plans to run as an independent and caucus with the Democrats. If he wants to be listed on the ballot, he will have to secure 10,000 signatures. Brown can also run as a write-in candidate.