Eric Kleefeld June 9, 2010, 4:15 PM

The South Carolina Democratic Party has now called upon its new nominee for Senate, Alvin Greene, to withdraw from the race the day after he won the state primary.

Democrats have quickly become somewhat embarrassed by Greene’s upset win in the primary, due to the revelation that he was arrested last November for allegedly showing obscene Web photos to a university student. His mysterious candidacy began when Greene, who is unemployed and lives with his parents, showed up with a personal check for over $10,000 to register as a candidate. (He was then told that a personal check was not a proper method of payment — and quickly showed up a few hours later with a check from a campaign account.)

Greene raised no money and did not do any campaigning, but nevertheless defeated the state Dems’ favored candidate, former judge and ex-state legislator Vic Rawl, with 59% of the vote. State Dem chair Carol Fowler speculated that this could have been because his name was in the first position on the ballot. Incumbent Republican Sen. Jim DeMint was heavily favored to win re-election already, but Greene’s candidacy undoubtedly provides further trouble for Democrats in the state in their efforts to win other races.

“We are proud to have nominated a Democratic ticket this year that, with the apparent exception of Mr. Greene, reflects South Carolina’s values,” Fowler said in a press release. “Our candidates want to give this state a new beginning without the drama and irresponsibility of the past 8 years, and the charges against Mr. Greene indicate that he cannot contribute to that new beginning.”

Asked how Greene responded to Fowler’s request, Dem spokesperson Keiana Page said: “He didn’t respond directly. We hope he is giving it strong consideration.”

(Additional reporting by Justin Elliott.)

Late Update: Greene is staying in the race, declaring: “The people have spoken. We need to be pro-South Carolina, not anti-Greene.”

Alvin Greene, SC-SEN, Senate '10, South Carolina primary