WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. Hillary Clinton announced the support of several South Carolina Democrats Monday, the same day the New York senator made her first visit to the Palmetto State as a presidential candidate.

State representatives David J. Mack III of North Charleston and John Scott Jr. of Columbia, both former chairs of the Legislative Black Caucus, have thrown their support behind Clinton. In 2003, Mack was an early backer of former Gov. Howard Dean's presidential bid, while Scott endorsed Sen. Joe Lieberman.

"Hillary Clinton is the only one with the expertise and experience to move us out of crisis and into the future," Scott said

South Carolina's early 2008 primary makes the Palmetto State a crucial stopping ground on the road to the White House.

Several other South Carolina officials announced Monday they were backing Clinton as well:

Florence State Rep. Terry Alexander

Former Florence State Sen. Maggie Glover

Richland County Councilwoman Bernice G. Scott

Richland County Councilwoman Joyce Dickerson

Richland County School District One Commissioner Dwayne Smiling

-- CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney