Bob Peeler was a Democrat, Ronald Reagan was president and Tip O'Neil was ruling the House of Representatives.

That was the political environment more than 25 years ago when Gayle Phillips was elected as the Cherokee County Democrat Party chairman.

She resigned Wednesday, citing time constraints of her job.

"I just don't have the time that it needs to do a good job," Phillips said. "My job keeps me on the road and I just don't have the time anymore."

Known for her quick smile and colorful red, white and blue striped dress, Phillips said she intends to remain an active member of her beloved Democratic Party.

"I'm not leaving the Democratic Party," she said.

Phillips said the highlight of her tenure was her attendance at her party's national conventions in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Phillips has been replaced by Olin Huffman, a former school district employee and Cherokee County Election Commission member.

A blunt Phillips admitted the local Democrat Party has lost some of its clout.

"Back then, the county was predominantly Democrat," she said. "If a Democrat ran, he would win. It's not like that now."

Phillips said the challenge for Huffman and the other local Democrat Party officials is to increase membership.

"Olin has the time and expertise to get that done," she said. "He'll be very active in getting things established. I know he'll do a good job."