WASHINGTON _ Joe Biden's South Carolina supporters aren't waiting for him to make up his mind.
A cadre of allies that one Democratic consultant in the state described as Biden's "South Carolina brain trust" is working to build a campaign-in-waiting for the former vice president, who continues to edge toward a 2020 White House bid but hasn't yet committed.
In this crucial early primary state, Biden's associates are moving to lock down local support, asking state lawmakers, community leaders and other influential figures to be patient even as other campaigns begin organizing.
