Graham, Andrews trade attacks as South Carolina Senate race enters final six weeks

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - With just over six weeks until Election Day, South Carolina’s U.S. Senate candidates are intensifying their campaigns across the state while increasingly targeting one another on the campaign trail.

Republican incumbent Darline Graham spent Monday rallying supporters in the Midlands and Upstate, including a stop in Lexington where she was joined by Republican gubernatorial nominee Alan Wilson.

Wilson urged supporters to unite behind Graham, telling a crowd, “We need all of you to come together and unite behind Senator Darline Graham.”

Graham’s supporters said they believe she understands the concerns of everyday South Carolinians.

“I feel like she’s going to help us in the world of the average individual person,” West Columbia resident Jack Blondin said. “She’s down to earth.”

Meanwhile, Democratic challenger Annie Andrews spent the afternoon in Greenville rolling out what she called a taxpayer pledge, outlining plans to reduce government waste, eliminate abuse and address the nation’s growing debt.

“Let’s be very clear, both political parties got us here,” Andrews said. “Democrats spend billions on programs without asking whether or not they’re working. Republicans spend billions on endless wars and handouts to big corporations.”

The campaign appearances also served as another opportunity for both candidates to draw contrasts with one another.

Graham continued to characterize Andrews as a radical liberal candidate whose views are out of step with South Carolina voters.

“She’s one of the most radical people that has ever been the nominee for a statewide office in South Carolina,” Graham said. “That should be very concerning to everyone in this room.”

Andrews fired back, arguing Graham has not earned the Senate seat on her own merits and is relying on her family’s political name recognition.

“This Senate seat does not belong to one family,” Andrews said.

Later, Andrews added that Graham is “a historically weak candidate” who is “unprepared, unqualified and unserious,” while arguing her own campaign is positioned to exceed expectations in November.

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