Republican Sen. Darline Graham and Democratic challenger Annie Andrews argued over party loyalty during a South Carolina Senate debate Sunday. Libertarian candidate Kasie Whitener also took part, according to the report.
Graham said she was concerned about what she described as “socialist Democrats” and argued Andrews would not break with her party. Andrews rejected that characterization, saying she would stand up to Democrats when necessary and put South Carolina first. She also accused Graham of acting as an intermediary for the White House rather than independently representing the state.
The candidates exchanged remarks about Graham’s name. Andrews said Graham had changed it, while Graham responded that Graham was her legal name and had remained so after she was orphaned as a child.
The source says Graham was appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to serve the balance of her late brother’s Senate term. President Donald Trump is backing her campaign for a full six-year term.
The report provides the candidates’ debate remarks but does not independently substantiate their competing political characterizations. The debate took place Sunday; the source does not establish that it was a new development within the 24 hours before the reference time.
