Republican candidates in South Carolina squared off Monday in a debate with just over a week to go before a special primary that will decide who appears on the November ballot to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, party officials and news reports said.
Graham, 71, died in early July from an aortic dissection after serving in the Senate since the early 2000s, according to news reports.
The debate offered the candidates a final public forum to present their positions ahead of the special primary, according to attendees and campaign officials. Candidates emphasized familiar themes of conservative policy and electability, attendees said.
The special primary is set for next week and the winner will advance as the Republican nominee for the November contest, according to state and party officials. Voters and party leaders will now focus on final turnout and messaging heading into the election.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
