Graham and Andrews take feud to debate stage

Sen. Darline Graham and Democratic nominee Annie Andrews brought their social media campaign sniping to Sunday night's debate in Columbia, South Carolina, their only debate before the general election.

The seat opened when Lindsey Graham died

Lindsey Graham, seeking his fifth Senate term, died suddenly in July. His sister Darline was appointed to serve out his term and won a special primary with President Donald Trump's endorsement.

The race has tightened unexpectedly

With a different Graham on the ballot, the race has seemed to tighten as Democrats hope to retake control of Congress while Trump's popularity remains low.

Andrews questions Graham's Trump alignment

Andrews said Graham, as the White House's ambassador to South Carolina, would not stand up to the Democratic Party when she disagreed, unlike Andrews herself.

Graham defends her use of family name

After Andrews criticized Graham for using her maiden name for political advantage, Graham said she had only used her husband's last name Nordone on a social media page, never on legal documents.

“My legal name is Graham, it has always been Graham.”

Andrews attacks Graham's national security knowledge

Andrews cited Graham's admission from a Republican runoff debate that national security is not her thing, comparing it to a surgeon saying appendectomies are not his thing.

“If your surgeon said that appendectomies aren't really his thing, would you still hand him a scalpel? No.”

Graham counters with honesty argument

Graham responded that she is glad to admit when she does not know something, and accused Andrews of deceiving South Carolina voters and flip-flopping on everything.

“At least I'm honest. If I don't know something, I am glad to say it.”

Early voting begins in three weeks

Two weeks of early voting in South Carolina starts October nineteenth. Three women are vying for the seat, and South Carolina is poised to elect its first woman to the U.S. Senate.