Jim Guth offers insights on SC Republican special primary

The sudden passing of South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham on July 11 heralded a crowded field of candidates for the Republican special primary set for Aug. 11. Furman University’s Jim Guth spoke with The Christian Science Monitor about Darline Graham Nordone, Graham’s sister who was appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster to serve out the late senator’s term. Despite being endorsed by President Donald Trump, Nordone may not have a lock on the seat, and the endorsement may work against her, according to Guth.

“Many GOP chairmanships in major South Carolina counties have been taken over by people who are “Trump cubed,” said Guth, the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Politics and International Affairs. “They’re so Trumpy, they’re not sure they trust Trump,” he added. The primary might well be a referendum on Trump himself, some said, amid the Iran War and soaring housing, grocery and gas prices.