Short, 56, who has criticized state spending for education, said she hopes the vote for her District 17 seat, which includes parts of four counties, means people are pleased with the work she's done.

The Chester homemaker won soundly in Chester, Fairfield and Union counties but lagged in York County, according to unofficial reports.

Graham, 41, who teaches business at Clinton Junior College and Shaw University, blamed low turnout. In Chester, fewer than 25 percent of the county's registered voters voted. "I'd had a lot of complaints but not enough people who wanted to do anything," he said.

Short was concerned with issues that directly affect the people in her district. She thinks the cigarette tax should be raised to provide a stable income for Medicaid and introduced the bill to provide tax incentives for developing vacant textile mills. During her next term, she would like to tackle the state's tax structure.

A 1984 graduate of Winthrop University, Short is the wife of Paul Short Jr., a circuit court judge recently elected to the state court of appeals. They have two grown daughters and three grandchildren.

Graham plans to run again

Graham, who served on the Chester City Council eight years, sought the seat to help regulate health care and to help more people to be homeowners.

While on the City Council, he was mayor pro tem for six years and was chairman of the finance committee. He was not discouraged by his loss and said he plans to run again.

"This is not a loser's camp," he said. "This is a winner's camp."

Graham has bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina and a master's degree from Pfeiffer University. He is pursuing a doctoral degree from Walden University.

Graham and his wife, Toya, have three children.

State senators serve four-year terms and earn $10,400 a year.

Sula Pettibon • 329-4033

spettibon@heraldonline.com