COLUMBIA - Thomas Ravenel, the Republican nominee for state treasurer, ended any speculation Thursday that he would run against U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham in the 2008 GOP primary.

"I will not challenge Graham in 2008," Ravenel told The Associated Press.

Graham was not immediately available for comment, but his spokesman Kevin Bishop said "the treasurer is an important position for the future of South Carolina and Senator Graham continues to enthusiastically support Thomas Ravenel's campaign."

South Carolina is a GOP stronghold that has overwhelmingly supported President Bush, but some Republicans have carped for years because Graham doesn't always follow the administration's lead.

A couple of weeks ago, Ravenel said he had "no intention" of running against Graham. Last month, he said he would serve four years "barring some extraordinary event."