(Charleston-AP) June 15, 2004 -- The GOP runoff for a state Senate seat in Charleston is heating up with the challenger accusing the incumbent of negative politics.

Challenger Chip Campsen went on the offensive Tuesday, holding a news conference to rebut recent remarks by Senator John Kuhn. Campsen is a former aide to Governor Mark Sanford.

Monday, Kuhn called his opponent hypocritical. He said Campsen preached reform as a former House member but used political connections for personal gain.

Campsen got the most votes in the June 8th primary but must face Kuhn in a runoff June 22nd. Campsen said Kuhn is desperate and "an incumbent who knows he's in trouble."

Posted 9:44pm by BrettWitt