(Columbia) June 14, 2004 - US Representative Jim DeMint's campaign is airing what his opponent calls a negative ad in the runoff for the GOP nomination for US Senate.

The ad shows two older men discussing Beasley's stand on the Confederate flag that flies on State House grounds. When Beasley was first elected governor, the flag flew atop the Capitol dome, and he said he opposed an effort to move the flag. A couple years later, he proposed moving it.

Some have said the change of position hurt him in his re-election bid, which he lost to Democrat Jim Hodges. DeMint spokesman Terry Sullivan said the ad is "lighthearted" but necessary.

Former Governor David Beasley's campaign says DeMint had agreed to run a positive campaign, "Well, it was very disappointing to see Jim run this negative ad because Jim has promised just a few weeks ago that he would run nothing but a positive campaign, no personal negative attacks and here he is breaking his word in just a few weeks."

Rep. Demint says the ad is accurate, "I am positive that my ads are true and I think it's important to make Mr. Beasley accountable to his changes in position."

WIS News 10 is sponsoring a debate June 15th between David Beasley and Jim Demint in the Republican primary runoff for US Senate. The runoff election is June 22nd.

We invite you to submit your questions to either or both candidates to be read during the live debate.

Make sure to vote, and watch the debate on June 15th from 7:00pm to 8:00pm moderated by David Stanton.

Updated 7:04pm by BrettWitt with AP