Senate Campaign Among Most Expensive In State History

The U.S. Senate candidates in South Carolina are engaged in one of the most expensive such campaigns in South Carolina history.

Federal Election Commission reports Thursday indicate the six Republican and two Democratic candidates raised more than $10.5 million through May 19.

That compares with the 2002 campaign in which Republican Lindsey Graham defeated Democrat Alex Sanders. They spent just under $10.5 million. Neither had to run in a primary.

Fourth District Rep. Jim DeMint and Charleston real estate developer Thomas Ravenel each spent about $1.2 million from April 1 to May 19.

Former Gov. David Beasley spent about $800,000 and former Attorney General Charlie Condon spent nearly $700,000 during the same period.