COLUMBIA, S.C. - The son of retiring Republican state Sen. Warren Giese has decided to back the Democrat running to replace his father.

Barney Giese, the chief prosecutor for Richland and Kershaw counties, told The (Columbia) State newspaper for Wednesday editions that he was backing Joel Lourie, who currently is a South Carolina House member.

Lourie is running against Columbia attorney Ken Wingate, who beat Barney Giese in the Republican primary in June.

"Sometimes what's best for your community is not what is best for your political party," Giese said. "Joel will make the best senator for that district no matter what political party he's in."

The race has become the most expensive Statehouse race this year with much of the money going into television advertisements.

Wingate, who has gotten his political ally and friend Gov. Mark Sanford to appear in campaign commercials, has spent $422,616 in his bid.

Lourie has spent $261,039. "I think we always expected that this would be an expensive race," Lourie has said.

Barney Giese said he is backing Lourie because of his support of law enforcement and his ability to get bipartisan support of legislation.

"Solicitor Giese and I are old friends," Lourie said. "I think we both represent the kind of independence that people look for in their leaders."

Giese said his endorsement did not reflect frustration with the Republican Party and he still plans to vote for President Bush. He said he is undecided about supporting Republican Jim DeMint for U.S. Senate, but would not say why.

"Party labels have never kept me from voting for the best person," he said.

State Republicans, however, are taking a dim view of Giese's switch.

"There are hundreds of Republicans, myself included, that helped Giese get elected to the solicitor's office," said state GOP chairman Katon Dawson. "It's just so disappointing to see him do this."

Warren Giese, who has held the Senate seat since 1985 and worked with Lourie's late father, longtime Sen. Isadore Lourie, has not come out in favor of a candidate in the race.

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com/