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GREER - State Rep. Lewis Vaughn, 72, of Greer, reacting to Mike Meilinger's comment that District 5 voters want somebody "young and energetic" to represent them in the state Senate, challenged the 38-year-old to run a clean Republican primary runoff campaign, and not get personal.

Vaughn and Meilinger square off Oct. 3 in the primary runoff to win the Republican nomination for retiring state Sen. Verne Smith's seat. The winner faces Democrat Frank L. Eppes on Nov. 7.

"I'm a youthful 72," Vaughn said in a phone interview. "I get out and walk every day, and my health is great. I would be really concerned with someone that would discriminate against people because of age, because you don't know what else they would discriminate against people for.

"I believe the people of Senate District 5 deserve a campaign that is based on proposals and ideals, not personal attacks," Vaughn said in a prepared statement.

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Meilinger issued a statement that said in part, "I agree that a campaign absent of personal attacks is what the voters of our district deserve. I will continue to run my campaign focusing on beliefs, proposals and records. Mr. Vaughn and the voters can have my word on that."

Meilinger challenged Vaughn to two debates before the runoff.Vaughn played the experience card.

Vaughn has served as a state representative 18 years. Meilinger hasn't held public office.

"I'm not going to criticize his inexperience, and that's what it is, really," Vaughn said.

Meilinger fired back, "His experience is overrated."

He said that Vaughn hasn't been successful in stemming illegal immigration, improving education or promoting a pro-life agenda. Meilinger said he's a successful certified public accountant who understands finances.

Neither candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote in Tuesday's primary in which four candidates ran. Vaughn received about 48 percent and Meilinger, 30 percent.