Wednesday, Nov. 05, 2008

Wilson survives tough U.S. House race

U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson held off Democratic challenger Rob Miller on Tuesday in the incumbent congressman’s toughest political challenge since taking office seven years ago.

Wilson, a Republican from Lexington County, was projected the winner against Miller shortly before 11 p.m. Wilson said the victory resulted from hard work and tapping voters who share his conservative ideals.

The 2nd Congressional District is one of the most Republican in the state. It sprawls from suburban Columbia, west to the Georgia border and south to Hilton Head Island.

“I’m very humbled, grateful and appreciative for the support,” said Wilson, 61.

But Wilson acknowledged the race wasn’t easy.

“I see this as an opportunity for us to learn about well-funded, self-financed campaigns and how to match that in the future.” .

The two candidates, both originally from Charleston, spent more than $1 million collectively in seeking election.

Miller, who ran an aggressive campaign, was closing the gap as voting ended Tuesday night. An ex-Marine and Iraq war veteran, Miller had hoped to steal victory in the district.

“I think it was a great showing,” said Miller campaign adviser Lachlan McIntosh. “Here is a guy who nobody had heard of until very recently, and a large percentage of people voted for him.”

As the race heated up, the 34-year-old Beaufort County resident attempted to tie Wilson to what he called failed Bush administration policies on the war and the economy.

He purchased television advertisements touting his record in the military and vigorously debated Wilson in a televised forum.

During the debate, he said he would have voted against the $700 billion federal bailout for failing financial institutions — a bill Wilson supported.

Miller and Wilson also disagreed on the expiring Bush tax cuts. Wilson said he wanted them to continue, and Miller said he wanted to target relief for middle income families.

Wilson, of Springdale, has represented the Republican-dominated district since winning a special election to replace the long-serving Floyd Spence, who died while in office seven years ago.

Reach Fretwell at (803) 771-8537.

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