The Buzz

Thomas Ravenel eyes independent Senate run if Lindsey Graham wins GOP primary

Former State Treasurer Thomas Ravenel announced after his reality show Monday night that he will run as an independent if U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-Seneca, wins GOP nod in June.

Ravenel, who was a Republican when he resigned his statewide seat in 2007 after a cocaine charge, said he wants to offer voters a more Libertarian choice.

The star of "Southern Charm" was asked in post-show show when was the last time he used cocaine. "Is that a trick question?" T-Rav shot back. "I gave that up a long time ago. ... I wasn't that big into it."

Graham has six Republican challengers but received close to the 50 percent mark to avoid a runoff in a Winthrop University poll.

VIDEO: A tour of Thomas Ravenel's Charleston home, which he reportedly sold last month for $3.3 million.

This story was originally published April 7, 2014 at 11:48 PM with the headline "Thomas Ravenel eyes independent Senate run if Lindsey Graham wins GOP primary."

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