SC politics: Sen. Thurmond won’t seek 2nd term
State Sen. Paul Thurmond says he won’t seek re-election next year so he can focus on his family.
The youngest child of the late U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond won’t seek a second term because family demands are overtaking politics. He and his wife are expecting their fifth child in December, The Post and Courier reported Tuesday .
The 39-year-old Republican has represented parts of Charleston and Dorchester counties since 2013. He said he hopes to return to public service in the future.
Trump declines Scott’s town-hall meeting, cites conflict
Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has declined an invitation to attend one of the town-hall meetings that U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-N. Charleston, is arranging with GOP presidential candidates.
Trump is the only candidate to do so, the Post and Courier of Charleston reports.
Scott has been planning a series of town-hall meetings in which the candidates appear individually to discuss issues with voters.
State Rep. Jim Merrill, R-Berkeley, who is working with the Trump’s S.C. campaign, says Scott’s invitation conflicted with other primary events that Trump is attending. He said Trump might be available in January if Scott’s offer still stands.
Graham cites cyber, Russian threats
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham has a suggestion to the next president: Don’t send emails.
“In all seriousness, the enemies of this nation are trying to penetrate at every level,” Graham said during a campaign stop Tuesday in Columbia as part of his 2016 Republican presidential bid. “I would advise the next president of the United States never to send an email because the enemies are watching us.”
The Seneca Republican said the threat of a cyberattack is why an investigation is needed of a private email server that 2016 Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton used while she was secretary of state. “Did she compromise our national security by using a system set up for her and her only?”
If elected president, Graham said he would punish the Chinese and Russian governments for cyberattacks on U.S. government and business websites.
As for Russia, Graham used a poker comparison. “They’re a small country with a pair of 2s. We’re a big nation with a full house. When it comes to playing cards with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, we’re going to play the game differently.”
GOP candidates to debate in Greenville
The only Republican presidential primary debate happening in South Carolina will be held in Greenville in February, just a week before the state’s GOP primary.
State Republican Party chairman Matt Moore said in an email statement Monday night that a debate would be held Feb. 13 at the Peace Center, in partnership with the Republican National Committee and CBS News.
The debate will be carried live on CBS.
Last week, the Democratic Party unveiled its presidential primary debate schedule, including a Jan. 17 debate in Charleston.
Andrew Shain, Associated Press
This story was originally published August 11, 2015 at 6:44 PM.