COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ Bob Conley, a Democratic newcomer to South Carolina politics, will take on Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham in November after a recount Monday gave Conley a narrow victory over a primary opponent.
Conley, a North Myrtle Beach engineer, said he is a former Republican who became a Democrat out of frustration with trade and immigration policies and the Iraq invasion. He voted for Ron Paul in the presidential primary, says conservative positions on social policies are not owned solely by Republicans and opposes abortion rights and gay marriage.
Conley wouldn't say that he supports Illinois Sen. Barack Obama as the Democratic Party's nominee. But he said Democrats are united with common goals.
"What we have right here is a very diverse and united front that is going after that war party, that corporate socialism party. We all have the same target here," Conley said. "We are running as a united Democratic ticket to make sure John McCain is not the next president."
Conley beat Mount Pleasant lawyer Michael Cone by 1,058 votes out of more than 147,000 ballots cast last week, according to the state Elections Commission.
The final count is to be certified Wednesday.
Graham easily won his GOP primary over Buddy Witherspoon, a retired orthodontist and former Republican National Committee member who challenged Graham's support of a failed measure aimed at reforming illegal immigration laws.
The single-term incumbent signaled he wasn't concerned about Conley making immigration a campaign issue in the fall.
Graham "will aggressively seek the support of Republicans, independents and Democrats believing that mainstream conservatism will rally our state around a common purpose," said Scott Farmer, Graham's campaign manager.
The incumbent will be tough to beat. At the end of May, Graham had $4.5 million on hand, compared with Conley's $961.
Conley said he'll be able to raise the money needed to be competitive but wouldn't say what amounts he's expecting. But he is counting on Paul supporters. "We have a lot of folks who were active supporters for Dr. Paul who have been on board for a while."
A handful of other recounts also were held Monday.
Florence Mayor Frank Willis fell one vote short of opponent Stephen J. Wukela. Willis has filed a protest that is expected to be heard by municipal party officials.
In Spartanburg County, Republican state Rep. Bob Walker, who has served since 1993, lost his primary to challenger Joey Millwood by 19 votes and was considering a protest.
In Richland County, Democratic Rep. John Scott beat Vince Ford by 75 votes for a state Senate seat.
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