Graham, DeMint want military detainee trials

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina’s Republican U.S. senators differ on whether Guantanamo Bay detainees should be sent to the state, but say they will work together to keep the accused terrorists out of federal courts.

U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint said Thursday he’ll support U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s federal spending amendment that would bar putting taxpayer dollars into federal court trials for detainees.

The White House is trying to block the effort warning that lawmakers shouldn’t trump executive branch authority to prosecute.

Meanwhile DeMint says detainees shouldn’t be allowed on U.S. soil. Graham says he’s open to trials at the Charleston Naval Brig but only as part of a plan that leaves trials in military courts.