Bill Connor Could Be Next to Challenge Lindsey Graham

Multiple sources have confirmed with Patch that Bill Connor, who ran for lieutenant governor in 2010, could be the next candidate to challenge Sen. Lindsey Graham in the 2014 Republican primary.

Connor would be the third GOP challenger to Graham. Richard Cash, a Powdersville businessman announced his challenge in the spring, and Nancy Mace, a Lowcountry businesswoman will announce her candidacy on Saturday morning.

Connor and Mace both are graduates of The Citadel and have both authored books. Connor was an active duty infantry officer for more than a decade before becoming an attorney. He is a partner in the law practice of Horger and Connor in Orangeburg.

A source close to Connor, who is on military duty this weekend, said that Mace’s decision to run will not affect Connor. Connor is expected to emphasize his military service while criticizing Graham’s commitment to the military and defense. 

Connor's experience of having run a statewide race in 2010 could give him an advantage over Mace, who is making her first foray into electoral politics.

Connor has met with activists from FreedomWorks and Americans for Tax Reform, neither of whom discouraged his effort.

The source said Connor is about 60 to 70 percent of the way to making a decision. He is on military duty through Aug. 19. Any formal announcement of his candidacy would come after that.

Lee Bright, a state Senator from Spartanburg, has long been rumored as a Graham challenger, but has yet to confirm his plans.

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