SC Poll Is Worrisome News for Graham, GOP

President Trump will be in South Carolina on Thursday to boost Sen. Darline Graham at a political rally, reports the Hill. A surprising new poll suggests she could use the help: The New York Times/Siena poll finds the Senate race there essentially deadlocked, with Graham clinging to a lead of less than a percentage point over Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician. South Carolina hasn't sent a Democrat to the Senate since 1998, and Trump carried the state by nearly 18 points in the last presidential election.

The poll suggests that Andrews has made the race close thanks in large to independents, who favor her 57% to 37%. Andrews is also pulling support from 7% of Republicans, who seem to be skeptical that Graham is qualified to fill the seat long held by her late brother. In the poll, 44% of voters say Graham has the experience to be effective, compared to 54% for Andrews. If Republicans fail to hold the seat, it would be a devastating blow to the party's chances of retaining control of the Senate, notes the AP. Thursday will be Trump's second trip to the state in a month.