...the wrong message. "It's not particularly a wise practice," said Francis Marion University political scientist Neal Thigpen. "It gives the appearance that one has to (pay) all this money to get access." Many doctors and insurance companies...

...longest-serving senator. It appears to be Mr. Graham's race to lose, said Francis Marion University political scientist Neal Thigpen. A Zogby poll in early October showed Mr. Graham with about 46.5 percent of the vote to Mr. Sanders' 35 percent...

...percent. "I don't think the Senate race was really in doubt," said Francis Marion University political scientist Neal Thigpen. Graham, 47, received Thurmond's endorsement a year ago and was bolstered more recently by campaign ad appearances...

...politics with the agency's police grants. "The thing about Rose is there's no question he's a Republican," said Neal Thigpen, Francis Marion University political scientist. "That's aimed right at the heart of your mainstream, regular Republicans...

...if I were him, I would view that with some degree of alarm," said Francis Marion University political scientist Neal Thigpen. "Lexington is the Vatican City of Republicanism in this state." However, he questioned its sway, noting Mr...

...skeptical, "it turns out that was probably a wise move," said Francis Marion University political science professor Neal Thigpen. The earlier start helped Mr. Hodges blunt Mr. Sanford's momentum and has helped make the race so close that few...

...of debt. Yet Mr. Thurmond's death leaves a void in the party, said Francis Marion University political scientist Neal Thigpen. Although Mr. Thurmond never directed state party strategy and rarely endorsed candidates, he still had a great deal...

...Republican challenger in 1992. "Quite frankly, if he enters I'd have to install him as the favorite over Inglis," said Neal Thigpen, a Francis Marion University political science professor and a Republican. "He's going to get nothing but positive...

...as an obstacle," Mr. Reiff said. That's the kind of theme and flavor expected by political science professors Neal Thigpen at Francis Marion University, Danielle Vinson at Furman University and Blease Graham at the University of South Carolina...

...running as an incumbent. At least three other Republicans and five Democrats have said they are running for governor. Neal Thigpen, a political scientist at Francis Marion University, said Bauer tends to speak so fast and enthusiastically ("It's...