3 candidates running for Robert Ford’s old seat

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Three candidates are vying in a special election to fill the state Senate seat vacated by the resignation of Robert Ford. Democratic Marlon Kimpson faces Republican Billy Shuman and Libertarian Alex Thornton in Tuesday’s election in District 42 in the Charleston area. Kimpson emerged from a six-way Democratic primary and runoff to win his party’s nomination. The heavily Democratic district includes the northern end of the Charleston peninsula, neighborhoods in the city’s West Ashley section and reaches into North Charleston and Dorchester County. Ford, a Democrat who served in Columbia for 20 years, resigned in May citing high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. At the time, he was the focus of a Senate Ethics Committee campaign finance probe. The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating.