Democrats meet in SC Senate primary runoff

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Democrats Marlon Kimpson and Maurice Washington are meeting in a primary runoff in Charleston area state district once represented by Robert Ford. Kimpson, an attorney, and Washington, a business consultant, were the top vote-getters two weeks in a six-way primary in Senate District 42. Tuesday’s winner goes on to face Republican Billy Shuman and Libertarian Alex Thornton in the Oct. 1 special election. Ford, long a voice for black voters, served in Columbia for 20 years but resigned at the end of May, citing high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues. At the time, he was the focus of a Senate Ethics Committee probe into campaign finances. The committee found probable cause to support allegations he violated ethics laws and the State Law Enforcement Division is now investigating.