Hutto, Ravenel meet in debate without Graham

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham wasn’t at the U.S. Senate debate, but the incumbent was the main topic of conversation between Democrat Brad Hutto and independent Thomas Ravenel.

Both candidates agreed Monday night that Graham is too quick to call for American involvement in international affairs. And both knocked Graham for not showing up for the debate televised statewide by South Carolina Educational Television.

Graham says he didn’t come because he didn’t want to give any extra publicity to Ravenel, a reality television star and former state treasurer who was convicted of a felony charge. Hutto and Graham will meet one-on-one in a forum Oct. 27.

Hutto says his chief economic issue is equal pay for women and a minimum wage increase. Ravenel says he want to reduce the U.S. debt.