Graham, challenger Hutto congenial at Senate forum

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and his Democratic challenger have met for the first time, disagreeing on the issues, but doing it politely.

Graham and state Sen. Brad Hutto answered questions for 45 minutes Monday at a South Carolina Chamber of Commerce forum in Columbia.

The two men disagreed sharply on some issues, like the new health care law supported by President Barack Obama. Hutto says it has flaws like any legislation that tackles a big problem, but they can be fixed.

Graham says while there are a few good things in the law, like allowing college students to stay on their parents’ health plans, most of it is a disaster. He says he will fight to overhaul it.

Independent Thomas Ravenel and Libertarian Victor Kocher weren’t invited.