Why are you running for public office?

Graham: I have shown a willingness to speak my mind, stand up for what I believe is right, and take on the hard challenges facing our nation.  I believe my common-sense conservatism and willingness to speak my mind are what South Carolinians want and expect from their Senator. 

Conley: For far too long we have had public policy enacted by self-serving career politicians who do the bidding for the large, powerful, and wealthy special interests that pump millions of dollars into the re-election campaigns. This has taken us from a government of the people, by the people, and for the people to a government of, by, and for those of special interests.  This has resulted in bloated budgets, corporate socialism (Wall Street bailouts), an over extended military, insecure borders, trade deficits--and overall loss of American independence, a shrinking middle class, and a lowering of the standard of living for all but the wealthies of America.

What experience do you bring to the table that makes you uniquely prepared for this role?

Graham: I have a long history of representing people beginning with my service as a prosecutor and defense attorney in the U.S. Air Force. As a native South Carolinian, I understand the hopes and dreams of people in our state and the common-sense conservative values in which South Carolinians believe.

Conley: Studying the Constitution and political history have been passions of mine since college. Our government was never meant to be the domain of professional politicians abusing their offices.  It was meant to be handled by citizens who, for a few years, donate part of their lives running our republic.

What are the three most pressing issues that you plan to address if elected?

Graham: We must restore confidence in our financial system and promote policies like lower taxes and less spending to create jobs here in South Carolina. As a nation, we need to become more energy independent. Finally, we must emerge victorious against radical Islamic terrorists who threaten our way of life. 

Conley: Ending the corporate welfare, billionaire bailout of Wall Street.

Are you in favor of drilling for oil off the South Carolina coastline? Why or why not?

Graham: We need to open more areas to offshore drilling as our nation must become more energy independent.  I think we can meet our nation’s energy needs while taking the appropriate steps to protect our environment for future generations.

Conley: Yes--if there's oil and tourism isn't hurt—this should be a net gain for our state and country.  It's a temporary solution to be pursued along with the permanent solutions of alternate energy sources.  We need our own energy so we can stop entangling ourselves in the Middle East.  

Are you in favor of a "fair tax"? Why or why not?

Graham: The global economy requires a tax code that makes us competitive. Unfortunately, before we can move forward to adopting a flat income tax which I support, a fair tax, or any other new tax system, we have to get rid of the current tax code.  If not, citizens will face double taxation.

Conley: I support the “Fair Tax.”  Ridding ourselves of the 16th Amendment and the abuses and invasions of privacy by the IRS is an important step in freeing us from unscrupulous politicians who have passed over 17,000 pages of exemptions, loopholes, and corporate welfare in order to gain power over us.

According to published reports, the state of South Carolina is facing a half a billion dollars in budget cuts for new spending, a reduction that many say is the direct result of the nation’s economic crisis. In your opinion, how can South Carolina best weather the current financial storm?

Graham: Simply put, we must get our economy moving again. During tough economic times, tax revenues to local, state, and federal governments decrease. We must promote policies like lower taxes and reduced federal spending to help people keep more of their own money and create jobs here at home.

Conley: I would work to eliminate unfunded and unconstitutional mandates by the Federal government on the states.  I would also work to eliminate corporate welfare, earmarks, and other waste.  Billions of real dollars could then go back into our national economy where it could help get us all through this crisis.

Many in South Carolina have criticized the federal No Child Left Behind legislation for its "moving target" of standards, citing that the 2014 goal of having all schools and students achieve proficiency in all subject areas is simply unattainable. Are you in favor of modifying or eliminating this legislation, as many school officials recommend? Why or why not?

Graham: I support the goals of NCLB, but I believe that some parts of the legislation are not working and need to be improved. Any time you pass major reform legislation like NCLB, there are some pieces which may not work as intended and need to be adjusted.

Conley: I would work to eliminate this program and others that are (at least partially) unfunded mandates.  States should resume their authority and powers to set and reach educational goals rather than have to deal with the forced, arbitrary goals that micromanaging Washington, D.C. politicians set just to win votes.

Do you think the American people, and South Carolinians in particular, have lost faith in their elected officials? If so, how do you plan to restore hope for those you serve?

Graham: Times are tough and people are concerned about the future. Our nation has been through tough times before and always emerged stronger. I haven’t stopped fighting to reform Washington, and I encourage people to stay involved. As your Senator, I will speak my mind and honestly tell the citizens of our state what I think. 

Conley: Yes!  The only way to restore confidence is electing someone who will obey the supreme law of the land. Instead of seeking attention and corporate contributions by unconstitutional offers of amnesty to illegals and bail-outs to billionaires,  I'll be one of us up there and come home between sessions.

Graham: I am a mainstream conservative with a proven track record. My opponent seems to be out of the mainstream of either party. I’m running against a Democrat who didn’t vote in the Democratic presidential primary. Instead, he voted for Ron Paul in the Republican presidential primary. It’s just odd. 

Conley: My opponent is a sell-out to corporate welfare lobbyists and special interests. I am deeply committed to the core principles I have lived my entire life. I cannot and will not use this seat as a stepping stone and betray South Carolina and the nation as my opponent has.

Graham: All South Carolinians will benefit from low taxes and reduced government spending. I will continue working to protect South Carolina’s natural beauty and promote economic growth. Finally, I will push for victory in the War on Terror.

Conley: You will benefit tremendously from an economy that allows workers to have more to spend on vacations and investments there.  I will not spend  your money on billionaire bail-outs.  I will protect our borders and enforce immigration laws saving taxpayers trillions of future dollars on education and other expenditures.