By Jerry Bellune

JerryBellune@yahoo.com

The stakes have rarely been higher.

Lexington County voters will help decide who controls the US Senate.

That may determine the makeup of the US Supreme Court.

Millions in campaign donations are surprising in a race in a small, relatively poor state.

Democrat challenger Jaime Harrison pulled in $57 million in the 3rd quarter of 2020.

In aiming to unseat Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, Harrison has set an all-time fundraising record for a US Senate candidate. 

Much of that money has come from out of state, West Coast donors.

Graham has been doing all right, too.

He raised about $1 million a day in October's 1st 2 weeks, the Associated Press reported.

His campaign said it raised nearly $15 million in October.

That outpaces Graham's $28 million in the 3rd-quarter.

His campaign said this is the largest amount ever by any Republican Senate candidate in a single quarter anywhere.

This was during hearings on Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the US Supreme Court.

As Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Graham played a prominent role in the hearings.

Harrison's campaign told the AP that all of the money had already been spent.

More than $40 million went to advertising alone.

Both candidates have advertised in the Chronicle and The Fish Wrapper.

Some polls have shown a tied race, others have Graham or Harrison with a slight lead.