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 Dr. Walter “Buddy” Witherspoon
A few months ago, the well-known Republican leader, an orthodontist from the Lexington area, informed The Times Examiner that he was considering a run for the seat currently held by Senator Lindsey Graham.
Dr. Witherspoon is expected to make a final decision over the Thanksgiving weekend and tentatively plans to announce his decision in Greenville next Tuesday, November 27 at 9:30 at Tommy’s Country Ham House.
“For many years I have helped fellow Republicans get elected
to office and have helped build our Republican Party,” Dr. Witherspoon said. “Within the last few years, Senator Lindsey Graham has been on the wrong side of some key issues and has sided with the Democrats in Washington as well as the ‘Beltway Insiders.’ Senator Graham has knowingly supported issues that are against the will of South Carolinians.
“Over the last few weeks I have received a groundswell of encouragement from friends and fellow Republicans to challenge the Senator in the Primary. Taking on an incumbent is difficult in any situation, but if I am convinced that I will have the support I need, I am willing to stand up for the issues dear to all South Carolinians and give them an opportunity to choose someone who is more in line with their values and will better represent their views.
Dr. Witherspoon has served South Carolina Republicans on the Republican National Committee since 1996 and earned the reputation of being one of the most conservative members.
Witherspoon was unsuccessfully challenged by Greenville County Republican Party Chairman Ed Foulke, who sought the position of State Executive Committeeman three years ago. Voting patterns in that election, held at the state convention, indicated Witherspoon has strong support among leading Republicans in Greenville County and across the state.
Despite grassroots dissatisfaction with Senator Graham, he remains a formidable candidate with a sizeable financial ‘war chest’ at his disposal as well as solid support from President Bush who has already endorsed Graham for reelection.
Buddy Witherspoon was born in Columbia, South Carolina. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and a D. D. S. and M. S. O. from the University of North Carolina. Dr. Witherspoon has been married to his wife Joyce Ann since 1970 and they reside in Columbia, South Carolina. They have a daughter Missy and three grandchildren, Anacila, Bella, and Braden.
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