Reece's Longshot Senate Bid Falls Short

In the end, Sen. Mike Fair's name recognition and reputation as an entrenched conservative in one of the most red states in the nation proved too tall a task for challenger Tommie Reece in the race for the District 6 seat for the S.C. Senate. 

Reece, who battled successfully to get her name on the ballot for the general election by waging a successful petition drive, garnered 31 percent of the vote, compared to Sen. Mike Fair's 69 percent. 

Reece, who was with family and friends at The Grill at the Pebble Creek Country Club after the polls closed, expressed gratitude at being able to take a shot at the longtime incumbent. 

"We knew it was an uphill battle from the start. The whole primary debacle and petition added on hurdles we didn't anticipate," Reece said. "But we had great volunteers and supporters, and we did our best - but it was just too much to overcome with the incumbent, with the straight party voting habits, with the presidential election enhancing straight party voting even more, from what I suspect. But I'm pleased by what we accomplished."

Fair's win allows him to begin his 17th year in the South Carolina Senate next January. 

Fair did not return Patch.com's phone calls Tuesday night.