Republicans defy Trump, jump into South Carolina Senate race despite his handpicked successor

Headline: Republicans defy Trump, jump into South Carolina Senate race despite his handpicked successor

Lead: President Donald Trump has made his pick to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., but several Republicans eyeing his seat don't care.

"The president's quick endorsement of Darline Graham was very symbolic," said consultant Dave Wilson. "We're seeing in South Carolina that his endorsement didn't carry as much weight as people thought it was going to be."

"a major boost for any candidacy, but it doesn't necessarily give you a lock on the seat," said strategist Ryan Williams.

"This is really about giving voters a choice and not a coronation."

Trump "announced his 'complete and total endorsement'" after a Friday Oval Office meeting; "I asked Darline, for the Good of our Nation, to run for the U.S. Senate in the Special Republican Primary..." and "I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey."

Fry "had spent time speaking with White House operatives about launching a bid, and a Trump endorsement seemed all but guaranteed"; Fry "was just last week lauded by Trump as someone to watch."

Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who "won the primary but lost the runoff to Alan Wilson"; "Trump, ever hungry for a victory, endorsed both Wilson and Evette days before the runoff."