Kocher agrees to debates, asks for 6 more

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCIV) - One of Thomas Ravenel's opponents in this year's Senate race has agreed to a series of debates ahead of November's election. But instead of 11 debates, Victor Kocher would like to have 17.

"Why don't we expand this to 17 debates so people in towns like Aiken, Georgetown, Greenwood, Hilton Head, Orangeburg, and Union can interact with the candidates and participate much more fully in representative government?" Kocher asked.

Kocher is the Libertarian candidate.

By his logic, Kocher thinks current Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic challenger Brad Hutto should agree to the debates as well.

"Senator Graham is already 'on-the-clock' to represent all of these towns anyway. He might as well visit and participate," he said. "Senator Hutto wants to represent these towns and should certainly be more than glad to add his hometown of Orangeburg to the list."

According to a recent ABC News 4/Post and Courier poll, Kocher trails everyone in the race with 4 percent of voters saying they would vote for him.

Without Ravenel in the race, Kocher pulls about 9 percent of the vote with another 12 percent undecided in the race.

At this point, both Kocher and Ravenel have a steep hill to climb to remain competitive on Election Day.