South Carolina

Grudging and reluctant support has come from some corners of Stampers' own party after revelations he pleaded guilty to three felony charges associated with the illegal sale of securities in 2006. Stamper was ordered to repay millions of dollars and said at Monday's meeting that $600,000 of that came from his own pocket. Stamper called the incident "a business mistake I made several years ago," and said securities laws are very complicated, and he acted on advice from two teams of lawyers.

"I never meant to hurt anyone. There was no malice. … In a way I was reckless … but there were mitigating circumstances," he said.

Stamper moved to South Carolina a year ago to run for Graham's seat, and despite his history, he said he has found most people welcoming.

That welcoming, hospitable spirit will be important for South Carolina moving forward in growing the economy and recruiting new businesses without giving away millions in "corporate welfare," Stamper said.