FULL SHOW - The Charlie James Show - Charlie James tracks SC primary turnout, budget earmarks, and live election results shifting to Graham.

Full Summary On the August 11, 2026 Primary Day edition of The Charlie James Show on News/Talk 98.9 WORD, host Charlie James provides comprehensive coverage of South Carolina's Republican primary election alongside state legislative discussions. Hours 1 & 2: Primary Day Turnout, Voting Dynamics, and State Budget The show begins with analysis of local voter turnout expectations, Trafalgar polling figures, and early precinct conditions across Upstate South Carolina. Throughout the afternoon, James fields live calls from voters in communities such as Chesnee, Taylors, Powdersville, Greenwood, and Five Forks sharing turnout reports, candidate endorsements (including Ralph Norman, Darlene Graham, and Russell Fry), and experiences at polling places. Conversations address candidate ballot naming rules and voter participation among local faith communities. Turning to state policy, James previews and analyzes South Carolina’s $44.4 billion state budget, focusing on controversial $1 placeholders used to stash $377 million in earmarks, adjustments to the homestead exemption, and state incentive funding for Scout Motors. Hour 3: Transparency, National Controversies, and Candidate Critiques Palmetto State Watch researcher Elena Moore joins the broadcast to examine budget transparency, fiscal conservatism, and line-item veto prospects. Following the budget breakdown, James and his callers debate broader topics, including birth tourism, immigration assimilation, global climate rules, and media coverage regarding Dr. Anthony Fauci. James also criticizes Democratic candidate Dr. Annie Andrews over late-term abortion legislation while continuing to take precinct reports from local voters in Clover, Chesnee, and Greenville. Hours 4 & 5: Poll Closings and Live Election Returns As the 7:00 PM poll closing deadline approaches, James counts down the final hour, taking calls from across the region regarding voter turnout, polling site changes, and campaign finance filings. Once the polls close, the show transitions into extended election coverage. James tracks real-time, rapidly shifting statewide primary returns. Early results show candidate Darlene Graham taking a narrow lead, with Ralph Norman and Russell Fry locked in a tight battle for second place, followed by Mark Sanford and Mark Lynch. James analyzes county-by-county returns—noting strong performances by Norman in York County and Fry in Horry County—and anticipates a forthcoming runoff election.