Washington, Aug. 26 -- Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of late US Senator Lindsey Graham, secured the Republican nomination to succeed him on South Carolina's general election ballot, Politico reported.

Nordone defeated US Representative Ralph Norman in Tuesday's special Republican primary runoff, two weeks after both candidates emerged at the head of a 10-way primary field, the report added.

Her victory underscores the decisive impact of high-profile backing, as the US President went to great lengths to push her over the finish line, encouraging her entry with an early endorsement, standing by her after a debate fumble, and holding a rally in Myrtle Beach, a level of direct involvement rarely seen this election cycle.

Extending wel...