Stepping out of the noise and shadow of the Democratic presidential primary, the Republican contest to succeed U.S. Sen. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings, D-S.C., started to generate its own heat last week.

The three frontrunners in the five-man contest made whistle- stops in McCormick and Aiken counties, with the newest candidate, former Gov. David Beasley, stepping to the front of the pack because he is more well-known.