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COLUMBIA (AP) -- Richard Eckstrom has won the Republican primary as he seeks a third term as comptroller general.

Eckstrom defeated Greenville certified public accountant Mike Meilinger in Tuesday's GOP primary.

He will face Democrat Robert Barber in November.

The comptroller general is a low-profile job that in many states is appointed by the governor. Responsibilities include making sure the state's books are in balance and reviewing expenses and bills submitted for payment.

The position comes with a seat on the state's five-member financial oversight panel that handles state spending and contract decisions.

The governor heads that panel.

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