COLUMBIA --- A private lawyer and political newcomer said Tuesday that he will seek the Democratic nomination for Sen. Lindsey Graham's seat next year.

Michael Cone, 38, said he is looking for "a large amount of small donations" to challenge for the seat. Mr. Cone, a lawyer who specializes in estate planning, said he is undaunted by Mr. Graham's massive fundraising advantage.

"It is clear that Sen. Graham has forgotten that he was elected to represent the people of South Carolina, not George Bush or the Republican Party or big business," Mr. Cone said.

A Graham campaign spokesman didn't want to comment Tuesday. Mr. Graham will face at least two lesser-known GOP candidates in a primary. He has been criticized from within his party for his support of President Bush's failed immigration proposal and his willingness to work with Democrats.

Mr. Cone, a 1991 Citadel graduate, said he wants to encourage everyone to take part in politics.

"Democracy is not a spectator sport. Every one of us has something valuable to contribute in our national discourse, and it is important to our collective security that each of us is an active part of a vibrant democracy," Mr. Cone said.

Mr. Graham's office announced last month that he had raised more than $472,000 during the third quarter of the year and has roughly $4.2 million cash on hand for his re-election bid.

"I know I can't match his financial capacity, and I'm not sure I'd want to," Mr. Cone said.