Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) used to be the maverick of the Senate John McCain’s (R-AZ) sidekick. The Arizona senator came from a long line of government leaders and followed a strict honorable code. After McCain died, Graham became Donald Trump’s sidekick. If ever there was a more opposite of McCain on earth 45 would be it. Why did the South Carolina senator do that?
People like Trump tend to grab people when they are at a vulnerable point, so that might explain part of it. Yet, is it possible that Graham decided to latch onto the sitting president’s power to win in 2020? If so, he may have had to make a deal with the devil, and his aged appearance reflects what he has had to give up to retain his power.
Plus, it appears that Graham’s deal may not bring him the senatorial power he apparently will do anything to win. His challenger outraised him in fundraising for the first time and set a South Carolina record in doing so.
Challenger Jaime Harrison raised $7.36 million compared to Graham’s haul of $5.6 million. Graham also broke his state’s record of $3.9 million. That takes the sitting senator up to a grand total of $12.8 million and his challenger up to $8 million, according to The Post and Courier.
Spokesperson for Harrison, Guy King, said:
‘We’re so grateful for this outpouring of support from everyday people who are looking for leadership that puts them first.’
Graham came in third for fundraising in the first quarter among the senators running for re-election. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senator Martha McNally (R-AZ) raised more than the South Carolina senator.
Only two Republican senators raised more than Graham in the first quarter of 2020: Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and U.S. Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., who is locked in a fiercely contested race.
Graham decided to cancel all of his fundraisers during Trump’s impeachment trial and the last two weeks of the quarter when the coronavirus pandemic took off. Campaign Manager for Graham, Scott Farmer said:
‘South Carolinians clearly appreciate Sen. Graham’s steadfast leadership, conservative record of accomplishment, and relentless work on behalf of his constituents.’
Harrison was a state Democratic Party chair. Even so, he started releasing his TV ads to introduce himself to the voters.
Money from all around the nation has been pouring into the candidates’ coffers. Nonpartisan election analysts consider this Senate seat safe for Graham. It appears that senator’s political maneuvers have earned him the confidence of ever more conservative Republicans in his state.
In South Carolina’s June primary, Graham will run against three Republican opponents. Harrison is unopposed for the Democratic ticket.
Featured images is a screenshot via YouTube.
The Mueller Report Adventures: In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page. These quick, two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people. Mueller Bite-Sizes uncovers what is essentially a compelling spy mystery. Interestingly enough, Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any order.
