Posted on 05/04/2014 5:00:57 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
There have been few targets among grassroots conservatives as large as South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham over the past few years. His “compromise” votes on subjects ranging from Obama nominees to government shutdowns have had the base up in arms, frequently bringing up promises of retribution during the next election cycle. Well, that time has arrived, but the comeuppance still doesn’t seem to be developing. Oh, he has challengers to be sure… six of them in fact, just in the primary. And yet, he doesn’t look like a guy with a lot of worries. According to at least one report, he’s managing this feat through a combination of goodwill, shrewd politics and nearly $7 million.
Rep. Mick Mulvaney was thought to be a credible challenger in the June 10 primary, until Graham inspired House leaders to give Mulvaney a seat on the House Financial Services Committee. Mulvaney opted against challenging the two-term senator.
A hacking episode resulted in the theft of South Carolina taxpayers’ personal information and a public relations problem for Gov. Nikki Haley, also up for re-election this year. Graham advised her on the situation, and now she has better poll numbers than he does.
It also helped that two of the most promising contenders to unseat him from his own party found, er… better things to do.
State Sen. Tom Davis, an aide to former Gov. Mark Sanford, predicted before the Republican convention in 2012 that South Carolina voters would oust Graham. But Davis said he could do more for his libertarian-leaning causes in the state Senate, and that to run against Graham, he would need to raise a lot of money.
There was a movement to draft Mulvaney, but he demurred, saying he doesn’t enter races he can’t win.
The crowded field of more than a half dozen people seems to be working as something of a double edged sword, given the way the South Carolina primary process works. On the one hand, Graham needs to get more than 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff, which becomes incrementally more difficult as more contenders throw their hats in the ring. On the other, having such a low signal to noise ratio, it becomes harder for the contenders to break through. None of the challengers are registering at more than 10% in the latest polls. Of course, if one of them does wind up in a runoff with Graham, that will focus attention and possible support, but would it be enough to surge into the lead? And let’s not forget the $7M advantage. It’s given Graham the luxury of time and greasing some palms to keep himself in good favor with the folks who count.
Whenever he isn’t in Washington, Graham is campaigning.
The money the senator has amassed for his race means he can run ads almost daily, host free barbecues and ice cream socials and organize the more than 5,000 precinct captains that he claims into a massive get-out-the-vote effort.
Any battle to unseat Graham was always going to be a tough one and it would require some serious organizational skills – as well as cash – to pull it off. Whether any of this crop of contenders can muster that type of effort will be coming clear next month. The South Carolina Senate primary takes place on June 10th.
I truly hope a conservative replaces LG, don’t get me wrong. Right now, even the conservative pundits are saying that isn’t likely.
You can bet that even if there IS a run-off, LG has a LOT of “opposition research” ready to distort the record of the opponent.
The Graham folks, by wanting to prematurely get a sense of victory out obviously aren’t totally confident in said victory.
Lindsey Graham Earmarks (Fiscal Year 2010)^
Some examples include, Malden Mills needing taxpayers to pay for "fleece research" to the tune of $3.2 milion; and Clemson needed $1 million for their veterinary school. One neighborhood in Rock Hill needed over $600K for improvements, and the SC National Turkey Federation needed almost $300K for some reason. How to cook a turkey? Dunno.One of his more recent big money grabs has been a $20 billion (with a B!) dollar earmark for port infrastructure projects in several states, including the S.C. State Ports Authority.
Graham’s proposal creates a $20 billion (with a B!) pot of taxpayer cash for ports across the country to use for infrastructure improvements. East Coast ports can use the funds for harbor deepening projects, Graham said, while West Coast ports, which are already deepened, can use the funding for port-side infrastructure. Inland ports will have access to the funds to deepen the Mississippi River and other infrastructure projects.
Sen. Lindsey Graham: Port infrastructure funding needs overhaul^
A current quote by Mr. Graham on the issue is this: "I should have the ability as a United States senator to direct money back to my state as long as it’s transparent and it makes sense".
In case you were wondering, the Charleston Tea Party is against the $20 billion (with a B!) dollar earmark. Dredging the Charleston Harbor – Facts and Fallacies^
Used to live in SC, and loved every moment of it, but that doesn't make this right.
I hope it was all in good fun, my friend.
Have a good day.
Reset, I think it’s time to either put down the sauce, or get back on your meds. YOU are the one who should read what you’re writing on this thread. You’re embarrassing yourself, whether you realize it or not. Insulting other FReepers and/or their home state is no way to win your cause (whatever that may be). Have a good election.
Sorry, but you are one sick puppy. Hope you get better.
I can tell you two generally conservative outposts: the Washington Examiner and Hot Air (insert assertions as to why they are sell outs and not really conservative here).
But you set up a straw man, it seems. Or maybe that isn’t the right term.
But if Graham does win outright, you’ll say “It was all you gloom and doomers” that did it. Instead, they predicted it with no joy.
No one, not even those who are running against Graham, think they won’t face him in a run off. And the man has a ton of resources to throw at any opponent.
Just tryin’ to be realistic. I wish all his conservative opponents the best.
Sen Graham is polling at around 38% of the registered voters and his support is dwindling.
Sen Graham needs 50% to win the primary.
Sen Lee Bright, is polling higher than all the other contenders combined.
Sen Graham is financed by George Soros and the World Bank who is making loans to US Politicians without one thin dime in their vaults to loan out. The Fed Reserve is part of the World Bank. The IRS is part of the World Bank.
I think the tally has to be close before vote fraud makes a deciding difference - and with the voters split about 50/50, it’s easier to impact recent elections.
Somehow, we have to grow more conservatives, candidates and voters. Easier said than done when we are competing against the federal Santa Claus...
hey, resettozero, how ya doing tonight, Mr. (or is it Mz?) Political Genius? This Virginia dummkoph {sic} is just checking in.
We had a pretty good night here in the Old Dominion. Sorry if things didn’t work out for you in the Palmetto State, what with your brilliant strategery and all.
You are right and I was surely wrong.
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