Thread: AP: GOP challengers popping up for Sen Lindsey Graham

GOP challengers popping up for Sen Lindsey Graham

By JIM DAVENPORT / Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina Republicans upset with U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham's support of an immigration bill are readying to challenge on of their own next year.

At least two political newcomers plan to run against the state's senior senator when he seeks a second term in 2008. Also, state Rep. Jeff Duncan and former U.S. Rep. Tommy Hartnett said Friday they are considering entering the race.

"I'm keeping the track shoes unlaced so I can slip my feet into them quick if I need to," said Hartnett, 65. "I would hate to see him get a free ride."

The newcomers cited Graham's support of President Bush's plan to legalize millions of illegal immigrants as one of the top reasons to challenge their fellow Republican. Duncan, 41, was tightlipped about why he is considering a bid and Hartnett said Graham has lost his way.

"He wants to work more with the people in the Senate than he does for the people of South Carolina," Hartnett said.

Graham's support of the failed immigration proposal has drawn criticism from many within the GOP. "I would say that was the substantial issue," said Greenville computer specialist Tim Carnes, 49, who plans to run against Graham.

Carnes also said didn't like Graham's involvement in the so-called Gang of 14, a group of Democratic and Republican senators who brokered a deal to head off filibusters of federal judicial appointees.

Carnes knows he is a long shot and has set a goal of raising $1 million for the primary. At the end of March, Graham had $3.7 million in campaign cash on hand.

"That's probably one of the greater challenges I'm going to be facing," Carnes said.

Graham campaign manager Scott Farmer said the senator will run on his record of taking on tough issues. "We look forward to running a strong campaign on the senator's conservative record," Farmer said.

Also in the race is John Cina, a retired Air Force veteran from Summerville, and Gary McLeod, a perennial candidate for the 6th Congressional District.

Cina, 59, said he has no political experience. He served 33 years in the military and has talked about running against Graham since January.

No Democrats have stepped forward yet.

"There are two or three people who are thinking about it," said Carol Fowler, the state Democratic Party's chairwoman.

She declined to name them. "I can tell you that everybody realizes it will be a tough race," she said.

Former state Democratic Party chairman Joe Erwin has been mentioned as a possible candidate, but said Friday: "I don't have a plan for that."


http://www.wcnc.com/news/politics/stori ... 3860a.html

Let Lindsey see how he likes looking for a new job, hopefully not with any bigots.

This is an important race. It will send a powerful statement if Graham goes down.

We have to contribute to help the chalenger. Even if it's just a small amount, it will show that traitor and others we don't have a short memory.

Originally Posted by minnie

We have to contribute to help the chalenger. Even if it's just a small amount, it will show that traitor and others we don't have a short memory.

I'm excited about hearing the candidates' views on illegal immigration.

I believe and hope they must be the opposite of graham otherwise how are they going to chalenge this traitor ?

My Check will be in the mail ASAP.