Monday, 04 Feb 2013 10:47 PM
By Matthew Auerbach
newsmax.com

South Carolina Republican state Sen. Lee Bright is seriously considering a primary challenge against Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

“I'm leaning towards it,” Bright said, in an interview with The Hill on Monday. “I'm not going to make a final decision for another 60 days. That will give me time to see what response there will be out there.”

Referring to conservatives’ displeasure with Graham’s bipartisan efforts on a range of issues including immigration and climate change, Bright said: “We've got a real battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party right now and he's on the other side of the battle.”

Bright said he has occasionally met with Club for Growth, the fiscally conservative watchdog group, which often backs conservative candidates against Republican incumbents in primaries and has been critical of Graham in the past. Bright said he has a perfect lifetime score from the group and hopes to secure their backing.

"I've talked with them a little bit privately in the last few months. Now it's going to get a lot more serious," he said.

Before officially throwing his hat into the ring, Bright wants to be certain he has a positive plan of action.

"You don't want to run unless you can win. I have a lot of folks encouraging me. I'm starting to have more serious discussions with grassroots people, fundraisers and people around the state," he said.

SC Legislator Considering Run Against Graham