Graham glad-hands the crowd

“I love you Lindsey Graham.”  That was the message and hug Senator Graham received from one woman before Graham even walked into a Seneca restaurant this morning for his meet-and-greet event, arranged by the county Republican Party.  With ease, Central native and Oconee resident Graham has won elections for the Senate and House.  Based on early polling, he’s finding it harder to win over other Americans.  Yet his South Carolina political director, Shell Suber, says Graham is campaigning often in his home state because he’s determined to “earn the votes” even though South Carolinians know him well.  Some of those South Carolinians are thinking that Graham must come across well on issues other than defense and the military if he is going to be considered a serious contender.  It’s a question Graham took on when asked this morning by 101.7/WGOG NEWS.  He also played down any speculation that, if unsuccessful, he’ll use the campaign to position himself as a potential cabinet member should another Republican win the White House.  Said Graham:  “If I don’t make it (the White House,) I’ll be your senator.”