U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s campaign is said to be in “meltdown mode” based on internal polling done in the wake of his conflicted votes on Obamacare last week.
Already vulnerable among GOP voters due to a host of ideological betrayals (including his support for energy tax hikes, internet tax hikes, amnesty for illegal aliens and domestic spying), Graham’s tortured “opposition” to Obamacare has reportedly caused his perilous position to erode even further.
How much further? FITS was not provided with specific details on the poll – but one source close to Graham’s camp tells us the organization has been “temporarily incapacitated” by the numbers that came back following Graham’s Obamacare votes.
Other Graham sources dispute that contention. They say their internal polling shows his approval rating among Republicans dropping – but that the decline was “within the margin of error.”
Graham will boast another impressive fundraising quarter, this source told us (including big money from a recent trial lawyer event) – but his estimated $7 million war chest may not be enough to save him.
Meanwhile up in Washington, D.C., another poll – taken by a limited government group opposing Graham’s reelection – found similar results.
“Adding Obamacare appeasement to his lengthy list of sins has hurt Lindsey Graham badly,” one source familiar with the limited government group’s polling tells FITS.
Not only that, this group is said to be shopping its data to a pair of fiscally conservative U.S. Congressmen – Mick Mulvaney and Mark Sanford – in an effort to encourage them to run against Graham.
“They are actively recruiting,” our source said, referring to the overall effort to oust Graham as an “eight-figure operation.”
Have these overtures been successful?
“If Mulvaney doesn’t run against him, Sanford will,” our source said. “But Mulvaney might take another look at it.”
Wow …
Neither Mulvaney nor Sanford were immediately available for comment. Sources close to both lawmakers were also exceedingly tight-lipped about any U.S. Senate speculation.
For months, fiscally conservative S.C. Sen. Tom Davis (R-Beaufort) was viewed as the most likely challenger to Graham – however Davis declined to run. In his stead, three candidates have stepped forward – Lowcountry businesswoman Nancy Mace, S.C. Sen. Lee Bright (R-Spartanburg) and social conservative attorney Richard Cash.
A fourth challenger – former lieutenant gubernatorial candidate Bill Connor – is said to be close to jumping into the race.
Of Graham’s declared opponents, Mace is the most electable – although like Bright and Cash she is not widely known. Also none of Graham’s announced opponents are expected to demonstrate much in the way of fundraising prowess – assuming those numbers ever get released given the shuttering of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) during the partial government shutdown.
Obviously FITS will continue to monitor these latest developments in South Carolina’s U.S. Senate primary – which is scheduled for next June.
60 comments
I really don’t see how Fits News considers Nancy Mace more electable when she has never been elected to anything in her life.
Some tits, no record to dissect, no real negatives (other than her association with Ol’Sic), boy’s school on the Ashley grad – for South Carolina, that’s electable.
That’s essentially what Haley was before she was elected… Just an observation.
Nope. She was a state rep.
No one other than Lexington County rednecks I mean residents and State House insiders.
That wasn’t me btw….
That’s the best part about her! Well, aside from her curves + smart.
She is a consultant for FITS. She works for this site. Biased??? Nahhhhh!
Wasn’t she the founder of this website? Explains why they would call her the most electable.
Sanford?
Goddammit Fits!
It would be a most delicious race if Sanford entered. Philanderer versus homosexual.
Pure political awesomeness.
Can anyone explain to me why folks are so preoccupied with Lindsey Graham’s sexuality??? Who gives a flip?? Get a life!
It’s only Republicans that are concerned. That’s what makes Ms. Lindsey a hypocrite and why it matters.
It wouldn’t matter if he ran as a Democrat. Maybe you can get him to run for a more appropriate party instead of being a con man.
I don’t think anyone gives a flip since we now have 2 gays in the senate.
homosexual…yummy
The only thing worse than Sanford would be Little Dickie Eckstrom, Bob Trashman Peeler, Ronnie I’ll do anything Cromer, Hugh Interstate Leatherman, Nikki porcupine Governor Haley, or Harvey pussy whipped Peeler.
You need to look up the definition of philanderer.
“To carry on a sexual affair, especially an extramarital affair, with a woman one cannot or does not intend to marry. Used of a man.”
Sanford is engaged to be married.
Neither Mulvaney, Sanford, or Davis needs elevating to senator, especially Sanford. I’d prefer a fresh face.
Absolutely, I’m sick and tired of the same old used up politicians running. Fresh blood is badly needed, all of these sobs feel the elected offices belong to them. They have built their wealth on the back of the taxpayer too long and are totally beholden to the lobbyist and special interest money, not the people they serve.
This goes for all of them Washington to Columbia, to town halls and County Council! New faces, fresh blood no more political dynasties! No more used up worthless politicians.
Nancy “Mace is the most electable” BECAUSE she has never been elected to anything in her life. Until we rid DC of the GATGA crowd things will never get any better.
Remember, that’s how we got Barry “no experience” Obama in the WH.
If she was running for Congress, sure, that’s one for the plus column. But I prefer a Senator or President to have some political knowledge.
As much as the polls say he’s hurting, I seriously doubt it. If Graham actually votes on a continuing resolution that does fund Obamacare, THAT might give his opponents enough ammo, otherwise I seriously doubt it will make a difference. All that other stuff? Come on. It isn’t like Graham didn’t support cap-and-trade and illegal immigration before 2008. Him and McCain are notorious for doing the exact opposite of what they campaign on and yet still churn out the votes and win every six years.
Enough dumb voters will show up and vote for him in the primary, and since it is an open primary, I’m sure a lot of Democrats will support him too (which is a grave mistake if you’re against the wars or abusive government powers, which all liberals should be). Once he clears the primary, there’s no stopping him (which is the same for Haley).
Pessimistic? Sure, but I doubt I’m wrong.
Mulvaney would be an excellent choice to run against this clown.
Mulvaney would e an excellent choice.
Would love for the Mickster to explore this and give someone decent a chance for the congressional seat. He never introduced a piece of legislation in the SC House or Senate, but has become a “help the Koch Bros.” Legislative machine in the US House. Needs to go.
.
Sanford and Connor would be the race of adulterers. I guess the good news is none of Sanford’s wives have killed or maimed a bunch of infants.
Well I should have said “Sanford’s women….”
do you have proof that bill connor is an adulterer
Sanford vs Graham? Doubt they will ever run against each other. Aren’t they best friends? Wouldn’t be surprised if LG knows more about MS and may hold that over him.
Sanfraud would be a perfect Senator. doesn’t have to do a damn thing, like run the government say if you were Governor; instead just run off at the mouth non-stop, speaking in the 3rd person, aking yourself rhetorical questions repeatedly during long winded pointless Senate Floor speeches.
The clearest sign of trouble is that he is on TV with ads in the wake of the obamacare votes. He probably has polling showing that he could not beat a top tier conservative candidate in a primary and his best bet is to keep his poll numbers high enough to keep somebody like Mulvaney, Sanford, or Davis from filing against him.
Sanford is a top-tier conservative?
Third District Congressman Jeff Duncan would be the best choice to defeat Graham in the Republican Primary. He is a true conservative and has developed a statewide following. In addition, he can raise the money necessary to be competitive.
Duncan has just enough sense to know his limitations and refrain from such a ridiculous idea. You won’t pry him away from his Congressional seat in the looniest District of SC.
Looniest district? How so?
Note 3a below:
1loon noun ?lün
Definition of LOON
1
: lout, idler
2
chiefly Scottish : boy
3
a : a crazy personb : simpleton
Origin of LOON
Middle English loun
First Known Use: 15th century
There are still some elevators in old DC buildings, including large stores, that must be operated manually. Given Tom Davis’s unwillingness to do more than complain, write commentaries and get his picture in the paper, this would be an excellent job for him in DC. — What floor, please? Watch your step. Have a nice day.
LOL! Spot on!
You are right that Mace is the most electable when considered along side Bright and Cash, but she is still unelectable. Sandford is an experienced pol who knows better than to venture away from his House seat right now. Muvaney could be persuaded, but would not get the nomination. No matter how much some of you guys hate him, Graham will win re-election easily.
Sanford has already been a House member, so he is probably bored out of his mind right now. He won pretty convincingly in the special, so he just might go for it.
If Mulvaney gets in, it will turn the race totally upside down. Don’t doubt that. He has experience and would have solid backing from the most conservative wing. He isn’t so far right that he would frighten the establishment wing either. The Club for Growth, et al would put millions into the race on his side too.
Senate seats don’t open often in this state, and there is a big bench of others waiting in the wings too.
If Lindsay wins this time, he will stay until he is McCain’s age. Tim Scott has a lock on the other seat. If either man wants to be there, they need to open the door to this opportunity.
I think she is certainly electable. My wife and I met her a few weeks ago. So much poise and grace for a young woman who has accomplished a lot at a young age. We have been telling everyone we know about her because we have got to stop these blowhards in DC.
You are right that Mace is the most electable when considered along side Bright and Cash, but she is still unelectable. Sandford is an experienced pol who knows better than to venture away from his House seat right now. Muvaney could be persuaded, but would not get the nomination. No matter how much some of you guys hate him, Graham will win re-election easily.
Please, for the love of God South Carolina, send this demon from the Senate packing his bags instead of fudge.
Sen. Lee Bright ^5
Dear Darla Moore,
As you sit and read this article, what thoughts come to mind? When you re-visit media history concerning Graham in the last few years or so, what is being described to you.
This “may” just be a “fluff” signal to offer gentle tissues to the poll crowd.
Darla, what do you think. Your smartphone “media” crawl should tell you something. Should it not..?
Nancy Mace is no FOOL….and neither are you. How would your “winks” be used to boomerang Graham and send Haley a “Boeing” smile..?
Ya know Darla, what conversations do any of the Board members for USC have with those members on the Citadel Board and SCSU board..? Graham’s support is similar to that of Catherine Ceips. If Nancy Mace knows this then surely Mrs Anita Zucker and Jenny Sanford know it too.
Darla….how would a casual walk through a Harris Teeter store be used to illustrate Graham like a “Piggly Wiggly”…?
We highly wager that SMIRKS and TontoBubbaGoldstein and ThreePALMS get the connection….
Nancy Mace will have my vote!
Nancy Mace FTW!
Who is this Nancy Mace?
MIne too
Mark Sanford is NEVER running against Lindsay. And Mulvaney has praised Graham in the past and called him a “conservative”.
Lee Bright is very electable here in SC, he is a true conservative, fiscally and socially. We need someone not willing to compromise principles and in the SC State Senate, Bright has shown that over and over. Sanford or Mulvaney can run and possibly win, not my pick of the litter though. We need fresh faces and steadfast convictions at a time America is struggling.
Lee Not so Bright should probably be raising money for the half million or so he owes his creditors rather than raising money for a US Senate race. He is nowhere near electable either.
Graham is toast now …. People all across the entire state of South Carolina are learning early enough, that Graham is one fucked up piece of shit – PERIOD! He is one hell of a rogue and lawless delusional sociopath.
He and his staff can all kiss their sick and twisted narcissistic butts GOODBYE!
I say Graham wins re-election handily. And no, he certainly is not getting my vote – nor is Mace or Dull/Bright or any other stupid SC Republican.
And the more often that Fits predicts Graham will lose, the surer I am that he will win. (To believe Fits you’d have to forget the zillions of times he has predicted the imminent indictment of Governor Haley . . .)
Mulvaney would make a great senator. Mick is as intelligent as and has a broader education than Graham. He is also – as of this writing – far more honest than Graham – and hunts weasels as opposed to being one.
Really… do they think carpetbagger Sanford has a chance anywhere outside his carpetbagger district?
Nancy Mace worked for or still works for this site. That she is the only electable candidate is ridiculous and biased. Full Disclosure Fits!!!!
Sanford would be an excellent example of the moral stature, rectitude and personal character of political leaders generated by the current GOP in SC. This state’s not already enough of a laughingstock — just add “Senator Appalachian Trail” to the mix.
It’s great to see S.C. is not totally full of Teabuggers:
http://www.thestate.com/2013/10/06/3021150/sunday-letters-graham-deserves.html