FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2020
Contact: Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
New Report: Sen. Lindsey Graham Involved in Controversial Pay-to-Play Scheme
A new report details how Sen. Graham teamed up with Sen. Thom Tillis to push for a controversial casino after massive donations and lobbying from casino interests
Columbia, S.C — Today, new reporting is highlighting Sen. Graham’s involvement in a shady pay-to-play scheme alongside Sen. Tillis, casino industry lobbyists, and a casino mogul who has been indicted for money laundering and forced to settle fraud suits for millions of dollars. According to Salon’s report:
“[Sen. Graham] coordinated in an apparent pay-to-play scheme that played out for several years regarding the development of a controversial casino in a North Carolina tribal area.”
While Sen. Graham was initially opposed to the casino, he appears to have completely reversed himself after a coordinated lobbying and donation campaign by the shady casino developer, Wallace Cheves. Despite widespread opposition to the proposed casino project, Sen. Graham’s full-fledged lobbying effort at the highest levels of the federal government seems to have paid off for his donors.
“This eyebrow-raising report once again demonstrates who Sen. Graham is making Washington work for — his friends, donors, and political allies,” said Manuel Bonder, SCDP coordinated campaign spokesperson. “While Sen. Graham moves heaven and earth for his donors, he hasn’t lifted a finger on issues important to South Carolina. From healthcare to COVID-19 relief, struggling South Carolinians have gotten little more than excuses and failed leadership.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2020
Contact:Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
The State’s Editorial Board Endorses Jaime Harrison
Oldest newspaper in South Carolina reminded South Carolinians that after 25 years in Washington, Lindsey Graham has changed
Columbia, S.C. — Today, Jaime Harrison was endorsed by The State’s editorial board, who touted Harrison as a pragmatic leader with the potential to be a transformative political figure worthy of South Carolina’s support. The editorial board also emphasized that Sen. Graham has changed after 25 years in Washington, and this change has not earned him the benefit of their support for another term in the U.S. Senate.
Check out key excerpts below and read The State’s full endorsement here:
ON WHY IT IS TIME FOR NEW LEADERSHIP IN SOUTH CAROLINA
- Graham’s comment hints at a public official whose ability to view issues through the lens of everyday South Carolinians has been dulled by years and years of being an powerful political insider in Washington.
- And it suggests that the time has come for South Carolina to have a fresh perspective and a new senator in Washington.
- His name is Jaime Harrison.
- South Carolinians should elect him on Nov. 3.
“A TELLTALE MOMENT” FROM SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM
- The telltale sign came earlier this year when — as the pandemic began to wreak havoc on the lives and livelihoods of South Carolinians and other Americans — Graham declared his opposition to Congress extending an expiring set of coronavirus-related unemployment benefits.
- But Graham didn’t merely voice his opposition to extending the original unemployment benefits package; he roared that only ”over our dead bodies” would it happen.
- Here, however, is the question that Graham has never really answered:
- Who was the “our” that Graham was so intent on passionately standing up and fighting for during that moment?
- Was that “our” the millions of Americans and South Carolinians who were still struggling at that moment to survive the impact of the coronavirus outbreak?
- Or was that “our” the small circle of politicians in D.C. who were bloodlessly viewing that moment as an opportunity to use an unemployment relief package as a budget bargaining chip in the midst of a global catastrophe?
- Which “our” was Graham’s highest priority during that critical moment?
- At a time when South Carolinians and Americans actually were dying, Graham’s flippant “over our dead bodies” remark was breathtakingly tone-deaf.
- And months later it still does not reflect well on Graham, who declined to interview with The State Editorial Board and answer our questions.
ON WHY JAIME HARRISON IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR U.S. SENATE IN THIS ELECTION
- Harrison, 44, has the potential to be a transformative political figure who will represent our state in a manner that mirrors the solutions-oriented mindset of most South Carolinians — but with the energy and unifying vision that longtime incumbency is clearly stripping away from Graham.
- Too often elected officials who spend decades in office, particularly within the insular bubble of D.C., gradually cease to make a real difference in politics and simply live off their names as politicians.
- And it is difficult to shake the suspicion that another six years in the Senate will only yield diminishing results from Lindsey Graham and diminishing returns for South Carolina.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2020
Contact: Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
The State’s Editorial Board Endorses Jaime Harrison
Oldest newspaper in South Carolina reminded South Carolinians that after 25 years in Washington, Lindsey Graham has changed
Columbia, S.C. — Today, Jaime Harrison was endorsed by The State’s editorial board, who touted Harrison as a pragmatic leader with the potential to be a transformative political figure worthy of South Carolina’s support. The editorial board also emphasized that Sen. Graham has changed after 25 years in Washington, and this change has not earned him the benefit of their support for another term in the U.S. Senate.
Check out key excerpts below and read The State’s full endorsement here:
ON WHY IT IS TIME FOR NEW LEADERSHIP IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Graham’s comment hints at a public official whose ability to view issues through the lens of everyday South Carolinians has been dulled by years and years of being an powerful political insider in Washington.
And it suggests that the time has come for South Carolina to have a fresh perspective and a new senator in Washington.
His name is Jaime Harrison.
South Carolinians should elect him on Nov. 3.
“A TELLTALE MOMENT” FROM SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM
The telltale sign came earlier this year when — as the pandemic began to wreak havoc on the lives and livelihoods of South Carolinians and other Americans — Graham declared his opposition to Congress extending an expiring set of coronavirus-related unemployment benefits.
But Graham didn’t merely voice his opposition to extending the original unemployment benefits package; he roared that only ”over our dead bodies” would it happen.
Here, however, is the question that Graham has never really answered:
Who was the “our” that Graham was so intent on passionately standing up and fighting for during that moment?
Was that “our” the millions of Americans and South Carolinians who were still struggling at that moment to survive the impact of the coronavirus outbreak?
Or was that “our” the small circle of politicians in D.C. who were bloodlessly viewing that moment as an opportunity to use an unemployment relief package as a budget bargaining chip in the midst of a global catastrophe?
Which “our” was Graham’s highest priority during that critical moment?
At a time when South Carolinians and Americans actually were dying, Graham’s flippant “over our dead bodies” remark was breathtakingly tone-deaf.
And months later it still does not reflect well on Graham, who declined to interview with The State Editorial Board and answer our questions.
ON WHY JAIME HARRISON IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR U.S. SENATE IN THIS ELECTION
Harrison, 44, has the potential to be a transformative political figure who will represent our state in a manner that mirrors the solutions-oriented mindset of most South Carolinians — but with the energy and unifying vision that longtime incumbency is clearly stripping away from Graham.
Too often elected officials who spend decades in office, particularly within the insular bubble of D.C., gradually cease to make a real difference in politics and simply live off their names as politicians.
And it is difficult to shake the suspicion that another six years in the Senate will only yield diminishing results from Lindsey Graham and diminishing returns for South Carolina.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2020
Contact: Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
Two Weeks From Election Day, S.C. Early Voting Shows Sustained Momentum
Columbia, S.C. — Two weeks from election day, South Carolina voters are continuing to turn out to vote early in record numbers. This record breaking turnout is a testament to the incredible grassroots energy on the ground in South Carolina — and yet another demonstration of the momentum Jaime Harrison is experiencing in the final weeks of his campaign for U.S. Senate. According to the South Carolina Elections Commission, as of 5:00PM yesterday, 535,000 people have voted so far in 2020.
Among the makeup of these early votes:
- 56% of total early votes have been in person
- 35% of turnout is among voters of color and white voters make up 65%
- African American votes make up 32% of total early votes
- We have already hit 54% of the total expected early vote turnout of 1 million
- This is 21% of the expected total turnout of 2.5 million
“With fourteen days left until November 3rd, South Carolina voters are exceeding turnout expectations at the polls because they know the unquestionable power of their vote,” said Lauren Brown, SCDP Communications Director. “Voters are energized by the strength of the Democratic ticket up and down the ballot and a collective, statewide effort to finally send Lindsey Graham home for good.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2020
Contact:
Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
New Reporting: Sen. Graham Orchestrates Special Deals for His Corporate Benefactors
New reporting shows Sen. Graham putting corporate benefactors and political allies ahead of U.S. national security concerns
Columbia, S.C. — Last week, it was reported that Oracle founder Larry Ellison donated a quarter of a million dollars to a super PAC supporting Lindsey Graham’s flailing re-election campaign after Sen. Graham orchestrated a government deal that hugely benefited Ellison’s company. As reported in The Verge, the timing of Ellison’s huge donation is “remarkable,” as it came “mere hours after Oracle officially announced that it had been chosen as TikTok’s technology partner for its US operations.”
According to The Verge, “Graham was reportedly pivotal in arranging the deal,” and this summer, Sen. Graham stated that “If TikTok is saved, you can thank me.” This deal, however, raises grave cybersecurity concerns about TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government. What is clear, is that Lindsey Graham is too busy helping out his corporate donors to look out for South Carolina.
“This new reporting is yet another reminder that Sen. Graham is more focused on making Washington work for his friends and allies than for South Carolina,” said Manuel Bonder, SCDP coordinated campaign spokesperson. “Ignoring concerns about U.S. cybersecurity, Sen. Graham was busy orchestrating shady business deals in exchange for a massive donation to his super PAC.”
“This is the worst of Washington politics — and unfortunately, it’s exactly what we’ve come to expect from Sen. Graham.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2020
Contact: Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
As S.C. Breaks Absentee Voting Records, SCDP is Committed to Ensuring Every Eligible Voter Can Cast Their Ballot
Columbia, S.C. — As South Carolina voters break absentee voting records, the South Carolina Democratic Party is working to ensure that every eligible South Carolina voter can cast their ballot in the upcoming election. In order to do so, it is imperative that everyone is informed on the rules and guidance on how to safely and securely vote.
The South Carolina Democratic Party is focused on assisting voters across the state and making sure people are prepared to vote early. In order to do so, SCDP is emphasizing the importance of voting early in person — as polling places are now open in all 46 counties. Everyone can vote absentee this year, and it is safe, easy, and secure to do so in person.
Voters can also access all key voting information and resources at votebluesc.com, or by texting VOTE to 43100. If people have any questions, they can call the SCDP Voter Protection Hotline at 1-855-785-0222 — open from 9AM-7PM Monday through Friday, and 9AM-5PM on Sundays. Those interested in volunteering to provide Rides to the Polls on election day can sign up here.
Vote In Person Absentee — Deadline at 5:00PM, Monday, November 2:
Visit votebluesc.com for all key voting information and resources.
Vote By Mail:
Those who already have absentee ballots to return by mail should do so as soon as possible, or visit votebluesc.com to go vote early in person.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2020
Contact: Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
New Reporting Highlights: Lindsey Graham is in the Fight of His Political Life
“Lindsey Graham scrambles to save his own reelection”
Columbia, S.C. — New reporting from the Los Angeles Times is once again highlighting how weak Sen. Lindsey Graham is in the fight of his political life. After 25 years in Washington, Sen. Graham is scrambling to save his reelection as he faces an unprecedented challenge from Jaime Harrison, whose grassroots movement to bring hope back to South Carolina is just a few weeks away from sending Lindsey home.
Read highlights below and check out the full story here:
ON LINDSEY GRAHAM’S DESPERATE STRUGGLE FOR RE-ELECTION
- In conservative South Carolina, the most unlikely battleground in Republicans’ struggle to retain control of the Senate, Sen. Lindsey Graham is in the fight of his career.
- Graham’s problem is not just that Democrats have turned Harrison into a national cause célèbre.
- He has also struggled to rally his own party. In the last four years, he’s flip-flopped from one of Trump’s most vociferous critics into an ally so close that Graham was one of the first senators to talk to Trump after he tested positive for COVID-19. The abrupt shift has exacted a political price.
- With Graham running a few points behind Trump in polls, the outcome of the Senate contest remains in doubt.
ON JAIME HARRISON’S STRENGTH
- Harrison has been helped by the surge of activism among voters of color that has lifted many Black candidates this year amid a national reckoning over racism.
- “Jaime is the best Democratic candidate anyone has seen here in a long time,” said Matt Moore, former South Carolina GOP chairman. “He is running in a cultural moment that seeks to rectify many old wrongs, and the moderate voters recognize that fact.”
- Harrison said he sees his success so far as a sign of a “New South” more welcoming to Democratic candidates.
- “When you invest in candidates and actually put candidates on the field who reflect the values and talk about the issues that are important to people, you can compete,” Harrison said in a phone interview from his home in Columbia. “We have to stop neglecting the South.”
ON LINDSEY GRAHAM’S TRUMP FLIP FLOP
- Part of what has helped Harrison is Graham’s maneuvering to adapt to the Trump era: No other Republican has executed a Trump-era transformation as eye-catching and vividly documented.
- When he ran for the GOP presidential nomination in 2016, Graham called Trump a “race-baiting, xenophobic religious bigot” and “unfit for office.” That fueled conservative suspicions that were already high because of Graham’s record as a dealmaking pragmatist and a sidekick of maverick GOP Sen. John McCain of Arizona.
- Graham changed his stand after Trump won and McCain died.
- Graham’s alliance with Trump is costing him support among voters such as Dick Wilkerson, a former backer who liked the pragmatic Graham of yore.
- “I don’t support him today because of the man that he has become,” Wilkerson, past chairman of Greenville-based Michelin North America, said in an ad for Harrison.
ON LINDSEY GRAHAM’S BASE PROBLEM
- Graham’s support among Republicans still lags. In his February 2020 GOP primary, Graham drew just 68% of the vote against three little-known protest candidates.
- In a recent Morning Consult poll, 84% of Republicans backed Graham; 94% backed Trump. Among Democrats, 95% supported Harrison.
- One of the Republicans who ran against Graham in the primary remains unpersuaded. “I won’t vote for him,” said Joe Reynolds, an engineer in the U.S. Merchant Marine.
- Reynolds, who drew 9% of the vote in the GOP primary, says he worries about the Republican Party losing support from moderates and suburban women.
- “We behave as if it’s all about Trump all the time,” he said in an email from a ship at sea. “It’s a dead end if you ask me.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2020
Contact: Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
Lindsey Graham’s Failed Leadership is Hurting South Carolina’s Economy
Columbia, S.C. — Over a year ago, Sen. Lindsey Graham said that he was prepared for the trade war with China to “drag on as long as it takes” so that “we can have business done where people generate jobs here and sell products to China.” Now, as the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated South Carolina’s economy, recent reporting shows that the onshoring of jobs back to the Palmetto State simply isn’t happening. According to Doug Woodward, director of research and professor of economics at the University of South Carolina:
“The fact is that China has bounced back really quickly. They’re supplying everything that they were before and even more so because their economy is performing so well. It’s not easy to move that supply out of Asia and back to South Carolina. There’s been some talk of that, but we see absolutely no movement in that direction.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham’s failure to lead throughout this pandemic has hamstrung the Palmetto State’s economy, resulting in grim forecasts until 2021, and possibly through 2022. Sen. Graham has steadfastly opposed providing additional relief to South Carolina workers who lost their jobs in the pandemic — saying that “over our dead bodies” would he do so. He has also failed to renew relief for small businesses across the state who are struggling.
“This reporting once again highlights the reality that Sen. Graham has failed to protect South Carolina’s economy during this unprecedented crisis,” said Manuel Bonder, SCDP coordinated campaign spokesperson. “His steadfast opposition to renewing critical unemployment relief has hurt working families and small businesses, and South Carolina’s economy is worse off today because of it.
“Right now, we desperately need someone in that office who will step up and face these issues head on — but once again, Lindsey is proving he’s not that leader.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2020
Contact: Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
Lindsey Graham Skips Vote In Desperate Attempt To Avoid Adding To His Long Record Attacking Coverage Protections For People With Pre-Existing Conditions
His Commitment to Dismantling Our Healthcare, Gutting Protections for People with Pre-Existing Conditions is Clear
Columbia, S.C. — Today, as the Senate held a vote to defend the Affordable Care Act and its protections for people with pre-existing conditions, Lindsey Graham did not vote. While Sen. Graham’s silence on the most pressing issue facing voters and the Supreme Court this fall is deafening, his position is clear.
As has recently been reported, undermining coverage protections for people with pre-existing conditions is a central mechanism of GOP healthcare proposals — such as “Graham-Cassidy,” Sen. Graham’s own failed healthcare bill. Under Graham-Cassidy, 21 million fewer Americans would have health insurance, and insurance companies could once again be allowed to jack up costs for people with pre-existing conditions. Then, after his disastrous bill failed, Sen. Graham promised to repeal the ACA if he had enough support in Congress — without guarantee of a plan or intent to replace it.
Now, as the Supreme Court is a few weeks away from oral arguments in a Republican-backed lawsuit to strike down the Affordable Care Act, Lindsey Graham is completely silent on the matter. If this lawsuit were successful, it would gut insurance protections for over 2 million South Carolinians with pre-existing conditions and over 240,000 South Carolinians could lose their coverage.
“Sen. Graham has repeatedly failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act in the Senate; while he’s hiding from voters today, we all know where he stands,” said Manuel Bonder, SCDP coordinated campaign spokesperson. “Lindsey Graham stands for recklessly upending our healthcare system and gutting protections for the most vulnerable South Carolinians in the face of an unprecedented pandemic. This position is outrageous and cruel — and the fact that he won’t even try to defend it is outright shameful.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2020
Contact: Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
Sen. Lindsey Graham Has Failed to Protect South Carolinians’ Health Insurance
Columbia, S.C. — As shown in recent reporting, one million Americans lost health insurance last year — and that was before the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting public health crisis. This is a continuing trend: Census data shows that between 2016 and 2019, 2.3 million Americans lost their health insurance. During this period, the number of uninsured South Carolinians grew by 62,000. In 2019, the percentage of people in South Carolina without health insurance continued to rise.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened these conditions, as unemployment has skyrocketed and many South Carolinians face uncertain futures. What has remained constant through this whole time, however, is Lindsey Graham’s opposition to expanding healthcare coverage and his commitment to repealing the only national law that protects people with preexisting conditions.
“When it comes to healthcare — the number one issues on voters’ minds during this devastating pandemic — Sen. Graham has failed to protect South Carolinians’ coverage,” said Manuel Bonder, SCDP coordinated campaign spokesperson. “Not only is he failing to protect our care — Lindsey Graham is actively working to gut coverage and repeal protections for people with preexisting conditions. This November, we will send Sen. Graham home, because our health depends on it.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2020
Contact:
Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
New Quinnipiac Poll Shows Lindsey Graham Should Be Preparing for Retirement
As He Fails to Lead During this Crisis, Sen. Graham Seems More Focused on Playing Golf Than Providing the Solutions South Carolina Desperately Needs
Columbia, S.C. — Today, Quinnipiac University released a new poll showing Jaime Harrison and Sen. Lindsey Graham tied at 48% in the race for U.S. Senate in South Carolina. This poll found that Sen. Graham’s favorability is underwater, while nearly 50 percent of voters surveyed had a favorable opinion of Jaime Harrison. This poll asked South Carolina voters whether they felt Graham “cared about average people,” and the majority said they did not.
According to Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Tim Malloy, Sen. Graham is in the fight of his political life. “A victor by almost 16 points back in 2014, Senator Graham stares down the first real test of his Senate tenure. Outspent and accused by some of being a Trump apologist, he is in a precarious tie,” Malloy said.
“In the face of this unprecedented crisis, Lindsey Graham’s utter weakness and failure to lead has been devastating — and he is running scared because of it,” said Trav Robertson, Jr., SCDP Chair. “South Carolinians are tired of this callous, hypocritical, failed excuse for a senator. Now, voters are ready to send Lindsey into early retirement.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2020
Contact:
Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
SCDP Statement on Sen. Graham’s Comments on the Shooting of Jacob Blake
Columbia, S.C. — Yesterday, when asked about the police shooting of Jacob Blake, Sen. Graham placed the blame on Mr. Blake. While the reporter clearly noted that Mr. Blake was shot in the back seven times and that he is now paralyzed from the waist down, Sen. Graham’s response contained no recognition of the brutality of this incident. Instead, Sen. Graham questioned why Mr. Blake didn’t yield.
“For Lindsey Graham to blame the victim in this terrible incident is despicable,” said Lauren Brown, SCDP spokesperson. “Right is right and wrong is wrong. You don’t shoot an unarmed man in the back. People across the country are calling out for justice and reforms to the use of force by police, but Lindsey Graham has decided to blame the victim instead of leading with solutions.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2020
Contact:Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
Sen. Graham “Fully Supported” A Policy That Would Deplete Disability Benefits by 2021 and Social Security Benefits by 2023
Columbia, S.C. — A recent analysis by the Social Security Administration’s Chief Actuary estimates that a current proposal to end payroll taxes would immediately endanger the Social Security Trust Fund — leaving it with no ability to pay benefits by the middle of 2023. The proposal would leave the fund unable to make payments to disabled Americans by 2021. This is alarming news that risks devastating consequences for seniors and families across South Carolina.
Sen. Lindsey Graham said he fully supports a payroll tax cut — endangering critical funds to Social Security and Medicare and threatening South Carolinians’ health and retirement security. Lindsey Graham has also dismissed our financial commitments to these critical programs as “promises we can’t keep,” a demonstration of his disregard for these critical earned benefits.
“Social Security is an essential, hard-earned benefit seniors across South Carolina have paid into their entire lives — and they depend on it,” said Trav Robertson, Jr., SCDP Chair. “This is an alarming reminder that the reckless proposal Sen. Graham supports poses grave threats to South Carolina seniors and hard working families. In the face of this devastating economic crisis, we need a senator who will fight to protect Social Security — not one who works to defund it.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 24, 2020
CONTACT: MANUEL BONDER, 857-928-2030, ALLINPRESS@SCDP.ORG
As Lindsey Graham’s Recess Continues, South Carolina Teachers Are Frustrated, Confused, Uncertain
Columbia, S.C. — As many South Carolina teachers prepare to return to their classrooms in person in the next few weeks, COVID-19 activity remains high across the state, leading many to fear the worst. Unanswered concerns about school outbreaks and widespread virus transmission in classrooms are resulting in tremendous amounts of stress, unrest, and anxiety for teachers. This is yet another example of how devastating the failure to get this virus under control has been.
As was recently reported, South Carolina teachers are frustrated, confused, and worried about plans to safely reopen schools. From the uncertainty around face-covering policies and what safety measures teachers will need to take, to the many unanswered questions around remote learning conditions, South Carolina teachers are right to be concerned.
Meanwhile, as this uncertain start to the school year looms, Sen. Lindsey Graham is still on recess instead of working to provide solutions. House Democrats passed coronavirus aid that included billions to support our struggling education system, but instead of staying at work to negotiate, Lindsey Graham left Washington and won’t return until after the start of the school year. The lack of action on school reopenings has been devastating — and now, South Carolina teachers are being hung out to dry.
“The fact that Sen. Graham is on recess in the face of this issue is unfathomable,” said Trav Robertson, Jr., SCDP Chair. “His lack of leadership is making South Carolina teachers, students, and middle class families worse off. We desperately need a senator who will tackle these challenges head on — because our communities depend on it.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 21, 2020
CONTACT: MANUEL BONDER, 857-928-2030, ALLINPRESS@SCDP.ORG
Lindsey Graham’s Inaction is Hurting South Carolina, Increasing Uncertainty
“S.C. economists project South Carolina will lose out on at least $1.2 billion in new money it had projected the state to have.”
S.C. House Budget Chairman: “We don’t have any grasp of where we’re heading”
Columbia, S.C. — This week, as Lindsey Graham’s summer vacation continues, Gov. Henry McMaster is sounding the alarm about possible state budget cuts. McMaster has asked state lawmakers not to create a new spending plan and urged his cabinet to prepare for possible budget cuts. As the Governor noted, at the beginning of this year, there was broad support for raising teachers’ salaries, extending full-day kindergarten access statewide, and making urgent repairs to South Carolina’s infrastructure; those plans have evaporated due to the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Sen. Graham has taken a summer vacation, failing to enact any meaningful solutions to the ongoing public health and economic threats facing South Carolina. Instead of leading us through this crisis, Sen. Graham has cheered on executive orders that would cut emergency unemployment relief for struggling South Carolinians and increase the burden on the state’s already-stressed budget — a burden he opposes alleviating.
“While Lindsey Graham enjoys his August recess, he is simultaneously ignoring the most urgent crises South Carolina families, business owners and entire communities are facing,” said Trav Robertson, Jr., SCDP Chair. “The future looks painfully uncertain for many, and once again Lindsey Graham is nowhere to be found. Graham should be providing comfort to folks about where we’re headed. That’s what real leadership looks like and what the voters of South Carolina deserve.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2020
Contact:Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
As South Carolina’s Economy Struggles, Lindsey Graham Fails to Lead
Columbia, S.C. — This week, 1.1 million Americans filed new unemployment claims — and new claims rose across South Carolina as well. This concerning news comes amid Sen. Graham’s summer vacation — during a week in which he has been raising money out of state rather than working to address the ongoing public health and economic crises facing South Carolina.
Sen. Graham has steadfastly opposed providing additional relief to South Carolinians who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own during the pandemic — saying that Congress would extend emergency relief “over our dead bodies.” Sen. Graham has consistently fought to gut emergency unemployment relief nearly 150,000 South Carolinians rely on to make ends meet.
“Sen. Graham has spent the summer failing to provide any leadership on the most pressing issues South Carolina faces — from rising COVID-19 cases to historic economic devastation,” said Manuel Bonder, SCDP coordinated campaign spokesperson. “Now, as the Senate continues its summer vacation, unemployment is on the rise and South Carolinians are struggling to get by. We desperately need leadership in the U.S. Senate — and Lindsey Graham refuses to provide it.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2020
Contact: Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
Lindsey Graham’s Health Care Record is On the Ballot
Columbia, S.C. — Today, in a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to our health care system, the Supreme Court scheduled oral arguments in the lawsuit to repeal the Affordable Care Act. This lawsuit stands to fully repeal the ACA — which would eliminate access to health care for nearly 300,000 South Carolinians, end Medicaid expansion, and gut protections for preexisting conditions.
Throughout his career, Senator Graham has steadfastly opposed the ACA. He has frequently supported repealing this critical law and championed legislation that would allow insurers to “charge sick people higher premiums — or deny them coverage outright.” Without existing protections for people with preexisting conditions, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, people who recover from the virus and attempt to purchase a health care plan could be “turned down, charged higher premiums, or have follow-up care excluded from coverage.” Sen. Graham has also promised that with enough support in Congress, he will vote to repeal this law.
“Today’s announcement is a stark reminder of the stakes in this election — and the fact that health care is on the ballot in South Carolina,” said Trav Robertson, Jr., SCDP Chair. “Sen. Graham fighting to repeal the Affordable Care Act is nothing new — but it is especially cruel and reckless in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. South Carolina needs a senator who will fight to protect and expand access to affordable health care — not one who works to take it away.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2020
Contact: Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
Lindsey Graham Lacks South Carolina Base, Raising 86.5% of Money Out-of-State
“The American Independent: Graham Attacks Challenger For Raising Out-Of-State Money As He Does The Same Thing”
Columbia, S.C. — Sen. Graham has once again been caught in a hypocritical position where his actions speak louder than his words — drawing attention to how much of his support comes from wealthy out of state donors and PACs. While Sen. Graham’s campaign routinely criticizes his opponent for raising money out-of-state, recent reporting shows that Graham is raising the vast majority of his money from outside South Carolina.
Reporters have repeatedly noted that Sen. Graham has consistently raised the overwhelming majority of his funds from outside of South Carolina. According to The American Independent, Lindsey Graham has raised the vast majority — 86.5% — of his campaign funds this cycle from outside South Carolina. He is also spending huge sums of money targeting voters with Facebook ads — they just happen to overwhelmingly be voters in other states.
“This is yet another example of Lindsey Graham’s glaring hypocrisy; once again, his actions and his words don’t agree with each other,” said Manuel Bonder, South Carolina Democratic Party coordinated campaign spokesperson. “Right now, while Lindsey is on summer vacation, South Carolina families and small businesses are struggling through an unprecedented pandemic and one of the worst economic crises in our country’s history. Instead of playing political games, Sen. Graham should get back to work.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2020
Contact: Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
Will Lindsey Graham Stand Up and Protect the Postal Service?
Columbia, S.C. — The Postal Service has undergone a sweeping overhaul, causing “slowed mail delivery and ensnared ballots in recent primary elections.” The administration acknowledges that the Postal Service needs money to protect America’s voting rights this November but says it will continue to block critical emergency funding.
Jeopardizing the Postal Service, however, is not just about our right to vote by mail in the midst of a pandemic; it threatens the well being of people across South Carolina who rely on the USPS every day. From those in rural communities for whom losing a post office would be devastating, to seniors who use it to communicate with their loved ones, to the veterans who rely on it for their medication — the Postal Service is vital. South Carolinians deserve to know — where does Lindsey Graham stand?
“People across South Carolina rely on the Postal Service to deliver everything from prescription drugs and medical equipment, to their Social Security checks and letters from loved ones,” said Trav Robertson, Jr., SCDP Chair. “The ongoing threats to the USPS are not only undermining America’s voting rights — they endanger the well being of communities and small businesses all across our state. South Carolina has a right to know: Will Lindsey stand up and protect this essential service?”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2020
Contact: Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
Lindsey Graham’s Inaction Stands to Cost South Carolina Millions
Columbia, S.C. — After a wasted summer failing to act on legislation to address the COVID-19 pandemic, Lindsey Graham is cheering on the administration’s executive order to cut crucial unemployment relief for struggling South Carolinians. Not only will this executive order gut relief for people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own — it would rely on millions of dollars from South Carolina’s already-stressed state budget. As reported by the Post and Courier:
The order “…Requires states to pay 25 percent of the cost in order to cash in. […] That would place a huge financial burden on the state, which is already dealing with declining tax revenues as a result of the pandemic and economic recession…It remains unclear where the money for the state’s share would come from.”
This proposal will hurt the over 188,000 South Carolinians who filed for unemployment in the face of this unprecedented pandemic; it also could result in higher taxes for South Carolina businesses — many of which may not survive one of the worst economic crises in our country’s history.
“Lindsey Graham’s devastating summer of inaction has left struggling families and small businesses behind,” said Trav Robertson, Jr., SCDP Chair. “The result is that instead of real solutions to the challenges we face today, South Carolinians have been left with a series of irresponsible half-measures that do more harm than good.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2020
Contact: Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
Lindsey Graham’s Record on COVID-19 is One of Failure and Inaction
Columbia, S.C. — This week, Sen. Lindsey Graham was asked about his past statements on the COVID-19 pandemic. To recap:
In April, he said that if we can hold the death rate under 50,000, it would mean “we’ve acted decisively.” Then, he said that the “strategy and policy regarding the virus is working. We’re driving down the curve every day […] I think we’re going to be well below 100,000 in deaths.” In May, he said that “the closer you can have it” to 120,000 total deaths, “I think you can say you limited the casualties in this war.”
We have now crossed 160,000 total deaths.
The results of Sen. Graham’s inaction during this crisis have been devastating. Thousands of South Carolinians have died, and over 100,000 have gotten sick; small businesses across our state have been forced to lay people off and shut their doors; students, teachers, and working families are desperately worried about unsafe school reopenings — and rightly so. It didn’t have to be this bad.
“By Lindsey Graham’s own account, he and the administration have fundamentally failed at mitigating the damage of this virus — but he refuses to take responsibility,” said Manuel Bonder, SCDP coordinated campaign spokesperson. “The mishandling of this pandemic has devastated our public health and economy. In order to recover from these crises and build a better future for South Carolina, we need leaders who — unlike Lindsey Graham — will step up and face these challenges head on.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2020
Contact: Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
A “Good Week” For Lindsey Graham is a Bad Week For South Carolina
Columbia, S.C. — Last Friday, Lindsey Graham spent his evening celebrating a “good week” for his party — a clear demonstration that he’s more focused on playing DC political games than solving South Carolina problems. Last week Graham golfed with Trump for the umpteenth time. Reports show they did not even discuss the coronavirus or how to help struggling families make ends meet. At the beginning of Sen. Graham’s summer of inaction, he identified himself as the leader of the Senate’s effort to destroy emergency unemployment relief South Carolina families rely on, claiming that he would vote to extend emergency relief “over our dead bodies.” The result is no real progress on solutions for COVID-19 relief legislation as the crisis worsens.
During Lindsey’s “good” week:
- COVID-19 cases and deaths continued to rise in the Palmetto State
- Critical unemployment relief for folks who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic remained mired in the Senate and was gutted by an executive order
- Unsafe plans to reopen schools continued to worry teachers, students, and working families
- The Senate left South Carolinians struggling to make rent in a lurch by refusing to appropriate funds to extend the eviction moratorium in the CARES Act
Is the plan to hope this week is miraculously better?
“It is unfathomable for Lindsey Graham to speak of a “good week” while the COVID-19 pandemic rages on and the Senate refuses to act,” said Manuel Bonder, coordinated campaign spokesperson. “South Carolinians are struggling, and this moment calls for leaders who will step up and face these challenges head on. Unfortunately, Senator Graham is not that leader.”
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2020
Contact: Manuel Bonder, 857-928-2030, allinpress@scdp.org
Lindsey Graham Pushes to Lower Crucial COVID-19-Related Unemployment Relief
Columbia, S.C. — Once again, Lindsey Graham is taking a position that makes one wonder, who is he working for in Washington? In April, Sen. Graham boasted that “over our dead bodies” would Congress extend the emergency unemployment boost provided by the bipartisan CARES Act. Now, the Senator is pushing to lower unemployment benefits for folks who have lost their jobs in the pandemic through no fault of their own.
The reality is, Sen. Graham has been party to a devastating summer of inaction — one where he frittered away his time on the golf course rather than working towards real solutions to bring needed relief to South Carolina’s laid-off workers and cash-strapped communities. Cases have skyrocketed, deaths have mounted nationwide, working families and small businesses across South Carolina are hurting, and the Senate is still nowhere near a new bill.
“Sen. Graham’s inaction — as this pandemic has raged on and the economic devastation has worsened — has made South Carolina’s working families and small businesses worse off,” Manuel Bonder, coordinated campaign spokesperson said. “We need someone in that office who will step up and face problems head on in order to make life better for folks across our state. Once again, Lindsey is proving he’s not that leader.”
###
