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My least favorite Republican Senator
Power Line ^ | Oct. 6, 2005 | Paul Mirengoff

Posted on 10/07/2005 3:39:06 PM PDT by Frank T

[My least favorite Republican Senator] is Lindsey Graham, and by a decent margin. Today, the Senator told conservative critics of the Miers nomination to "shut up," and claimed that their opposition has nothing to do with Miers, but is just an effort to obtain 15 minutes of fame. What nonsense. If the criticism is as Graham claims, why didn't the Roberts nomination generate the same response? Graham seems oblivious to the long history of Republican presidents nominating liberal and centrist judges. Indeed, had Graham been in the Senate during the Bush-I era, he would have offered the same charming advice to conservatives who criticized the Souter nomination.

But how can you argue with a guy whose ability to reason is limited to ad hominem attacks? Graham seems to get off on "standing up to conservatives" but he's unwilling or unable to engage their arguments. That's what makes him worse for my money than the Republican Senators to his left.

And let's not forget that Graham was a prime force behind the deal that snatched a draw from the jaws of victory. Had the Senate banned the filibuster of judicial nominees, President Bush could have nominated a Michael Luttig, an Edith Jones, or a Miguel Estrada without fear of losing a confirmation struggle (of course he might have nominated his crony anyway).

Miers will probably be confirmed and probably should be. But this process is going to hurt Republicans. The difference between a Miers nomination and, say, a Jones nomination could be one or two Senate seats come January 2007, and it will be at least that if conservatives who don't like the Miers nomination decide to "shut up" on election day 2006. Graham didn't help with his cop-out deal, and he's not helping with his ad hominen attacks on some conservatives.


TOPICS: Government; News/Current Events; US: South Carolina
KEYWORDS: 109th; graham; lindseygraham; miers
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To: Clemenza
Arlen Specter, R-Scotland

He's even worse than Chuck Hagel, R-France.

41 posted on 10/07/2005 5:34:52 PM PDT by NeoCaveman (trust but verify)
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To: Frank T

The only time this drizzling douche has any cojones is when he faces his fellow Republican'ts.


42 posted on 10/07/2005 5:48:01 PM PDT by Captainpaintball
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To: dubyaismypresident

I'm with you there. I've heard Ravenel speak, on the radio, several times, and I would have no problem at all supporting him.


43 posted on 10/07/2005 5:49:58 PM PDT by Livin_large
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To: Frank T

My least favorite Republican Senator right now is Rick Santorum - for his efforts to shut off public access to information from the National Weather Service.


44 posted on 10/07/2005 5:51:58 PM PDT by HAL9000 (Get a Mac - The Ultimate FReeping Machine)
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To: Senator Pardek

Can I nominate you?


45 posted on 10/07/2005 5:53:45 PM PDT by ShadowDancer (Stupid people make my brain sad.)
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To: Ninian Dryhope
"Lindsey Graham is among my least favorite Republican Senators."

Mine too, but he has so much competition for that top spot (Specter, the two bimbos from Maine, McCain, McCain's Nebraska clone, etc.) The only question is why is he representing S.C.? We in PA can't get rid of Specter even though we came close. Surely the good people of S.C. can rid all of us of this fake conservative.

46 posted on 10/07/2005 5:54:49 PM PDT by penowa
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To: ConservativeDude

Ha, you got me!

I meant successor.


47 posted on 10/07/2005 6:26:19 PM PDT by Frank T
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To: ShadowDancer
Yes, you may.

Guess I win?

48 posted on 10/07/2005 6:38:08 PM PDT by Senator Pardek
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To: Senator Pardek

Shut up.


49 posted on 10/07/2005 6:49:28 PM PDT by ShadowDancer (Stupid people make my brain sad.)
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To: Frank T

Graham can't hold a candle to McManiac for #1 P.O.S in GOP.


50 posted on 10/07/2005 6:56:28 PM PDT by Waco
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To: Livin_large
My prediction is that Graham loses his job anyway.

Really. Does he have primary opposition, or are you referring to the general election?

51 posted on 10/07/2005 6:57:26 PM PDT by hinckley buzzard
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To: Frank T

You haven't lived until you have been represented by Collins and Snowe.


52 posted on 10/07/2005 6:57:59 PM PDT by Chickensoup (Snake-ranching! Yeah, that's the ticket!)
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To: Ninian Dryhope

Funny, but prior to seeing your post, I was thinking about the time I saw Lindsey Graham playing golf at Hilton Head and how I thought he was a wuss then. I was not impressed seeing him in person.


53 posted on 10/07/2005 7:10:44 PM PDT by AUsome Joy
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To: auboy

And Lindsey Graham is his lapdog?. I don't like the way he follows McCain's lead.

WAR EAGLE!!


54 posted on 10/07/2005 7:16:19 PM PDT by AUsome Joy
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To: hinckley buzzard
There's been no formal announcement of primary opposition, but Thomas Ravenel has hinted that he would run against Graham in the primary. There is also a "Draft Ravenel" website http://www.petitiononline.com/ussc2008/petition.html So far the website hasn't received a lot of attention, but I, personally, think Ravenel has already made up his mind.
My gut tells me that Ravenel will be Graham in the primary and then go on to win the general election.
55 posted on 10/07/2005 8:02:59 PM PDT by Livin_large
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To: Frank T

It's the "Most Favorite Republican Senator" I'm having trouble drawing up a list of candidates for. ;)


56 posted on 10/07/2005 8:04:57 PM PDT by Mr. Jeeves (Speaking several languages is an asset; keeping your mouth shut in one is priceless.)
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To: Mr. Jeeves

Maybe Tom Coburn.


57 posted on 10/07/2005 8:25:34 PM PDT by Rastus (Year 7: Harry Potter and the Heartbreak of Psoriasis)
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To: Frank T

United we stand, divided we fall. Perhaps that is what some of you wish to happen.


58 posted on 10/07/2005 8:28:18 PM PDT by ladyinred (It is all my fault okay?)
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To: AUsome Joy

I think of him as McCain's shadow. Wish we had more senators like Jeff Sessions.

War Eagle backatcha.


59 posted on 10/07/2005 8:59:49 PM PDT by auboy ("Don't get stuck on whiny")
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To: zbigreddogz

>> Graham is fine. His ACU numbers are good, he's right on 95% of the issues. His strategy is off every so often, and he's made some statements I don't care for, but he's hardly a bad Senator, or even a bad conservative.
And even if he was, Chafee would be much, much, much worse. <<

Agree. Yes, Graham is part of the gang of 14, but otherwise he is a pretty reliable conservative. His voting record is right 90% of the time (which fits South Carolina values). He was heroic and brave during the Clinton impeachment. Backstabbing RINO Pete King only votes "our way" 70% of the time, and he was the biggest tratior of them all during impeachment, but somehow the people out to crusify Graham are willing to give King a pass. Hmmm.

Graham isn't anywhere near the top of my list for worst Republican senator, heck, John McCain (80% conservative rating) didn't even make the list. Graham did something foolish once or twice, McCain is a loudmouth jerk but generally does the right thing when the vote comes up. There are far worse Republican Senators.

My personal rankings for WORST GOP Senator:

1) Arlen Specter – Votes with the RATs 60% of the time, but the worst thing about Snarlin’ is he PRETENDS to support “our” side and then stabs conservatives in the back regularly.

2) Linc Chafee – The MOST liberal Republican in the Senate. So liberal the New England RATs they up against him are more conservative. ‘nuff said

3) Olympia Snowe & 4) Susan Collins. The RINO twins from Maine. They’re free agents running with “R” next to their name because the “D” slot on the ballot was taken. “Electable” Susan Collins managed to finsh THIRD in the general election for Governor. Nice to know RINOs can “win”

5) Mike Dewine & 6) George Voinvoich. The country club establishment duo from Ohio. Along with Bob Taft (a disgrace to the Taft family name), these jokers have screwed the state so bad that the Dems smell blood in a state that has consistently voted Republican since the party was invented.

7) Lisa Murcowski – Pro-abort RINO hack in office for one reason alone: Daddy is the governor. Next time get her a pony, alright Frank? Foreshadows Bush appointing the Myers (Immigration Dept.) and Miers (Supreme Court)

8) Mel Martinez – Incompentant RINO hack shoved down our throats and proclaimed the “true conservative” in the race by the affirmation-wing of the GOP who salivated at the thought of saying “Hispanic Republican Senator”

9) Richard Shelby – Wussy moderate who’s a “Republican” solely because he read the writing on the wall and realized he could no longer get elected statewide in Alabama with a “D” next to his name.

10) John Warner – Mr. Elizabeth Taylor is unreliable and a pox on conservatives, and didn’t even win the party nomination. He was selected by “the powers that be” after the candidate who actually WON the primary died in a plane crash. It’s long past due for him to retire.

Dishonorable mention: Liddy Dole, Dick Lugar, John Sununu, John McCain

Generally good Conservative but did something incredibly stupid lately: Rick Santorum, John Thune, and Lindsey Graham


60 posted on 10/07/2005 10:09:12 PM PDT by BillyBoy (Find out the TRUTH about the Chicago Democrat Machine's "best friend" in the GOP .... www.nolahood.c)
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