Lindsey Graham’s Allies Spend Big to Ward Off a Republican Challenger
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Senator Lindsey Graham, a long-serving Republican from South Carolina, is facing a competitive primary election that could lead to a runoff if he fails to secure over 50% of the vote.
- Despite representing a deep-red state and having President Trump's endorsement, recent polls show Graham ahead but not comfortably beyond the runoff threshold against businessman Mark Lynch.
- To avoid the potential runoff and additional campaign expenses, a newly formed super PAC, Palmetto Action, has spent $3.2 million on ads supporting Graham and attacking Lynch, highlighting Lynch's past legal issues.
- The super PAC has not disclosed its donors, and its ads emphasize Lynch's criminal record from the 1980s, which Lynch has addressed by citing rehabilitation and personal reform.
- Graham's general election is not expected to be competitive, making the primary runoff the main concern for his campaign.