Lindsey Graham: No Longer The Democrats' Favorite Republican?

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who has proven to be a key Republican vote in the Senate on some issues for the Obama administration, appears to be changing course.

Over the weekend, he backed out of a bipartisan climate bill, leaving the status of the legislation in limbo. Graham decided to withdraw his support after Democrats seemed to be moving ahead with immigration legislation before the energy bill.

Graham called the change in legislative priorities a "cynical political ploy" on the part of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

In an interview with The New York Times published Tuesday, the South Carolina Republican further explained his change of heart on the climate bill:

"I was mad, because they brought immigration up in the 11th hour," the senator said, adding, "If you're going to do business with people, they've got to understand that you can push back."

Still, as the Washington Post's Michael D. Shear points out on Tuesday, Graham will be an integral part of the White House's strategy when it comes to both climate legislation and immigration reform:

"Rahm has a good relationship with him," press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters Monday, noting the frequent meetings between Graham and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. "The president has a good relationship with him. Many folks here do."

Comments

[PNOGUY]

11:47 PM on 05/07/2010

It's about time he stops acting like a Democrat. If we wanted one, we would have voted for one. He's a spineless wimp, trying oh so hard to be liked by his lefty pals.

[1088]

04:04 AM on 04/29/2010

Republicans have no loyalty to anybody but to their own party. They would sell their own mother down the river, if that would help them get votes.

[den1953]

09:34 AM on 04/28/2010

This Senator is in trouble and is trying to save his own butt from being ousted, playing the middle of the road trick to hold on to his seat. He has no intentions with working for anyone but his own self interests!

[jimme]

11:29 PM on 04/28/2010

Didn't you mean "outed" ?

[suzc]

09:15 AM on 04/28/2010

If Graham is the Dems' ally, they don't need no stinkin' enemies

[jfor]

06:42 AM on 04/28/2010

Lindsey was mad so he picked up his ball and went home, again. From my perspective Graham has not been a key player but rather someone who gets on Sunday talk shows repeatedly to voice his dissent on whatever topic they are talking about. Graham is as loyal as Lieberman and bipartisan as McCain. Nothing much happens when Lindsey Graham is on the scene he always maintains the status quo and never allows America to move forward. Afterall he is a repub.

[ReedYoung]

12:57 AM on 04/28/2010

Whatever, Linds. I don't want your compromised, corporatist "climate" bill anyway. Cantwell (WA) and Collins (ME) have a much better idea, based on Cap and *Dividend*. It's simpler, with no corporate giveaways, no new speculative market and guaranteed to put the burden on corporate coal and oil, and pay rebates to citizens.
http://www.capanddividend.org/?q=node/257

[Lulubelle1]

12:10 AM on 04/28/2010

The Tearrorists had him at "gay."

[jmml]

08:44 PM on 04/27/2010

Oh no, now he's not going to work with Obama! Oh wait...
A lot of media outlets seem keen on portraying some sore of alliance between Obama and Graham. I wonder what their motivation is.

[water57]

08:20 PM on 04/27/2010

Lets be honest, Lindsey is feeling the heat from the teabags. A teabagger publicly alleged that he is "gay". Whether he is gay or not, that public announcement will make Lindsey tot the republican line. The teabags form of conversion its to blackmail moderate republicans to be more conservative. Has anyone notice the change in republican senators Collins and Snow, I bet they feel the long arms of the teabaggers. What can anyone say, about un-maverick McCain.

[kandlefly]

08:12 PM on 04/27/2010

Somebody just tell me why Democrats are still trying to work with Republikkkans, it just does not make sense. Lindsay Graham cannot make up his mind on his own and his shape-shifting friend cannot help because he does not know which side of the street to walk on.

[wagthedog1001]

08:06 PM on 04/27/2010

I would think all the media has to do is ask the closest T-bagger if Lindsey is going rogue or not. Certainly they are keeping a close eye on the senator... seem to be fixated on him.

[YMBM]

06:48 PM on 04/27/2010

I do not see why immigration and energy can not be addressed the same time!! It seems to be at the top of the president agenda why would that change.

[cutesky]

06:44 PM on 04/27/2010

The problem is John McCain has the best relationship with Graham...Graham does whatever McCain says.....

[proteusdecision]

06:42 PM on 04/27/2010

Graham is being blackmailed by conservative groups over the gay issue to do their bidding. What thugs!

[Vetinari]

06:15 PM on 04/27/2010

The right is turning on him, so of course he would abandon all personal opinions in favor of the official party line.

Its what they all do. The republican part, the party of personal liberty, lets you know really quickly when you are about to step out of line...

[PNOGUY]

11:48 PM on 05/07/2010

Maybe you don't realize that elected officials are supposed to be representing their constituents, not acting as rogues, acting on their personal opinions.