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."