Time for Lindsay Graham (and Friends) to Go Home

S.C. Senator Lindsay Graham's now infamous comment, "We're gonna tell the bigots to shut up," was his means of arguing for the amnesty bill that was before Congress recently. Actually, it was his way of dismissing any dissent from HIS view of what should be done. As though average Americans should be allowed to disagree with HIS superior viewpoint. No, it was clear to Lindsay Graham that anyone who didn't see things his way must be a bigot. Because, clearly, there could be no logical reason to disagee.

Graham's arrogance again showed itself this past Sunday as he debated Sen. Jim Webb on the Iraq War. Again, he found no way to allow dissent from the Graham opinion, and at any point when Webb disagreed, Graham lit into him, accusing him of all sorts of evil. Webb's main point was that the troops needed to have recovery periods between tours of duty. Graham couldn't see how this could be tolerated.

In the end, Lindsay Graham has fallen prey to a sickness that infects many in Washington. It is what I call "Washington Syndrome". It is the belief that mere mortals could not possibly understand issues as well as they do, and that their superior intellect should be the deciding factor, rather than the will of the people. Graham has apparently gotten a very bad case of "WS", because in addition to believing as much, he also caught a huge dose of arrogance along with it. The only known cure for "Washington Syndrome" is a long rest, far away from DC. Yes, folks, it is time to send Lindsay Graham and others like him home.

Once we've established that Graham needs a long rest, we now need to consider how to accomplish this. This is difficult, because people with WS don't know they are sick. Therefore, the only way to give them a rest is to defeat them on Election Day. This can only happen if a viable opponent is discovered. Polls show that Graham is not that well liked even within his own party, and that he stands a good chance of being defeated, if not in the primary, then certainly in the general election.

So, who can we find to oppose him in February or November? Remember, we still want to see some kind of Senator in office who would offer low-spending, low-taxes, less regulation, and more individual responsibility. That's a natural. So, let's consider who to recruit to oppose Graham. Of course, it must be someone with some background that would raise support. Who could we get?

First, who is NOT going to challenge him? Probably no sitting Congressman is going to risk his seat on a venture like that. Also, the Governor is more likely to want to serve out his term, simply because he sees it as a contract with the citizens of the state. So, we probably need to look outside the box for prospects.

On the Republican side: Of course, most Republicans would avoid shooting down a "family member", but there might be a few who would consider it: Former Governor David Beasley appears to be looking for something to do. Carroll Campbell's son Mike took a shot at Lt. Gov. last year, he'd probably think about it. Or someone holding a ceremonial position like Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is certainly a possibility. Then, maybe someone like Judge John Napier, who served one term in the U.S. House might still have some politics in his blood. Would he have to resign his judgeship to run? If so, that might be a dealbreaker. And then, you've got former Lt. Gov. Bob Peeler sitting around doing nothing. So, he's probably game for anything. Word has it that there is already a drive afoot to recruit Peeler to challenge Graham. Let's see if anything comes of it.

You might also consider old-line Democrats: Ken Holland, who served in the House back in the '70's and '80's might be conservative enough to merit attention. He talked about entering the Democratic primary for governor in 2006, but had trouble raising money.

OK, so those are some people who would probably be willing to run, if you dangled it in front of them. Now, it's up to you South Carolinians to decide which one best fits your values. Talk to them, see what they're about. See who fits your needs. But get it done! February is a few months away, and Graham needs to go!