Darline Graham Pledges To ‘Nuke’ Filibuster And Stand ‘100% Behind’ President Trump
Sen. Darline Graham made clear she intends to be a reliable ally of President Donald J. Trump during her first political debate Sunday night, pledging to support his agenda “100%” and breaking with her late brother by calling for Republicans to eliminate the Senate filibuster.
Graham, who was appointed to the Senate following the death of her brother, longtime South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, is now seeking the Republican nomination to serve a full six-year term. President Trump has endorsed her campaign, calling her election a fitting tribute to her brother.
During the debate, Graham was asked whether she would support Trump’s push to eliminate the 60-vote filibuster threshold so Republicans can advance legislation without Democratic support. Graham said she would, openly acknowledging that her position differs from the one her brother maintained during his Senate career.
Graham specifically pointed to the Trump-backed Save America Act, which includes mandatory voter identification requirements. She argued Republicans should be willing to eliminate the filibuster if that is what it takes to advance the president’s election integrity agenda through the Senate.
The newly appointed senator also criticized Congress for taking extended recesses while major legislation remains unfinished. Graham said senators should remain in Washington and continue working until important pieces of Trump’s agenda are passed rather than leaving town with legislative business unresolved.
Graham faced a crowded Republican field that included Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford and businessman Mark Lynch. The candidates clashed over several issues as they attempted to convince Republican voters that they should permanently succeed Lindsey Graham.
The debate also became personal when Lynch criticized the late senator. Darline Graham quickly defended her brother and suggested Lynch was attacking him because he had failed to defeat Lindsey Graham previously and now feared losing to another member of the Graham family.
The Republican primary is scheduled for Aug. 11, with Graham attempting to turn President Trump’s endorsement and her family name into a full Senate term. Her debate performance left little doubt about the type of senator she intends to be, promising South Carolina Republicans that she will stand firmly behind President Trump and support aggressive procedural changes if necessary to move his agenda through Congress.