In South Carolina, Lindsey Graham faces formidable challenge from Jamie Harrison
Graham, who at first criticized but then came to be a fervent supporter of President Trump, has held the seat since 2003.
“I’m quite worried for this election.”
These words regarding the Senate race in South Carolina from Chris Lifvergren, a lifelong conservative voter, speaks volumes in what has historically been a one-sided race.
In a state that has traditionally leaned red, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina should seemingly have the advantage in this year’s Senate race between him and Democratic candidate Jaime Harrison. Graham’s reputation for being a staunch conservative has propelled him through his previous three Senate races by at least 11% since 2002.
However, recent polls suggest that Graham faces his biggest challenge since being elected as a U.S. Senator, with the most recent numbers from Quinnipiac University putting Graham and Harrison at a 48% standoff.
Graham currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and is known nationally for his transition from one of President Trump’s most prominent critics to one of his closest allies. His experience within state and national politics dates back to 1994 when he was elected into the House of Representatives. Graham also served as a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves from 1982 to 2015, serving both within the United States and Europe. Many view that he fits the mold for a stereotypical South Carolinian: conservative, a distinctive southern drawl, and has military ties.
John Acker, an assistant for a State House Representative Bill Herbkersman, says that Graham’s experience and personality are exactly what the state needs.
“There couldn’t be a better representative for this state; Harrison would likely become too engrained in matters in Washington,” he said.
Unlike Graham, Harrison has limited political experience. He served as a policy advisor to Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC) from 2003 to 2007 as well ass being the chair of the Democratic Party of South Carolina from 2013 to 2017. A lack of experience for Harrison is mitigated by his experience through his involvement with the Podesta Group from 2008 to 2016.
The Podesta Group is a prominent lobbying firm within D.C., where Harrison was known to be one of the most skilled lobbyists and has a vast variety of powerful clients.
Harrison’s involvement with the Podesta Group has been a primary target of Graham’s campaign, claiming that Harrison’s wealth and influence garnered while with the Podesta Group is unbefitting a South Carolina representative. This rhetoric of Harrison being a poor representation of South Carolina fits with a broader message that both campaigns have been conveying throughout the race, especially in these last few months.
In fact, importance placed on advertisements from both campaigns has played a pivotal role in this tight race.
According to a report from The Post and Courier, a prominent state paper based out of Charleston, over $72 million has been spent on advertisements by both campaigns combined. This unprecedented amount is matched by a record-setting fundraising quarter set by Jaime Harrison, garnering over $57 million in the past three months alone.
Harrison has led the way in spending and fundraising against his opponent, with his $57 million in fundraising in the past three months compared to Graham’s $3.29 million. When asked about the vast difference in his campaign’s war chest, Graham expressed intense frustrations.
“This money comes become they hate me.” Graham complained in September. “I’m being killed financially.”
These words uttered by Graham show a frustration rarely seen during a Senate race in this part of the country.
Graham believes that this immense amount of money received by Harrison is a part of a broader liberal agenda and has criticized Harrison for his extensive support from non-South Carolina donors.
However, both candidates have received a substantial amount of support from out of state.
AJ Awe, a student majoring in political science at California Berkeley who is still registered to vote in South Carolina, said that had has grown tired of the “hypocrisy.”
“Graham’s stance of flipping on supporting Trump makes me feel just not feel comfortable voting for him,” Awe said.
Graham has notoriously made contradictory statements regarding his political stance with the president. Awe is sure to vote for Harrison.
“It strikes me as a hypocrisy,” Awe added. “I’m hoping that Jaime will institute positive change here and at a national level.”
The race between Graham and Harrison has undoubtedly captured the eyes of the nation, representing a potential crossroad for both the state of South Carolina and the entire nation. Losing Graham in the Senate would be a profound blow to the Republican party while also representing a potential shift in the political mentality within South Carolina.
The Associated Press declared Graham the winner on election night at around 10 p.m. He bested Harrison with a more than 15 percent lead.
