US Politics
Lindsey Graham goes on Fox News to beg for money despite his reelection campaign in solid red state
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GOP Senator Lindsey Graham begged supporters for money to help with his reelection campaign, despite having occupied a seat in the deeply red state of South Carolina for more than two decades.
“We’re in a fight for the heart and soul of this country. I’m in a fight. I need your help. I hate to say this, but I’ve been out-raised twice by Democrats,” Graham said, speaking on Fox News Thursday night.
“I’ve been with President Trump at every step,” he continued. “I think he’s been a great president. He makes us safer. He makes us more prosperous. The Democrats have money. I don’t know where they’re getting all this money, but I need your help.”
Graham has been a sitting senator in South Carolina since 2003, and has allied himself closely with Donald Trump, though they have had spats in the past. Even the ongoing war in Iran, which has pushed away many other MAGA acolytes, has not deterred Graham.
Though he is up for reelection in the midterms in November, his state is majority Republican, according to Independent Voter Project, and his seat is therefore considered safe.
Despite being in a solid red state, during his interview with Fox, Graham plugged his campaign website multiple times, imploring viewers: “Please help me if you can.”
According to federal data, Lindsey Graham’s campaign has about $11.6 million cash on hand and has raised $1.3 million since the start of the year.
It is not the first time the South Carolinian senator has put out a desperate plea for cash, having made a similar request to supporters in February – also on Fox.
“We’re getting wiped out financially,” he said, speaking on Hannity at the time. “I don’t know where the hell all this money’s coming from, but everybody out there, if you can help, help tonight. The money goes to a good cause. It’s gonna save our country.”
Graham has also begged for money on behalf of Trump too, asking supporters to donate in 2023 after the then-presidential candidate was indicted on 34 counts of fraud.
“I’m sorry I’m so upset. But please help President Trump,” Graham said at the time. “If you can afford five or 10 bucks, if you can’t afford a dollar, fine. Just pray.”
The senator has previously dodged questions about whether Trump’s ongoing war in Iran will hurt Republican chances in the upcoming midterm elections, even after being asked directly about it earlier this month by Fox News’ Bret Baier.
“Do you think this war that we’re in, and this fight over ICE, is hurting reelection chances for Republicans in the fall?” Baier said during the interview.
“I think President Trump is stopping a homicidal maniac regime from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and if you don’t treat them that way, you’ve missed a lot in the last 47 years,” Graham replied.
“And if we can get a deal, let’s do it.”