Why Lindsey Graham will be re-elected

For starters, Graham and his supporters will argue that despite the far right’s protestations, he is no liberal. Graham has voted with the Republican Party 92.4 percent of the time since he entered Congress in 1991. He will also tout his sterling ranking from the American Conservative Union. And his record offers plenty for fiscal conservatives to admire; he opposed the Obama stimulus and wants to extend Bush tax cuts.

“What I see around the state is that the Republican Party in this state is much more concerned about fiscal issues. There are no litmus tests except, are you going to try to cut the federal deficit? Are you strong on defense? He meets those criteria,” says Dick Harpootlian, former chair of the state Democratic Party…

Graham is a top-notch campaigner with a war chest unlikely to be matched by any Republican challenger. Already, four years from election season, Graham has nearly $3 million tucked away. It will also be difficult for the South Carolina Republican establishment, even those championed by the Tea Party, to raise money against Graham. Take Mick Mulvaney, supported by Sarah Palin in his run against Rep. John Spratt in the 5th Congressional District. Last month, Graham hosted a fundraiser for Mulvaney in Greenville. Mulvaney’s likely to remember that favor come Graham’s re-election campaign.