Graves does not apologize for his aggressive campaign style. With the incumbent out of the race, Republican leaders saw an opportunity to gain that seat but were not comfortable with Loar's more moderate stances. He defeated Loar by a 4-1 ratio. He even won resoundingly in Clay and Platte counties, which were considered Loar strongholds. Steve Danner contends that Graves, if elected, would be beholden to the Republican leadership, not the residents of the 6th District.
Graves denies that.
With his strong roots in Tarkio, supporters said Graves would never favor the interests of Republican leaders over those of his constituents. People there want decisions to be made locally, and they take care of their own.