Lindsey Graham

Lindsey Olin Graham (born July 9, 1955) is an American politician who serves as the senior United States Senator from South Carolina, serving in office since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party. He ran for President in 2016.

Early life
Graham was born on July 9, 1955 in Central, South Carolina. his parents were Millie and Florence James "F.J." Graham. He studied at the University of South Carolina.

U.S. senator (2003-present)
In 2002, Graham ran for the U.S. Senate after eight-term Republican incumbent Strom Thurmond announced his retirement. Graham won the primary unopposed and defeated Democratic opponent Alex Sanders in the general election. 

Graham was re-elected to a second term in 2008, defeating Bob Conley. He won a third term in 2014, defeating Democrat Brad Hutto and Independent Thomas Ravenel.

Graham is known in the Senate for his support for a strong national defense, his support of the military, and as an advocate of strong United States leadership in world affairs.Juanna Summers, "5 Things You Should Know About Lindsey Graham," NPR-All Politics, May 31, 2015.  He is also known for his willingness to be bipartisan and work with Democrats on issues like global warming, tax reform and immigration reform and his belief that judicial nominees should not be opposed solely on their philosophical positions. He is also a critic of the Tea Party movement.

During his political career, Graham never lost an election.

2016 presidential campaign

On May 18, 2015, Graham informally announced his candidacy for President of the United States; he made a formal announcement on June 1 in his hometown of Central, South Carolina. After low polling numbers, Graham withdrew from the race on December 21, 2015. He later announced his support for Jeb Bush for president.

Personal life
Graham has never been married and has no children. He was close friends with the late Arizona senator John McCain.

References

Other websites

United States Senator Lindsey Graham official U.S. Senate site
Lindsey Graham for U.S. Senate official campaign site
Profile  at SourceWatch
"Swing Conservative: The perilous bipartisanship of Lindsey Graham."  Washington Monthly, April 2005
"The American Ghosts of Abu Ghraib", Sam Provance, Consortium News, March 27, 2007

Category:1955 births
Category:Living people
Category:American Baptists
Category:Lawyers from South Carolina
Category:American colonels
Category:2016 United States presidential candidates
Category:United States representatives from South Carolina
Category:United States senators from South Carolina
Category:Republican Party (United States) politicians
Category:South Carolina Republicans
Category:Members of the South Carolina General Assembly