Graham v. Witherspoon
Well, it looks like Buddy Witherspoon really is going to go through the process of getting his butt handed to him by Lindsey Graham.
This will be a fun race to watch for the simple fact that Buddy Witherspoon ain’t got no kind of sense, as evident by the fact that he’s taking on a man with $4.2 million in the bank. Sure, some folks are pissed at Graham and Witherspoon will be able to raise a small bit of cash from those people. But donors donate to winners and Witherspoon isn’t a winner.
Only one type of person can beat Graham…a self-funder. And since the only self-funder willing to fork over the cash is facing cocaine charges, Graham is going to be just fine.
Also interesting is that Witherspoon responded to the accusations of racism and bigotry brought up by Rick Quinn’s blog and Will Folks, further showing the importance of new media in today’s political world.
Columbia Republican challenges Graham
Witherspoon says he is the true conservativeBy Christine Boush
Published: Wednesday, November 28, 2007Buddy Witherspoon, a Columbia orthodontist, announced his candidacy for Lindsey Graham’s U.S. Senate seat at The Beacon Tuesday.
Buddy Witherspoon, a Columbia orthodontist and Republican National Committeeman, on Tuesday launched his challenge for the U.S. Senate seat held by Lindsey Graham.“What I’ve heard from the people of South Carolina is that Lindsey Graham is too liberal and no longer stands for the mainstream Republicans,” Witherspoon said during a stop at The Beacon Drive-In.
“I am a conservative, I am a Republican, and I will stand on these issues as long as there is breath in my body,” he said. “Every Republican says they are a strict constructionist, but I stand by the term.”
Witherspoon addressed issues such as abortion, illegal immigration, the sanctity of marriage and the death tax, taking a conservative approach on each point.
“As senator, I will work aggressively to solve the immigration problem that exists,” Witherspoon said. “First and foremost, I oppose any form of amnesty for illegal aliens.”
Immigration is hot issue
Mike Griffin commended Witherspoon for his stance on immigration. As a member of the Minute Man Civil Defense Corps, Griffin said the issue is an important one to him.
“Thank you for stepping up to oppose Lindsey Graham,” Griffin said. “He has betrayed this country and the people of South Carolina on immigration and is jamming amnesty down our throats. We are glad a person like you has stepped up to rescue us from that tyrant.”
Some political Web sites on Tuesday claimed that Witherspoon had ties to the Council of Conservative Citizens as recently as 1999. The organization has been branded a “hate group” by the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League and says in its mission statement that it opposes “all efforts to mix the races of mankind.”
The group’s Web site posted Witherspoon’s campaign schedule.
“Those claims are totally absurd,” Witherspoon said. “It’s unfortunate that just because you disagree with an individual and stand up to the plate that this sort of thing happens. I’ve been to one meeting years ago where I introduced a U.S. congressman, and that was it.”
Witherspoon said he knows the odds favor Graham, who has more than $4 million in his war chest.
“Money isn’t everything,” Witherspoon said. “I haven’t seen too many dollar bills vote - just people. But I know I’m fighting an uphill battle. It’s like the story of David and Goliath, and I guess I would be David.”
Graham’s support
Scott Farmer, campaign manager for Graham, said the senator was pleased about Republican support of his campaign across the state.
“He has tremendous support from all areas of South Carolina and all corners of the Republican Party,” Farmer said in a release. “From the hard-working, rank-and-file grassroots activists to his Republican colleagues, Lindsey Graham’s backing is wide and deep.”
November 28th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Witherspoon is only going to help Graham raise more money. A weak challenge is the best thing that could happen to Graham. If you were trying to make a serious bid for senate would you hire a guy that worked for John Cox to run your campaign, when there are some many others in the state to choose from. I dont think Witherspoon will make it to primary and if he does it will be a 80-20 thrashing.
November 28th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
People in South Carolina spent all summer listening to Rush Limbaugh talk about Lindsey. Lindsey doesn’t stand a chance against anybody, which is why all this made up stuff about “ties” to evil things is already being slung from the mud peddlers.
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Senator L. Graham has power, but hasn’t used it to benefit the citizens of South Carolina. He has only used it to benefit himself. For example try calling his office, leave a message. And just maybe you will hear back from him. Change needs to begin now. Remember we all have a voice, voting is a way for it to be heard.