Republican Senators scratch heads over Darline Graham’s future

For many GOP senators, the only inkling they have about Senator Darline Graham lies solely within the legacy of her last name.

When GOP senators were asked whether Graham’s sister was the most qualified conservative for the South Carolina seat- almost all roads came back to her late brother Senator Lindsey Graham, who was laid to rest on Tuesday.

‘Where better to learn to be a good senator than at the at the side of your brother for 30 years,’ said Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana.

Senator Bill Cᴀssidy, who lost his primary re-election this year, delivered a more blunt answer.

‘I don’t know Darline,’ Cᴀssidy stated.

He said the real qualifications for the job are to adore the consтιтuents and to wake up and go to bed thinking about them, but that he has not gotten a chance to know the new South Carolina Republican that just weeks ago was sworn into her late brother’s seat. 

‘I have no doubt that she carries that pᴀssion,’ he said of the woman he doesn’t know.

‘I just met her. She’s fine,’ said Senator Mike Rounds, echoing Cᴀssidy’s unfamiliarity. He didn’t have an answer on what her qualifications were. 

Senator Darline Graham, the brother of late South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, was sworn into her sibling’s Senate seat earlier this month. However, many of her GOP colleagues don’t know her, and have little to say of her qualifications 

Darline Graham and President Donald Trump shake hands at Lindsey Graham’s funeral on Tuesday

Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cᴀssidy said bluntly that he doesn’t know Darline Graham at all

‘Seriously, I met her, that’s all I know,’ said Senator James Lankford on Graham’s qualifications, similarly highlighting that he has not spent significant time getting to know Graham. 

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Lankford said if she’s elected to a full term, that’s for South Carolina to decide – it’s not based on his approval.

Lindsey Graham’s death set off a snap primary for Republicans in South Carolina to run for the full term. At first it was unclear whether Darline would run, but after she received Trump’s blessing, she announced she’d seek a full term. 

Over 10 GOP candidates are in the race, scheduled for August 11. If no candidate surpᴀsses 50 percent, the top two candidates will go to a runoff election on August 25. 

The winner faces Democrat Annie Andrews in November. South Carolina Congressmen Russell Fry and Ralph Norman have announced bids for the seat and early polling shows a scattered race.

Publicly, Trump and the Senate GOP have backed Darline, but still many told the Daily Mail she needs to prove herself appealing to voters. 

Senator Shelley Moore Capito had a more approving answer, based on Graham’s career achievements.

‘I think she’s very capable. She’s worked in state government and advocating for people with disabilities. I mean, she’s a professional.’ 

A group of Senators listen during Graham’s funeral service on Capitol Hill on Tuesday

Graham was sworn into her brother’s seat on July 14, just three days after Lindey’s tragic death

A spokeswoman for Graham declined to comment saying the senator and her staff were in the midst of mourning.  

The common theme among Senators is that they haven’t had enough time to get to know her.

Graham was swiftly appointed as Senator by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster just days after her brother pᴀssed suddenly on July 11 due to a tear in his heart. 

Since stepping into the role, she’s hardly had time for campaigning.

She quickly transitioned into Washington, DC, including a meeting with the President – and on top of it all, planned two-day funeral arrangements for her late brother.

Notably, Graham did not speak at the nationally televised funeral for her brother on Tuesday, a platform that would’ve elevated her profile even further.