Lindsey Graham censured for not being ‘Republican enough’ … Waynesboro GOP not as successful with Boehner

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has found himself under attack from some within his own party. On Monday the Charleston County Republican Committee passed a resolution, by a close vote of 39-32, to censure Graham. There was immediate reaction:

The vote was immediately criticized by Republican National Committeewoman Cindy Costa as “foolish” on the eve of an election.

“Terrible. It’s a dumb thing to do,” said Costa, who did not take part in the vote but said precedent is being set to now “censure” Republican politicians any time they stray in the slightest.

 

The reason for censuring Graham, noted by one person, was that he was “establishment” … another said it had to do with degrees of conservatism:

Supporters of the resolution said they wanted to make a statement. “I want my politicians to be more conservative,” said Tom Sheridan of James Island.

Those who voted against the censure noted South Carolina’s upcoming primary:

Those who opposed the vote questioned the timing and target. “If anyone wants to read my vote it’s a ‘no,'” former party Chairman Mark Hartley told the crowd after putting his ballot in the voting box.

Others said their opinions were better suited for airing at the voting booth in the June 10 Republican primary where Graham faces six challengers. “I was under the impression the primary was where we choose our candidates,” said Charleston County Register of Mesne Conveyence Charlie Lybrand.

Something similar happened recently in Waynesboro recently when some members of the GOP Committee wanted to pass a resolution calling for U.S. House Speaker John Boehner to be replaced. It was not passed due to concern from those on the committee who feared the actions were not timely with elections in November. According to political reporter Bob Stuart, “the local GOP leader said if the Boehner removal resolution had passed, he would have circulated it to The News Virginian and numerous websites and blogs.” The civil war within the Republican Party continues.