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Lindsey Graham Forms Presidential ‘Testing the Waters’ Committee
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA -- United States Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has established a political organization to ‘test the waters’ for a potential 2016 run for president.
The committee, Security Through Strength, will fund the infrastructure and operations allowing Graham to travel the country listening to Americans’ concerns, and gauging support for a potential presidential candidacy.
“Ronald Reagan’s policy of ‘Peace Through Strength’ kept America safe during the Cold War,” said Graham. “But we will never enjoy peaceful coexistence with radical Islam because its followers are committed to destroying us and our way of life. However, America can have ‘Security Through Strength,’ and I will continue to lead in that critical fight.”
“But ‘Security Through Strength’ is more than just military might,” Graham continued. “It requires a sound and growing economy with a nation that becomes energy independent over time. It is confronting our major issues together to find solutions. Most importantly, it is protecting and promoting the values that have made America the greatest country in the world.”
The president of Security Through Strength is David Wilkins, the former United States Ambassador to Canada under President George W. Bush and former Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives. Wilkins was Chairman of President Bush’s 2004 campaign in South Carolina and Co-Chair of the 2000 effort. He also was the Chairman of Graham’s first Senate campaign in 2002.
Political strategist Christian Ferry and long-time Graham advisor Scott Farmer have been enlisted to guide the “testing the waters”
effort. Ferry has worked on numerous campaigns, including serving as Deputy Campaign Manager for McCain-Palin in 2008. Farmer first worked for Graham on the 2002 Senate campaign as Finance Director and later served as Campaign Manager of Graham’s successful re-election efforts in 2008 and 2014.
Security Through Strength is a 527 political committee registered with the Internal Revenue Service and South Carolina Secretary of State.
ABOUT SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM
Lindsey Graham has earned a reputation as a conservative problem-solver and one of the strongest proponents of a robust national defense.
A frequent visitor to American troops stationed overseas for on-the-ground assessments, Graham has consistently pushed for outcomes in the War on Terror which protect our long-term national security interests. One leading conservative recently wrote that when it comes to defending America, "[Lindsey] Graham has been right about more things on foreign policy for longer than just about anyone…if anyone has bragging rights on foreign policy, it is Graham."
Graham is also a leader in cutting spending, reforming entitlements, and getting government out of the way so businesses can create jobs. One national conservative organization called him a Taxpayer Hero who puts "the interests of the taxpayer ahead of politics by consistently voting to cut wasteful spending, reduce the tax burden, and make government more accountable to taxpayers."
Graham was elected to the United States Senate in 2002 and was re-elected in 2008 and 2014. He became - and remains today - the top vote-getter in South Carolina history by garnering over one million votes in the 2008 general election.
Prior to serving in the Senate, Graham was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 as the first Republican from the Third Congressional District of South Carolina since 1877.
Before being elected to Congress, Graham compiled a distinguished record in the United States Air Force as he logged six-and-a-half years of service on active duty as an Air Force lawyer. From 1984-1988, he was assigned overseas and served at Rhein-Main Air Force Base in Germany. Upon leaving active duty Air Force in 1989, Graham joined the South Carolina Air National Guard where he served until 1995. During the first Gulf War in the early 90's, Graham was called to active duty and served state-side at McEntire Air National Guard Base as Staff Judge Advocate where he prepared members for deployment to the Gulf region.
Even today while serving as a United States Senator, Graham continues to serve his country in the United States Air Force Reserves. He is one of only three senators currently serving in the Guard or Reserves. Graham has earned the rank of Colonel and is assigned as a Senior Instructor at the Air Force JAG School.
A native South Carolinian, Graham grew up in a blue collar family in the small town of Central where his parents ran a restaurant and pool hall. The first member of his family to go to college, Graham earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of South Carolina. He lives in Seneca and is a member of Corinth Baptist Church.
Source: Security Through Strength PAC
ABOUT SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM
Lindsey Graham has earned a reputation as a conservative problem-solver and one of the strongest proponents of a robust national defense.
A frequent visitor to American troops stationed overseas for on-the-ground assessments, Graham has consistently pushed for outcomes in the War on Terror which protect our long-term national security interests. One leading conservative recently wrote that when it comes to defending America, "[Lindsey] Graham has been right about more things on foreign policy for longer than just about anyone…if anyone has bragging rights on foreign policy, it is Graham."
Graham is also a leader in cutting spending, reforming entitlements, and getting government out of the way so businesses can create jobs. One national conservative organization called him a Taxpayer Hero who puts "the interests of the taxpayer ahead of politics by consistently voting to cut wasteful spending, reduce the tax burden, and make government more accountable to taxpayers."
Graham was elected to the United States Senate in 2002 and was re-elected in 2008 and 2014. He became - and remains today - the top vote-getter in South Carolina history by garnering over one million votes in the 2008 general election.
Prior to serving in the Senate, Graham was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 as the first Republican from the Third Congressional District of South Carolina since 1877.
Before being elected to Congress, Graham compiled a distinguished record in the United States Air Force as he logged six-and-a-half years of service on active duty as an Air Force lawyer. From 1984-1988, he was assigned overseas and served at Rhein-Main Air Force Base in Germany. Upon leaving active duty Air Force in 1989, Graham joined the South Carolina Air National Guard where he served until 1995. During the first Gulf War in the early 90's, Graham was called to active duty and served state-side at McEntire Air National Guard Base as Staff Judge Advocate where he prepared members for deployment to the Gulf region.
Even today while serving as a United States Senator, Graham continues to serve his country in the United States Air Force Reserves. He is one of only three senators currently serving in the Guard or Reserves. Graham has earned the rank of Colonel and is assigned as a Senior Instructor at the Air Force JAG School.
A native South Carolinian, Graham grew up in a blue collar family in the small town of Central where his parents ran a restaurant and pool hall. The first member of his family to go to college, Graham earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of South Carolina. He lives in Seneca and is a member of Corinth Baptist Church.
Source: Security Through Strength PAC
EXCERPTS: SENATOR GRAHAM TO ANNOUNCE CANDIDACY FOR PRESIDENT
Alexandria, VA – Today, Graham 2016 released the following excerpts, as prepared for delivery, ahead of Senator Graham’s Presidential Announcement Event in Central, SC.
“I Want To Be President To Defeat The Enemies Trying To Kill Us, Not Just Penalize Them Or Criticize Them Or Contain Them, But Defeat Them.”
“I want to be president to defeat the enemies trying to kill us, not just penalize them or criticize them or contain them, but defeat them. Ronald Reagan’s policy of ‘peace through strength’ kept America safe during the Cold War. But we will never enjoy peaceful co-existence with Radical Islam because its followers are committed to destroying us and our way of life. However, America can have ‘Security through Strength.’”
Meeting Our Nation’s Problems Head On “Honestly and Realistically”
“I want to be president to meet our problems head on. Honestly and realistically, for the purpose of solving them, not hiding them or taking political advantage of them.”
Radical Islam Is Running Wild. “I Will Make Them Small, Poor, And On The Run.”
“Simply put, radical Islam is running wild. They have more safe havens, more money, more weapons and more capability to strike our homeland than anytime since 9/11. They are large, rich and entrenched. As President I will make them small, poor and on the run.”
Fighting Terrorism “Require[s] More Than Military Might”
“But to defeat this enemy, it will require more than military might. The most powerful weapon in our arsenal isn’t a gun. It’s an idea. The terrorists are selling a glorious death. We must sell a hopeful life. I’ve learned from my travels that a small school house in a remote region educating a young girl can do more damage to radical Islam than any weapon we possess.”
“We’ve Learned Over The Past Six Years That Speeches Alone Won’t Make Us Safer.”
“We’ve learned over the past six years that speeches alone won’t make us safer. Superior power and resolve will. I’m running for President because I am ready to be Commander-in-Chief on day one.”
“Those Who Believe We Can Disengage From The World At Large And Stay Safe By Leading From Behind, Vote For Someone Else.”
“Those who believe we can disengage from the world at large and stay safe by leading from behind, vote for someone else. I’m not your man. Those who believe the best way to defend ourselves is to lead the world, to make history rather than be overwhelmed by it, I ask for your support.”
“Join Me If You Want To Tackle Problems At Home That Have Been Kicked Down The Road Because They’re Too Hard To Fix And Too Easy To Demagogue.”
“Join me if you want to tackle problems at home that have been kicked down the road because they’re too hard to fix and too easy to demagogue. Washington’s failure to do the hard but right thing has put Social Security and Medicare in serious jeopardy. As my generation retires both programs are on track to go bust. We’re living longer and fewer workers are supporting more retirees. That’s unsustainable. Everybody knows it. Not everybody admits it.”
“I Intend to Be President Not Of A Single Party, But Of A Nation”
“I intend to be president not of a single party, but of a nation. I want to do more than make big government smaller. I want to help make a great nation greater.”
“There Are A Lot Of So-Called ‘Self-Made’ People In This World. I’m Not One Of Them. My Family, Friends, Neighbors, and My Faith Picked Me Up When I Was Down…”
“I’ve traveled the world, and had experiences and opportunities that I never dreamed of. I’ve been lucky so much of my life, but never luckier than in the people and place I come from. Those of you who’ve known me a long time know I had some ups and downs as a young man. I lost my parents, and had to struggle financially and emotionally. I would not have made it through those times without you, and without the example my parents set for me. There are a lot of so-called ‘self-made’ people in this world. I’m not one of them. My family, friends, neighbors and my faith picked me up when I was down, believed in me when I had doubts. You made me the man I am today.”
Source: Lindsey Graham for President
Dear Friend,
Since launching my campaign for president on June 1st, I have offered a path to saving the American Dream and working together on bold solutions to solve big problems. This has been a problem solvers' campaign. I have tried to be honest with the American people, look for realistic ways to get things done, and inject a little humor along the way.
Most importantly, the centerpiece of my campaign has been securing our nation. I have offered a detailed plan to win a war we cannot afford to lose and to turn back the tide of isolationism that has been rising in the Republican Party.
I believe we have made enormous progress in this effort. Four months ago at the very first debate, I said that any candidate who did not understand that we need more troops on the ground in Iraq and Syria to defeat ISIL was not ready to be Commander in Chief. At the time, no one stepped forward to join me. Today, most of my fellow candidates have come to recognize this is what's needed to secure our homeland.
While we have run a campaign that has made a real difference, I have concluded this is not my time. Please watch this important video about the future of my campaign.
I want to thank you for standing with me. More than you will ever know, you have honored me with your support. I hope we have run a campaign in which you have been proud. I know I am, and I know that together we have won an important contest of ideas.
God bless our men and women in uniform, and God bless America.
Sincerely,
Lindsey Graham
United States Senator
Source: Lindsey Graham for President