Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009

Berkeley GOP holds off on Graham censure

GOOSE CREEK - U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham escaped another censure Monday after his chief of staff promised to meet with disgruntled Berkeley County Republicans.

Last week, the Charleston County Republican Party's executive committee censured Graham for departing from their values. They were unhappy that Graham is siding with Democrats who believe in global warming for an energy bill, that he supported the federal bank bailout, and that he favors granting amnesty for illegal immigrants and called those who disagree with him bigots.

Berkeley County Republicans showed up at their executive committee meeting Monday night with a similar resolution, changing the name of the county from Charleston to Berkeley.

Linda Riney of Cross urged the approximately 30 committee members present to pass it.

"How can we defend being conservatives if we just sit by with our mouth shut?" she said.

Chairman Tim Callanan of Daniel Island urged the motion be tabled, saying Graham's chief of staff called him Monday afternoon and offered to set up a meeting next week.

"It seems to be a reasonable request," said Callanan, adding he believes Graham has some serious explaining to do.

Joe Kaplinger of Jamestown, who made the motion, said Graham was too late. "He's had plenty of time to answer our questions.

State Sen. Paul Campbell, R-Goose Creek, said he disagrees with Graham on the energy bill but urged the committee to give him a chance to speak for himself.

"I just think it sends the wrong message to censure him when we're trying to work with him on a grant to get 600 jobs," Campbell said. "To act tonight is premature without giving him a chance to speak."

The committee, on a 3-1 voice vote, tabled the resolution until the January meeting, but the consensus was the censure would resurface if they're not happy after talking with Graham.

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