Morning Buzz: Graham closer to 2016 run, Haley’s smaller gift bag, Clinton’s growing SC team

Lindsey Graham looks ready to run

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham is sounding like he will run for president. The Seneca Republican told a Sunday news program that he has a “91 percent” sure of 2016 White House bid. Graham is using his military connections to bolster his chances. The defense hawk who serves in the Air Force Reserve is courting military veterans and speaking before National Guard groups in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Haley’s gift haul dropped in 2014

Gov. Nikki Haley did not get as much in gifts and travel in 2014, while she was running for re-election. She accepted $44,940 in gifts last year from rocker Joan Jett to companies receiving state incentives to 2016 presidential hopefuls. That was down $614 from 2013. Travel and accommodations provided to her fell 20 percent last year.

Hillary Clinton forms S.C. team

As state Democrats gather next weekend for their convention, Hillary Clinton’s 2016 Democratic presidential primary operation in South Carolina named several state directors. Several have worked on presidential campaigns for the former secretary of state and Barack Obama. Clay Middleton, a former aide to U.S. Rep Jim Clyburn and S.C. political director for Obama, is leading Clinton’s campaign in South Carolina.

S.C. GOP flexible on social issues but could go rogue in ’16

S.C. Republicans might not be the super-strict conservatives that they are perceived to be nationally, a new poll suggests. But those voters also show signs of going rogue again in 2016, saying they are willing to vote for a candidate who they also say stands less of a chance of winning the presidency.

Volvo narrows potential U.S. plant sites

South Carolina is one of two states that Volvo is considering for a $500 million auto plant that would employ up to 4,000. State lawmakers are expected to draw up funding for an incentives package this week. A decision on the plant site could come soon.

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This story was originally published April 20, 2015 at 2:00 AM with the headline "Morning Buzz: Graham closer to 2016 run, Haley’s smaller gift bag, Clinton’s growing SC team."