Graham’s Lead Slips To Single Digits
Despite enjoying the most lopsided financial advantage we’ve ever seen in a race at this level (a $4 million war chest to his opponents’ $983), U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham leads political unknown Bob Conley by just nine points, according to a Rasmussen poll conducted last week.
Graham gets 50% of the vote (including just 76% of the GOP vote) compared to Conley’s 41% – a huge shift from previous polling that showed Graham enjoying a 20-point lead against the virtually unknown commercial pilot.
Conley, who has angered many Democrats by adopting fiscally-conservative positions on spending and limited government, has somehow managed to cut Graham’s lead in half over the past three months, despite having no money and virtually zero name ID across the state.
“If those numbers are accurate, then the anti-Republican, anti-incumbent sentiment is something that Republicans in less red parts of the country should certainly start taking notice of,” said Winthrop University political scientist Scott Huffmon, who had heard of the results of the poll but had yet to examine its methodology.
“All things being equal, somebody with $4 million should be further ahead,” Huffmon said, noting that he wanted to check the poll’s sampling of voters to determine whether or not party affiliation and other factors had been properly weighted.
Conley, who has built his support by criss-crossing the state and speaking to both Republican and Democratic audiences, was thrilled with the results.
“These numbers indicate what we knew when we started this race, which is that the people of South Carolina are upset with the way things are going in Washington, and they’re particularly upset with Lindsey Olin Graham,” Conley said. “It’s time for a change and a positive direction.”
Conley added that the infusion of even a relatively small amount of cash into his campaign could position Democrats for a dramatic upset.
“This is a completely volunteer, completely grassroots organization,” he said. “If we had half a million in the bank tomorrow, we’d be smoking.”
If you’re as disbelieving as we were initially about Conley’s chances, click here to access the Rasmussen Reports poll.
Incidentally, we thought it would be interesting to compare these candidates’ war chests with their current polling support, and we discovered that based on their most recent filings, Conley has $30 for every percentage point of support he’s earned compared to Graham, who has $80,000 for each percentage point of support that he’s getting.
Comments
By Married Man on September 22nd, 2008 at 2:32 pm
I am SMOKING mad at that flaming liberal Grahmnesty!!! I have NEVER in my life voted for a Democrat and I WILL be voting for Conley this time around. We MUST do whatever we can to get RID of all TRAITORS currently in office – starting with this maggot!
In my personal opinion, the dirtbag should be put on trial for treason for his despicable support of amnesty for illegals (along with the rest of them who backed it).
Graham needs to be sent home packing, then deported to Mexico. He isn’t welcome in South Carolina anymore. No amount of war chest in the world will save his hindquarters at this point.
By Toyota Kawaski on September 22nd, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Hey Buddy you lost move on go back to maken grillzs
By Doobie on September 22nd, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Dude, there isn’t a word in the English language to describe how BOGUS this poll is.
Just do the math…are we really expected to believe that Graham’s opponent — a guy who has never run a tv commercial, never run a radio ad, never sent out a mailer, doesn’t have any signs, and had to take out a loan to afford the filing fee of $10,000 — has statewide name recognition of 75% (add the fav/unfav together)?!?!?!? I’d bet that neither Andre nor Henry Mac have statewide id of 75% — and they’re statewide elected officials who have run twice spending millions!!
This same poll had the McCain lead at 6 points over Obama compared to ARG’s poll last week had it at 22 points. A 16 point difference? Completely bogus.
By Joseph on September 22nd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Graham does not represent the people of South Carolina to Washington. He represents the Washington establishment to South Carolina.
Kennedy’s and Lieberman’s friend is far from being conservative.
By alkdfkdsflkjadsfjlkf on September 22nd, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Just call him Shadow. And this reflects poorly on McCain.
By WorkingTommyC on September 22nd, 2008 at 4:35 pm
I don’t believe this poll either!
I think it’s much more likely that Conley is AHEAD of the traitor Graham.
Thinking Graham is going to win because he has more money is like thinking Benedict Arnold could have paid his way back into the good graces of the free American colonies after the Revolutionary War.
Thinking Graham is going to win because he has more money is like thinking Adolf Hitler could have escaped the Allies by hiding in a Jewish synagogue.
Thinking Graham is going to win because he has more money is like thinking Osama Bin Laden will be made into a giant balloon float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
Thinking Graham is going to win because he has more money is like thinking–well you get the idea by now.
By Ron on September 22nd, 2008 at 4:40 pm
This poll might be more accurate than Shamnesty Graham supporters will dare to admit. The Dems will vote for their candidate but “constitutionalist Republicans” will not vote for Shamnesty advocate “light in the loafers” Lindsey Graham ever again. The Republican split will mean that this is one “incumbent rascal” that will not return to Washington this January. HALLELUJAH!!
By Melissa on September 22nd, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Lindsey Graham is considered to be one of the smartest and best Senators on Capitol Hill. SC doesn’t have a whole lot to be proud of (ahem, education), but we can be proud of the work that Graham has done on both sides. Crossing party lines is essential. You can’t have one party making all of the decision and Graham does a good job of working with representatives on both sides.
By BIN News on September 22nd, 2008 at 6:52 pm
At least Lindsey doesn’t advocate the rape of South Carolina’s public education system like sic(k) willie, SCRG and Howie’s other carpetbuggers. Lindsey is a Great American, who will certainly be reelected with no problem.
BIN News Editorial Staff
Flair and Always Balanced
By Upstate Conservative on September 22nd, 2008 at 9:32 pm
I’m calling BS on this poll and the Rasmussen polls generally when it comes to South Carolina. Why? They don’t make a lick of sense.
In this same sample, they tested the presidential candidates and Rasmussen has McCain leading Obama by 6 points in SC, 51-45. Kerry and Gore both weren’t able to crack 41% but Obama somehow has already cracked 45%. Yeah, right.
Then tonight Rasmussen comes out with some more state polls and guess what, McCain leads Obama in Florida by 5 points.
You’re telling me McCain’s lead in SC (+6) is only 1 point more than Florida? Something is obviously not right.
Florida has been a battelground in the last 6 presidential races. Clinton won there. Gore came within a few hundred votes. Bush only won by 3 points 4 years ago. But now, we’re to believe that McCain only has a 1 point larger lead in South Carolina than Florida?
Anybody who knows anything about politics, polling, and states in a battleground presidential race knows that full of crap.
FL is, has been, and will continue to be a battleground state in the presidential race for the foreseeable future. SC has not, will not, and probably never will be a battleground state.
By John Steinberger on September 23rd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Bob Conley wins on the issues – he supports ending illegal immigration, reviving our economy with the FairTax and going after American energy sources wherever they exist to lower fuel and electricity prices.
He also wins on the character issue – he does not hide from voters and will not be shielded by the Washington cocoon!
By Married Man on September 23rd, 2008 at 2:23 pm
UC – All the examples you mention fail to take into consideration how totally LIBERAL John McCain truly is. These polls are so tight between McSame and Obama because voters can’t really tell which candidate is FARTHER to the left.
Many years ago, Florida become a retirement community for damn yankees. Why wouldn’t they love an aging liberal hostile to traditional southern values?
I think Conley is MUCH farther ahead of Lispy (log-cabin) Graham than this Rasmussen poll shows. Has anyone noticed that Grahmnesty has avoided public appearances for many months now? (Except for the ones where you pay $100 to get in the door). Why do you think that is?
Its because of the HOSTILE reception the traitor keeps getting when he shows his traitorous face down here. We ‘greeted’ him at last year’s Irmo Okra Strut and we ‘greeted’ him when he spoke at the Richland Co. Republican meeting down at Suggs & Kelly. We will continue to turn out in big numbers to ‘greet’ Gayham and every other traitor like him every time they show their faces.
Good riddance to Senate trash.
By Tired on September 23rd, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Seeing what is happening to Lindsey just goes to show you that simply because you are liked in Washington doesnt mean you will be liked in SC. I am proud that the voters of South Carolina whom he (Lindsey Graham) referred to as “ignorant” are not blinded by his ignroance.
What is happening to him on a large scale and in a big way is similar to what is happening to Bobby Harrell on a much smaller….much more insignificant way…..yet for some reason and in BOTH cases….it is such a blessing to watch it happen to these guys……they deserve it. They brought this on themselves. When you abandon your voters prepare to be abandoned.
Good luck on your tour around the state tomorrow to all of the legislators involved in Mark Sanford’s tour for transparency. I noticed that our speaker does not support this proposed legislation by Rep. Nikki Haley and in fact has called lawmakers and threatned them personally against standing up with Mark, Nikki, and others who are simply trying to give the public what they deserve. Unforgivable Bobby Boy!
By Democrats For Liberty on September 23rd, 2008 at 6:31 pm
The Republican Party has become a single-issue party. All they care about is war, war and more war. They have abandoned being pro-life, protecting the second amendment, and just about everything else except corporate welfare.
Should we be surprised that a Democrat candidate managed to be more conservative?
There’s more of us: http://www.democratsforliberty.org
By jj on September 23rd, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Stick a fork in him! DONE!
I’ve had all the computer generated replies from hack Grahamnasty I can stand! He’s not worth the matches I used to burn the waste! He’s a JERK!
He just voted against the Vet bill. I’d like to send him over to that new Vatican City sized US Embassy in Iraq to live.
Conley is a breath of fresh air. Finally someone on the side of the people, not someone who uses the position for big bucks.
GO CONLEY GO!
By jj on September 24th, 2008 at 6:38 am
In the words of Andrew Jackson:
“Gentlemen, I have had men watching you for a long time and I am convinced that you have used the funds of the bank to speculate in the breadstuffs of the country. When you won, you divided the profits amongst you, and when you lost, you charged it to the bank. You tell me that if I take the deposits from the bank and annul its charter, I shall ruin ten thousand families. That may be true, gentlemen, but that is your sin! Should I let you go on, you will ruin fifty thousand families, and that would be my sin! You are a den of vipers and thieves. I intend to rout you out, and by the grace of the Eternal God, will rout you out.â€
By MarcB on September 24th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
It’s about time Graham was pressured into a debate! I hope he dares say it’s time to tell the bigots to shut up like he did at the LaRaza convention last year. Linsey I think you are about to get a real message from us “bigots” come November 4th. It’s a job thing Linsey, a job thing! It’s South Carolina citizens sitting at home while illegals are out working our jobs for peanuts. It’s not a racial thing Linsey. The only thing racial about it is that blank and white SOUTH CAROLINA CITIZENS are out of work while ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS that you love and hold dear to your heart take our JOBS from us. And another thing, in your LaRAZA speech you said how you gained so much respect for the latino community because of an officer that you knew at FT. Benning that was a latino. How dare you compare a officer of our armed forces to an illegal immigrant that came to this country ILLEGALY. I don’t see the illegals lined up at our recruiting offices ready to go fight for our country. I only see them at the welfare offices trying to take everything they can get from our country. How dare you make this comparision. Bob you sure have my vote!
By LadyM on September 25th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Grahamnesty is finished in SC. He should never have told the racist group LaRaza that he would tell all us bigots to just shut up. He not only slapped the SC voters in the face, but he totally disregarded the oath of office he took to serve, protect and defend the Constitution. His love of illegal’s has been his downfall and this republican will be more than happy to cross party lines and vote for Mr Conley in November. I have offered my services, free of charge, to help Grahamnesty pack his belongings when he leaves office. And of course, as usual, he hasn’t gotten back to me on this issue either!~
By Eugene Geraldo on September 25th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I think Lindsey Graham is a good Politician but I will not vote for him again for any office. I have asked him specifically, Why do I as a taxpaying American owe someone who broke the law as an illegal alien a path to Citizenship. Never got an answer to that question. He is in politics for Lindsey Graham not for the people of South Carolina. The Greed in this country keeps these people here to the tune of $338 Billion taxpayers dollars. The developers and contractors and homeowners that want cheap, shoddy labor keep them here along with our do nothing government. Protecting our borders is impossible, fence or not fence. Enforce the Laws, No free welfare, hospitalization, food stamps etc. They will find a way back home. When we start looking like the towns across the border, then some of the people may wake up. Just like after 9/11 we all went back to sleep and no one set the alarm. Sleep well, You wont like what you see after Obama takes over in January.
By Tim on September 27th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Every SC GOP insider should know that Conley was already way, way, way to the right of Lindsey. Bob did not, as this article says, have to “adopt” fiscally conservative positions. He was already there. That’s why he ran… because Lindsey sucks!
This was a once in a lifetime chance. Only a lonely, socially inept outcast like Bob would be willing to take this kind of risk. (I considered running last winter myself.) Bob’s campaign is financed by whatever blood he can squeeze out of his recently Alzheimers-ridden sweet little old mother from Gastonia’s lifetime savings. He lives with her, and he literally stayed up night after night for a year, creating 1,000s of spreadsheets, analyzing voting trends, voting blocks, probabilities, etc. He’s an occasional civil engineer (and once in a while gives flying lessons).
Bob is the ultimate Adam Fogle stereotype of a Ron Paul supporter with a tin foil hat. Bob certainly isn’t a conventional Democrat. He has practically worshipped Pat Buchanan his entire life. That’s why the Dems have disowned him (not one cent of help, btw). One of the most meaningful moments in Bob’s life was when he went to Pat Buchanan’s church in northern Virginia, hoping to see him. Not only did he see him, but Pat sat down in the pugh 2 rows in front of him. Whoopee!!
Don’t hold your doubts. Conley is a hard right-winger. I tried to tell everyone that early on. I nearly went bankrupt helping him.
Lindsey is going to unleash a huge TV & radio ad campaign during the final few weeks of the campaign, just like how he annihilated Buddy Witherspoon.
Get on board for Bob now! With a little infusion (especially from the core non-Quinn SC GOP’ers), Pat and Ron Paul might still decide to endorse him (publically), and there’s still a chance to hand a sloppy big fat object lesson to moderate milktoast “Republicans”, the Quinn whores, and the disgusting waste who have ruined the Conservative Movement (the neocons).
By Tim on September 27th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Graham has agreed to debate Bob at 8pm on Oct. 10. Tune in…
By Richard on October 10th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I think too many conservatives still believe that the Republican Party is a conservative party. I will be voting for Conley because he is more conservative than Graham. Graham voted for the socialization of our economy when he voted for the bailout in spite of overwhelming opposition to it. I guess he and his liberal cronies know more than us simple conservatives who think the government should not be taking over institutions. Our government is not a business and should not be running businesses. Western Civilization stands at a crossroads here and instead of relying our our own ingenuity, we expect Big Brother to come save us. Franklin said is someone is willing to sacrifice freedom for security they deserve neither. America as we know it is ebbing away to the applause of the “conservative” republican party.