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Politics

Why Is Lindsey Graham Standing in Jeb Bush's South Carolina Path?

The hawkish senator is locking up supporters and talent in the state that traditionally has selected the nominee. Does he really think he can be president?
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US Republican Senator from South Carolina Lindsey Graham speaks during a US Senate Armed Services Committee on global challenges and US national security strategy on Capitol Hill in Washington<DC on January 27, 2015.

US Republican Senator from South Carolina Lindsey Graham speaks during a US Senate Armed Services Committee on global challenges and US national security strategy on Capitol Hill in Washington<DC on January 27, 2015.

NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images

GREENVILLE, S.C.—David Wilkins spent many years and a small fortune to make a president out of George W. Bush. In 1999, as speaker of South Carolina’s state House, he endorsed Bush as early as he could. In 2004, Wilkins bundled more than $200,000 in donations for Bush, earning him the elite “ranger” status. Bush paid him back in 2005 by making him America’s ambassador to Canada.

In 2015, Ambassador Wilkins is supporting Senator Lindsey Graham for president.