SC county GOP censures Sen. Graham in 2nd rebuke since November; senator says it’s misguided

SC county GOP censures Republican Sen. Graham

COLUMBIA, S.C. — U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham says a county Republican Party’s decision to censure him is misguided and the result of fringe supporters of libertarian-leaning congressman Ron Paul.

It’s the second time since November that Republicans in a South Carolina county have voted to censure the GOP senator.

Graham said Tuesday that the 13-7 vote for censure by the Lexington County GOP does not mesh with his conservative voting record.

The party censured Graham because of his work with Democrats on immigration and climate change. Graham says he’s proud of solving problems by working across the aisle.

Experts don’t think the censures will have lasting effects. Graham was re-elected in 2008 with 58 percent of the vote.