Lindsey Graham Tours Midlands, Talks Issues

Sen. Lindsey Graham was in the Midlands on Tuesday and during his visit he touched on a range of issues that are on people's minds both in South Carolina and across the country.

Graham met with religious leaders in Columbia to talk primarily about immigration and in Lexington he met with business leaders.

Lexington's mayor Randy Halfacre was commended by Graham for the growth and improvement of the town. "I think Lexington is one of the best models of what can happen when there's a strong partnership between the city, the county and the business community," Graham said.

A partnership that has not been as successful is the one between Graham's Republican Party and minorities.

Some commentators have called on the GOP to be more flexible on immigration and to settle the issue once and for all. The party's standing with people of color was one of the key reasons Mitt Romney lost to Barack Obama last November.

"We've got to embrace a practical solution for the 11 million people who are already here. Get in line, learn the English language, and wait your turn. We need a secure border and new immigration system that works," Graham said.

The other issue in the headlines is gay marriage. The Supreme Court of the United States is poised to hear arguments this week about the Defense of Marriage Act and California's Proposition 8.

"The issue is evolving and people are changing but there's nothing wrong with standing up for traditional marriage and I do it without animosity," Graham explained. "Marriage between a man and a woman is the best way to raise children. Having said that, being able to pass your property on or to have visitation rights in a hospital is something we should consider."

Facing re-election in 2014, Graham knows there have been plenty of rumblings from potential challengers within his own party. 

"I'm a big believer in competition and the conservative agenda," he said. "And I believe if I do a good job as senator, I'll get re-elected."

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