André Bauer accuses Lindsey Graham of neglecting South Carolina for Ukraine

In recent remarks at the Turning Point Student Action Summit in Tampa, Florida, former South Carolina Lieutenant Governor André Bauer expressed his discontent with current Senator Lindsey Graham's priorities. He emphasized that Graham has been focusing more on international issues, particularly Ukraine, rather than attending to the needs and concerns of South Carolinians. According to Bauer, this neglect is detrimental to the state and its citizens, who feel underrepresented. He voiced that rescuing American lives should not prioritize overseas engagements. Bauer also pointed out the historical closure of military bases in South Carolina and argued that resources should be spent at home rather than abroad. Bauer's overarching assertion is that South Carolina deserves a senator who prioritizes local issues above global aspirations. He asserted that Graham's frequent international engagements, especially with Ukrainian matters, detract from his responsibilities to his constituents. Bauer's criticism further underscores his campaign theme, which advocates for a more America-first approach. He claimed that Graham prioritizes foreign conflicts over addressing critical domestic issues such as border security and local military bases. In his speech, Bauer articulated specific concerns about the troop presence in Germany while stressing the need to focus on protecting the U.S. border. He argued that South Carolina's interests have been sidelined due to Graham's international focus and proposed that military resources are better directed locally to strengthen U.S. infrastructure and economic stability. This stance resonates with a segment of South Carolinians who, as Bauer highlighted, often do not see their senator actively engaging in state affairs. Furthermore, Bauer laid out key components of his political agenda, which include a reluctance to grant amnesty to immigrants and advocating a significant reduction in the federal government's role in education. He believes that local needs should dictate educational frameworks rather than a centralized authority in Washington, D.C. His opposition to Graham's approach to international relations and military deployment reflects a broader call for accountability and a tailored governance that aligns with the specific needs of South Carolina residents. Thus, Bauer presents himself as a formidable challenge to Graham in the primary, representing a constituency eager for change and local representation.