As tributes continue to pour in for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), his fellow South Carolinian colleague, Sen. Tim Scott, honored his close friend at a Wednesday press conference.
Scott reminded people of his ability to “diffuse a room” with humor, and he noted the senator’s role as a “bridge builder” between both parties.
“He had this unique ability to bridge the Republican Senate to the White House,” Scott said.
Sen. Darline Graham Nordone, Graham’s sister, was sworn in as a caretaker for the seat on Monday, and she will serve in that role until January. Graham Nordone was adopted by the late Republican as a teenager after their parents died.
“I was thankful to see Darline Graham say yes to the opportunity,” he said, saying she presented herself with “grace and grit” at the South Carolina press conference announcing her appointment to the seat on Monday.
Graham Nordone served as the agency head for the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, and she was welcomed to the upper chamber with open arms following her brother’s death over the weekend.
In terms of who would take the spot permanently, Scott said that he has fielded calls from several people who are interested in running, as there will be a special primary election to replace Graham on the November ballot.
The senator acknowledged that the biggest topic on the campaign trail will likely be "affordability, affordability and affordability." The primary victor will face off against Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election.
“As a South Carolina voter, I want someone who represents the best of us,” he said, saying he “doesn’t have a specific candidate in mind" but spoke highly of potential entrants.
“Why not her would be my question,” Scott said when a reporter asked about the possibility of Graham Nordone running in the primary. He also noted that he has an "affinity" for former Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC), but said that Gowdy does not seem interested at this point in entering the race.
Graham’s funeral is expected to be at the Washington National Cathedral, but the exact timing is unclear.