South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham has endorsed former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. It might be an important endorsement for Bush, but it’s hard to see how this will help Bush in the polls.
“I have concluded without any hesitation, without any doubt, that Jeb Bush is ready on day one to be a commander-in-chief worthy of the sacrifices of the 1 percent who have been fighting this war,” Graham said Friday.
“I’m excited about it,” Bush told Fox News. He added that Graham is “probably the most knowledgable person on the Hill” when it comes to foreign policy and national security.
Graham’s endorsement comes just after the South Carolina debate last night, which was dominated by Donald Trump and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. While the endorsement could help Bush gain support in the establishment, this probably won’t help him suddenly gain traction. Bush has been far behind in the polls and his position has only worsened as the campaign continues. An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll showed Bush with just 5 percent support.
Graham pulled out of the GOP race on Dec. 21. The 60-year-old has been representing South Carolina in the Senate since 2003 and was elected to the House in 1995.