CJ Pearson

'THIRSTY': A close ally of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham is firing back at South Carolina Republicans already jockeying to replace him after his sudden passing. Rep. William Timmons told Fox News Digital the rush "rubbed me the wrong way," calling out colleagues who have "a history of just saying outlandish things and taking ridiculous positions just for the purpose of getting clicks." He didn't name names, but Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman have both signaled interest in the Aug. 11 special election — after both failed to secure the GOP gubernatorial nomination last month. Timmons, who forged a close bond with Graham on the golf course, said the next senator needs to earn respect the way Graham did — not chase attention. He also didn't shut the door on his own potential bid, saying the president will be "the deciding factor" in who gets the seat.

Like President Trump, I don’t mess around when it comes to illegal aliens. My plan is simple: They can’t stay, and they’ve gotta pay.

Here’s a message to Gavin Newsom and Rob Bonta: The stakes are too high to weaponize antitrust law and continue to drive away the jobs and economy of California’s entertainment industry.

Over the last decade, I had the privilege of knowing Lindsey Graham not just as a United States Senator, but as a mentor, a travel companion, a golf partner, and, most importantly, a friend. We traveled together on congressional delegation trips around the world, spent countless hours talking about politics, life, South Carolina, and played what had to be close to 100 rounds of golf together. Some of my favorite memories weren't in Congress—they were walking fairways, talking through the issues of the day, and enjoying a game he truly loved. We even had a standing rule: if a world leader called while we were playing, Lindsey could answer the phone and I'd automatically give him a par. It happened more than you'd think. Calls from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President Donald Trump, or President Volodymyr Zelenskyy weren't unusual. Somehow, Lindsey could seamlessly transition from discussing the most consequential issues in the world to reading a putt and asking whether I thought it broke left or right. One memory I'll treasure forever is when I was the only person fortunate enough to witness Lindsey make a double eagle on the 9th hole at his beloved Cliffs at Mountain Park. Anyone who knew him knows that was one of the proudest moments of his golfing life. For all that Lindsey accomplished, what always impressed me most was where he came from. He was the embodiment of the American dream. After losing both of his parents as a young man, Lindsey made the extraordinary decision to raise his younger sister, Darline. He often spoke about how survivor Social Security benefits helped the two of them make it through those unimaginably difficult years. He never forgot where he came from, and he never forgot the responsibility he carried. Long before the Senate, he was working in his family's liquor store and pool hall in Central, South Carolina. Those experiences shaped the way he saw the world. He could relate just as easily to a mechanic, a waitress, or a soldier as he could to a president or prime minister because he had lived a life that looked a lot more like theirs than Washington's. His service to our country extended far beyond Congress. Lindsey proudly served for more than three decades in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves, ultimately attaining the rank of colonel. President George W. Bush personally officiated his promotion ceremony to full bird colonel, an honor that reflected the respect he had earned through decades of military service. As someone who also wears the uniform, I was fortunate to have Lindsey as a mentor there as well. He taught me that public service does not begin or end with elected office, but that it is a lifelong commitment to something greater than yourself. Lindsey was a fierce advocate for South Carolina and for America, but those of us who knew him personally will remember something even more important. He was loyal. He invested in people. He gave candid advice, expected your best, celebrated your successes, and picked you up after your failures. He made countless people better simply because they had the privilege of knowing him. My heart is with his extraordinary staff, who stood beside him through every challenge and every victory, and especially with his beloved sister, Darline, who was always at the center of his life. I will miss the golf, the conversations, the advice, the laughter, and yes—even the phone ringing in the middle of a round because another world leader needed Lindsey Graham. Thank you for your friendship, your mentorship, and your example. Rest easy, my friend. South Carolina—and our nation—are far better because you were here.

If Abdul El-Sayed beats Stevens I actually think he's very likely to be the next president. I suspect he'll trounce the Republican. His criticisms of Dem elites will appeal to those who liked Bernie & Trump. And if he wins MI he'll silence centrists & be ideal Dem 2028 contender.