(Sen. Lindsey Graham / image: United States Senate)
U-S and Minnesota flags are flying at half-staff to honor the late Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican from South Carolina. Graham died of what officials say was an aortic tear this past Saturday at the age of 71.
Governor Tim Walz ordered the lowering of all flags in accordance with a proclamation from President Donald Trump. The governor saluted the late senator in a statement, saying that Senator Graham displayed a dedication to public service, from service in the U-S Air Force and the South Carolina National Guard to a decades-long career in public office. The governor offered condolences to the senator’s family, friends, staff, constituents and all others mourning his passing.
Flags will fly at half-staff until sunset on Saturday, July 18th.
Meanwhile, there is a flurry of behind-the-scenes activity in Washington. While Republicans will keep their majority in the U-S Senate, Senator Graham’s death leaves a significant void within the GOP.
Hamline University professor David Schultz says Graham’s influence extended far beyond his vote…
“Republicans in losing Lindsey Graham lost, among other things, a very strong supporter of Donald Trump. They lost somebody who supported the SAVE act, and more broadly, they lost someone who was deeply involved in budget and finance, and this comes at a critical time.”
Schultz says Graham played a key role in shaping Republican priorities on federal spending and national security, making his absence especially notable as Congress debates funding measures. He says that could slow the Senate’s work during a busy legislative period…
“It doesn’t create a major shift in the balance of power, but it clearly affects the workflow in the U-S Senate at this point.”
Senator Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone will serve out the late senator’s term.
