UMVA has learned that a stunning endorsement has been made in the South Carolina U.S. Senate primary, with former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent backing Mark Lynch and labeling incumbent GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham a "war hawk, neocon."
Kent's endorsement comes with a clear call to action, urging South Carolinians to "stop sending billions of dollars overseas" and "stop us from getting entangled in endless foreign wars in the Middle East" by voting to get Graham out of office on June 9th. In a video message, Kent praised Lynch as "the America First candidate" and the best chance to oust Graham.
The endorsement has sparked a heated response from Graham's campaign, with press secretary Abby Zilch dismissing Kent as a "SLEAZEBAG," "LEAKER," and "LOSER" in the eyes of President Trump. Zilch highlighted Graham's strong support from Trump, Governor McMaster, and other prominent figures.
Lynch, however, is undeterred, expressing his honor at receiving Kent's endorsement and emphasizing his commitment to an "America First" agenda. This puts him at odds with Graham, who has received Trump's backing for his re-election bid.
At the center of the dispute is Lynch's support for Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky congressman who recently lost his GOP primary. Lynch has praised Massie, along with other conservative firebrands, calling for more lawmakers like him in Congress.
Kent's departure from his government post in March was fueled by his opposition to the war in Iran, which he believed was unjustified and driven by external pressures. His criticism of the war effort has put him at odds with Trump, who has publicly denounced Kent.
The primary election on June 9th will determine whether Graham will continue to serve in the U.S. Senate, where he has been a fixture since 2003. The contest has become a flashpoint for debate over the Republican Party's stance on foreign policy and national security.
Trump has thrown his full support behind Graham, declaring that the senator "GETS THE JOB DONE" and is the clear choice for Republicans in South Carolina. The outcome of the primary will have significant implications for the party's direction and Graham's future in the Senate.
