Graham admits he may miss money mark

[Freddie Stubbs]

Graham admits lagging in raising money

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- As he completes what is now widely expected to be a disappointing fundraising period and enters a make-or-break stage for his White House ambitions, Sen. Bob Graham acknowledged for the first time that meeting his $15 million fundraising goal for the year would be a struggle.

Graham made his comments during a weekend visit to South Carolina, the first state on the 2004 primary calendar that Graham strategists believe he would have a chance of winning.

In an interview with The Herald and the St. Petersburg Times, Graham also would not dismiss rumors that he might be forced to reduce his staff.

''We don't have any major changes in mind,'' he said as he watched Saturday's Palmetto Classic between South Carolina State and Benedict College. ``But you're always like the football coach down there. You're always evaluating the talent that you have to see that it's being used in the best way.''

more: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/6893701.htm

[cjbuchanan]

1. Poor Bob Graham

He is a good guy, but I think the writing is on the wall. I think it is time for him to return to Florida and keep his seat. We need him in the Senate.

[burr]

4. I agree...

he may be a sorry primary candidate, but IMHO he's still the best Senator in the south while also being Georgia's third and best Senator.

[CMT]

2. I'm thinking more and more that Graham

may be the first one to drop out. Yes, it would be great if he ran for re-election or was on the ticket as VP.

[indigo32]

3. It's too bad really

He's a VERY qualified candidate. He just hasn't caught on.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

7. what's really too bad is that he deserves far more money than Dean

were funds based on prior experience.

[Closer]

8. how idiotic

[Speck Tater]

5. You heard it here first...

The general election will be Dean/Graham vs Bush/Lieberman.

Don't forget, you heard it here first.

[davidinalameda]

6. Bush/Lieberman?

whatever!