SEN. JOHN THUNE: America has lost a patriot in Lindsey Graham. The Republicans have lost their glue

In the sad and sudden loss of Sen. Lindsey Graham, America has lost one of its greatest patriots. I lost a dear friend. And the Republican Party has lost a champion.

Much will rightfully be written about Lindsey’s strong advocacy on behalf of the United States and freedom-loving people around the world. No one believed more in America’s role in the world. In uniform and in Congress, Lindsey dedicated his life to the cause of America being a unique power.

I was blessed to travel with Lindsey several times, and while much was always made of his support for American hard power, he also strongly believed in the use of soft power – American economic, diplomatic and political solutions to the world’s problems.

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Lindsey was great, and will be mourned worldwide. I expect that almost every living American president has taken advice from Lindsey Graham, whether they care to admit it or not. Heads of state came to respect his opinion and seek his advice because of his undeniable influence on American foreign policy.

But the sting of this great loss will be felt here at home and within the Republican Party. Lindsey was our glue. He spoke eloquently to every room of our large tented event, and to those of us who had the privilege of serving with him, we were blessed to call him friend first and colleague second. Even in the most stressful situations, Lindsey had a knack for bringing out laughter and putting a smile on your face.

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If you were throwing a dinner party for your co-worker, Lindsey was the first person you called. He was always pleasant and unassuming. To me, he was a loyal friend, a trusted advisor and someone who always called them as he saw them.

He was as plain as they come – he didn’t mince words or pull punches. When he was against you, he knew you. When he was by your side, he was your best friend. And if his beliefs required him to stand on an island, he did so. What you saw is what you got. He was honored for it.

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And when Lindsey set her sights on her goal, watch out – because nothing was going to stop her. His relentless behavior paved the way for generations of successive policy victories.

One doesn’t have to look far to see Lindsey’s incredible contributions to our party and her huge role in advancing the Republican agenda.

In this Congress alone, he and his team on the Budget Committee shepherded three budget resolutions and two reconciliation bills through grueling, all-night vote-a-rama sessions. No Senate has ever held a majority vote in modern history, and that would not have happened without Lindsey’s persistence and determination. He and his team led our conference through incredibly high standards, intense discussions and ground processes. And as a result, generations of Americans will have greater national, economic and financial security.

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But this is the leadership we knew we could expect from Lindsey Graham. As a former chair of the Judiciary Committee, Lindsey was passionate about the law and the independent judiciary. His influence on the judicial system will undeniably last for generations. After all, almost every judicial nominee in the last 20 years has had to face questions and work for support.

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I am grateful for all the ways Lindsey gave to America and Americans. His mark on history and his impact on the conservative movement will be well documented, but I will be equally, if not more, grateful for the mark he left on my life. Thank you, Lindsey, for being a true and loyal friend, and thank you for always making me laugh.

Rest in peace my friend.

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