STATE WOULD BENEFIT UNDER MCCAIN ADMINISTRATION

Although there’s talk that Sen. Lindsey Graham could be Republican presidential nominee John McCain’s running mate, Graham himself admits that’s unlikely. But if McCain does win the White House in November, there’s no doubt Graham’s closeness to the Arizona senator would reap great dividends.

There are rumors of a possible cabinet position like attorney general, or at the very least, increased power in the U.S. Senate. Either would be highly beneficial for Graham and, more importantly, South Carolina.

That’s just one example of how a McCain presidency would bolster South Carolina’s influence on the national scene. The State’s John O’Connor noted that McCain is already repaying those in the Palmetto State who supported him from the very beginning — something that inevitably resulted in a key primary victory.

When the GOP convention opens on Labor Day in St. Paul, Minn., the perks for S.C. Republicans will be visible — plum party committee assignments and a possible speaking slot for [Graham] — and less obvious, such as sharing a choice convention hotel with McCain’s staff. [...]

Attorney General Henry McMaster will serve as sergeant at arms at the St. Paul convention, charged with security inside the hall and ensuring the convention keeps on schedule.

S.C. delegates also will have a role in drafting the party’s values platform, a central part of the GOP’s message.

Those values, said state Sen. Mike Fair, R-Greenville, who will co-chair the subcommittee, include support of traditional marriage, opposition to abortion and strong advocacy for public safety issues. The national party, Fair said, already is working with delegates to create a framework. [...]

There also could be benefits for other party loyalists, including [South Carolina GOP Chairman Katon Dawson].

Typically, the president plays a key role in choosing the national GOP chairman. Dawson said he is not focusing on the job, but others say he is campaigning for it.

And lest we forget SC politico Trey Walker up in Virginia overseeing McCain’s mid-Atlantic operations. Who knows where a McCain Administration might lead him?

Before any of this happens, however, McCain must get elected.