Graham's agenda

In his early campaign appearances, Graham has emphasized these issues:

The environment: He says the Bush administration's approach is "Can I drill it? Can I drain it? Can I dig it up?"

Opposing Republican tax cuts: He complains that the tax cut plan will leave huge budget deficits for future generations. "I think it's almost immoral to be passing on those costs to our children and grandchildren."

Stimulating the economy: He proposes temporary cuts in payroll taxes so middle-income workers will have extra money to spend immediately. He says the Republican tax cuts have benefited the rich, but the real need is to "put the money in the hands of the people who are going to spend it."

Fighting terrorism: He criticizes the Bush administration for focusing too much on Iraq and not enough on other countries that Graham says support terrorist groups. "I'm very interested that in the last week, the administration has finally discovered Syria," he told a California audience on April 13.

His middle-of-the-road politics: He says, "I would define myself as being a pragmatist. These days if you want to get something accomplished, you've got to find some middle ground."

1936: Born in Coral Gables

1955: Graduated from Miami High School

2-2-1959: Married Adele Khoury of Miami Shores

1959: Graduated from University of Florida with bachelor's degree

1962: Received law degree from Harvard University

1966: Elected to Florida House of Representatives

1968: Re-elected to Florida House

1970: Elected to Florida Senate

1974: Re-elected to Florida Senate

1974: Taught a semester at Carol City High School, retroactively included as first "Workday"

1978: Began Workdays as part of gubernatorial campaigning

1978: Elected governor of Florida, defeating Republican Jack Eckerd

1982: Re-elected governor, easily defeating Republican L.A."Skip" Bafalis

1986: Elected to U.S. Senate

1992: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

1998: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

Jan. 2001: Logged his 365th Workday

1-31-2003: Heart surgery

2-27-2003: Files campaign papers to raise money for presidential election

- Compiled by Times news researcher Cathy Wos. Sources: Associated Press, Florida Handbook, Miami Herald, Times files, Times wires.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright