Darline Graham starts locking in support from Senate Republican leaders

South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham is making major headway with the Republican establishment in the primary race to succeed her late brother Lindsey Graham. Within hours of announcing her bid to pursue a full six-year Senate term, Graham locked in the support of three party leaders: Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Conference Chair Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Policy Chair Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.

[Capito, on Graham's candidacy:] "Sure! I've been impressed with her and I think she would make a great, great senator."

[Norman, dismissing Graham's campaign:] "I've got a conservative record ever since I've been in Congress and in the state house. No one else can say that."

[Senate Majority Leader John Thune, praising Graham while stopping short of formal backing:] "she obviously carries on Lindsey's legacy, and I think she's a very accomplished person in her own right"

[Sen. James Lankford, declining to endorse anyone:] "I don't plan to get involved in the race...I just don't know her, and I don't know the other candidates."

Additional facts: Rep. Nancy Mace declined to run; Rep. Russell Fry entered the race Monday after Norman; NRSC chair Tim Scott and the Senate Leadership Fund remain uncommitted; Mark Lynch (prior Lindsey Graham primary challenger) preparing another bid; Graham additionally facing an eligibility review from a county GOP official.