U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham's proudest first-term achievements:
-- "Role I played in breaking the filibuster of judicial nominees" and "keeping the Senate from blowing up." As member of the "Gang of 14" senators, Graham helped broker a bipartisan deal on considering judicial nominees. Led to Supreme Court confirmations of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito.
-- Leading bipartisan effort to pass bill providing full military healthcare benefits to National Guard and Reserve members. "Has helped recruiting and retention."
--Major role in creating the military commission system to try accused terrorists.
--Helping block Congress from imposing troop withdrawal dates on Iraq war.
Graham's top second-term priorities:
--Energy independence. Create alternative fuels while allowing more domestic gas, oil exploration. Accelerate the development of hybrid vehicles.
--Deal with the growing threat from Iran. Finish the job in Iraq, bring our troops home, then form alliances with Middle East powers to contain Iran.
--Put on the table solutions for looming Social Security and Medicare crisis with aging of Baby Boomers.