Senator Pushmi-Pullyu adapts to new times

January 25, 2009 Graham says closing Gitmo is 'chance to start over' Urges president to "share the risk" By Clark Brooks STAFF WRITER Sen. Lindsey Graham said this morning that while Guantanamo Bay is “a well-run jail,” closing it means “we get a chance to start over and prove to the world” that prisoners are going to be housed legally, humanely and tried “in a transparent way.” Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Graham said he wants to help President Obama create a disposition plan for Guantanamo prisoners. One reason to close Guantanamo Bay, Graham said, is that “it does represent an image problem for this country.” “Part of it is the moral high ground,” Graham said. The South Carolina Republican said a disposition plan for the prisoners should include keeping off the battlefield prisoners who are not subject to going to trial. He made a direct plea to the president to seek diverse and substantial help with the plan. “Share the risk, President Obama,” Graham said. “Allow the congress to help you write this new system. Create a role for federal judges so it’s just not on your watch. Make sure that all three branches of the government have a say about how to go forward so the nation can share the risk of letting people go and keeping them in jail. “The Bush Administration pushed away too much. I stand ready as a Republican member of the Senate to help create a system where we all share the risk in making these very difficult decisions, adhering to our values and keeping us safe.” Also during the CNN interview, Graham said the South Carolina I-73 project likely won’t receive funding from a federal economic stimulus package because it is an earmark.