GRAHAM IN – AT 11:53 A.M. ET:  Another Republican joins the race.  Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has officially announced for president.  From Fox: 

And then there were nine.

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham added to the Republican Party's logistical challenges as he formally launched his 2016 presidential campaign -- becoming the ninth GOP primary candidate, with more than a half-dozen others still weighing a bid of their own.

South Carolina's senior senator made the announcement Monday in the small town of Central, where he grew up. The hawkish lawmaker made clear he will strive to make national security a centerpiece of his campaign, and the presidential race as a whole.

"I'm running for president of the United States," Graham said. "I want to be president to defeat the enemies that are trying to kill us -- not just penalize them or criticize them or contain them, but defeat them."

Graham slammed President Obama's policies for fighting terror, and said "radical Islam is running wild." He said the biggest threat remains Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Graham said he has more experience on national security than any candidate in the race.

He quipped, "That includes you, Hillary."

COMMENT:  I realize that Graham is not the favorite guy of some conservatives, but no one has done more for national defense.  He and John McCain are the most effective spokesmen for a strong defense in the U.S. Senate.  I think Graham will be a positive force in the race, reminding Republicans that the modern Republican Party, the party of Reagan, was built largely on the need to secure the nation.  Sadly, some Republicans are drifting from that principle, but it must be kept at the core of Republican ideals.

June 1, 2015