A reader sends a copy of his correspondence with six Southern senators, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, the Republican from South Carolina (home to a big, BMW auto plant.)

Sir,

Based on your position in regards to Federal assistance for the auto industry, it seems that you don't understand that the automotive and auto manufacturing industry is so intertwined with partnerships and agreements that if Detroit goes, they're going to seriously damage the companies in your state. For instance, Toyota makes the hybrid power trains for Ford. Honda makes certain parts for Chrysler and GM. The Big 3 in Detroit make parts and components for the Japanese and German companies whose factories are in your state and in other parts of the South. Should one or all of the Big 3 fail a large portion of the market that the companies in your state sell to and buy from (i.e. do business with) are going to disappear. While I agree that executive accountability is tantamount, and I'm very displeased that Congress did not stand up to the Administration and demand it for the financial sector, if you fail to support assistance for the Big 3, and as a consequence of that failure, they in turn fail, you will have done incalculable harm to the business interests of your own state and your constituents.

Very Respectfully, [Name withheld]

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Thank you for taking the time to contact me. I appreciate the opportunity to hear from you.

Due to the large volume of mail I receive, I regret that I am only able to respond personally to inquiries from South Carolinians.

As we continue our work in the 110th Congress, I look forward to supporting our troops in the War on Terror, providing the men and women of the National Guard and Reserves with improved health care, strengthening Social Security, protecting American jobs, lowering the tax burden on American families, and making the federal government more accountable and efficient.

If your correspondence pertains to a scheduling request, please fax your request to (202) 224-3808.

Sincerely,

Lindsey Graham

I know these Senators have a lot on their plate, but I wish Sen. Graham could have been more specific. Where's the harm in a more accurate pledge? Protecting non-union jobs in Southern states provided by foreign automobile manufacturers who compete with the Big 3.