Graham joins Kerry in climate bill support

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina Sunday announced he has joined Democratic backers of climate change legislation.

In a coup for congressional Democrats, Graham co-authored an opinion piece with Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., that appeared in Sunday's New York Times. In the article, the two said they agreed on five basic principles for controlling U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases, which many scientists say are triggering a catastrophic global warming.

Analysts say Lindsey's backing of climate control legislation is important to help give its Democratic backers a filibuster-proof 60 votes in the Senate.

"Our partnership represents a fresh attempt to find consensus that adheres to our core principles and leads to both a climate change solution and energy independence. It begins now, not months from now -- with a road to 60 votes in the Senate," Graham and Kerry wrote.

The article revealed both accept that scientific evidence proves climate change is real; nuclear power generation needs to be part of a U.S. plan; climate change can be used to ween the United States off imported oil; the legislation can't cost U.S. jobs and small businesses need to be protected.