MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Vice President Mike Pence visited Myrtle Beach on Saturday as Senator Lindsey Graham kicked off his 2020 re-election campaign.

“In my six decades on this earth, I don’t think there’s ever been an election where the stakes were higher; where the choice was clearer,“ Pence said.

Graham has Pence’s full support in his re-election.

“I have watched him stand in solidarity with President Donald Trump and our administration for a strong national defense, less taxes, less regulation and conservative appointments to the courts of the United States,“ Pence said.

Pence, Graham, and Congressman Tom Rice spoke to 800 of their supporters at the sold old rally at the Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach.

If re-elected, Graham promised to make improvements to infrastructure along the Grand Stand and help bring I-73 to fruition.

“You need roads, you need to replenish your beaches, you need water and sewer and all the things that go with growth, so the first thing I want to promise you is that when we get re-elected I will not forget my backyard,“ Graham said.

The senator mentioned several national issues, including efforts to secure the border.

However, Graham’s promise to bring more conservative judges to the U.S. Court System reminded some locals of the reason they began supporting him in the first place.

“Lindsey Graham during the Kavanaugh hearings made an impact on me that I’ll never forget. It was just amazing how firm and strong and professional he was,“ Charles Wharton, an Horry County resident said.

Some waited hours to hear the politicians speak, but they say it was worth it.

“The crowd was enthusiastic and polite and civil and orderly, and they were just so grateful to see the Vice President and to see Senator Lindsey Graham,“ Art Juliana, an Horry County resident said.

Ultimately, it was the Vice President’s main message about Graham they say stood out most. 

“I’ve known (Graham) a long time, and he’s a cheerful man, but he’s got a spine of steel, and he represents you so well,“ Pence said.