Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said today that skeptical Republicans and Democrats should throw their support behind climate change legislation not only because it's good for the economy and the environment, but because Congress desperately needs a win under its belt.

"We tried immigration. It's hard. And we failed. We tried Social Security. It's hard. And we failed. We tried health care. It's really hard. And it looks like we're going to have to start over again," Graham somberly told a luncheon audience of energy and climate advocates on the Hill. "On the energy, climate change front, I don't want to add that to the list. There is no reason in my mind that the Republican Party and the Democratic Party can't come together."

Graham reiterated the calls by Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., and White House energy czar Carol Browner earlier today that any climate and energy bill must include a price on greenhouse gas emissions. He also told reporters later that there are Republicans willing to vote for a bill that has some type of emissions control if there are robust provisions for nuclear energy and offshore oil drilling.

"You'll get some votes for a comprehensive package that you wouldn't get for standalone proposals," Graham said. "If we make the energy piece attractive enough for Republicans, there is going to be more than a handful that would agree to emissions controls."

What type of emissions control system could garner the most support still needs to be worked out, Graham said. He expressed support for the cap-and-dividend bill sponsored by Sens. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Susan Collins, R-Maine. This bill would cap emissions at the sources, such as power plants, and send rebates directly back to consumers to offset higher energy prices.

Calling his recent meeting with the two senators "eye-opening," Graham said their proposal "had simplicity to it that I didn't quite understand. It had many attractive components."

Graham was one of the several key lawmakers and administration officials speaking at a national security and clean economy forum hosted by several advocacy groups, including Operation Free and the Blue Green Alliance. In addition to Kerry and Browner, Energy Secretary Steven Chu also spoke.

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