South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette on Newsmax Tuesday praised the decision to have Sen. Lindsey Graham's sister complete his Senate term, calling it a "wonderful tribute" to the longtime Republican lawmaker's legacy following his unexpected death at age 71 on Saturday.

During an appearance on "National Report," Evette said Darline Graham Nordone's appointment honors a senator who devoted his life to serving South Carolina and the nation.

"I think it's a wonderful tribute," she said. "The senator was an amazing man."

"I came from the business world; he was one of the first friends I made in the political world. He had a great sense of humor," added Evette.

The lieutenant governor said she's met Graham's sister several times and believes the senator would be proud to see her finish his term.

"She's a wonderful person," Evette said. "And I think the senator is looking down very pleased that she'll be able to fill out his term. It's a great tribute to all he's done."

While some have already begun speculating about Nordone's political future, Evette said the focus should remain on honoring Graham's life and service.

"I think what she is doing is probably what is in her heart," said Evette. "It's such an unexpected loss."

She remembered Graham as a relentless advocate for South Carolina and highlighted his leadership during the confirmation battle for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

"I was never more proud to be a South Carolinian [than] when he took on that fight to just call out injustice that was being done," Evette recalled.

She also said many Americans are only now recognizing one of Graham's greatest political strengths — his ability to work with people across the political spectrum without compromising his conservative principles.

"Unfortunately, Sen. Graham, in a lot of circles, was criticized for his ability to reach across the aisle, to bring people together, to try to get things done," said Evette.

"The one thing that I've heard since the horrible news broke is I think now people are starting to recognize what an amazing ability that really is and how we need more of that in government," she continued.

Evette said Graham often reminded colleagues that finding common ground did not require abandoning deeply held beliefs.

"You'd hear him say all the time, 'You can sit down with people without having to change what your core principles are," she said. "You can try to work across for a solution without ever changing what you believe is right.'"

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