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South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham will announce his campaign for president next month, after saying Monday he is running for the Republican nomination. Here’s a snapshot of where Graham stands on issues likely to be debated in the Republican presidential primaries. ... He voted against the Affordable Care Act and supports the GOP’s “Ryan Budget” that would curtail Social Security and Medicare spending and benefits over time. ... On abortion, Graham receives high marks from state and national organizations that oppose a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy. But he’s also tried to bridge the gap between conservatives who support absolute bans on abortion and those who support exceptions for rape, incest and health of the mother. Graham argues absolute bans aren’t politically feasible. (Barrow, 5/19)

In an email sent to reporters, Mr. Jindal was harshly critical of President Obama and said the country was ready “to try a dramatically different path.” “While other Republican leaders are talking about change, I’ve published detailed plans to repeal and replace Obamacare, rebuild America’s defenses, make America energy independent, and reform education for our nation’s children,” Mr. Jindal wrote in the statement. (Corasaniti, 5/18)

[Bobby] Jindal, 43, now in his second term as governor, has been far down in most Republican presidential polls. He’s positioned himself as friendly to the party’s religious right. He’s also regarded as an expert on health care issues. (Lightman, 5/18)

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, one of the federal health law’s fiercest critics, will not participate in Obamacare after all. Cruz and his family have bought coverage in the private market instead of going through Cruz’s employer, Congress, which offers plans for federal workers under the Affordable Care Act. The Texas senator said in March after he announced his presidential candidacy that he was considering plans offered through the federal health care law, triggering stories and commentary about the irony of Cruz signing up for Obamacare. (Recio, 5/18)

A coalition of labor and minority groups is launching an effort to support progressive Democrats running in Virginia’s June 9 primary election and has promised five candidates a last-minute infusion of cash and a small army of door-knocking volunteers. Coalition leaders said they will try to mobilize young and minority residents who have not voted in large numbers in the past and urge them to back local candidates who want to boost the minimum wage, expand health-care coverage for the poor, and create new protections and opportunities for immigrants. (Sullivan, 5/18)