Poll: South Carolina wants Colbert to replace DeMint

But they should not get their hopes up

Published December 10, 2012 6:18PM (EST)

A PPP survey finds that Stephen Colbert is South Carolina's top choice to replace Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., when he steps down in January.

According to the poll, 20 percent of voters say that Colbert should be appointed, compared with 15 percent who favor Rep. Tim Scott, R-S.C., DeMint's likely replacement.

From PPP:

It's Democrats and independents- those voters Haley most needs to improve her standing with- who are pining for a Colbert appointment. Among Democrats 32% say they'd like Colbert to be picked with Jenny Sanford at 19% and no one else in double digits. With crucial independent voters Colbert has a 15 point lead for the appointment, getting 28% to 13% for Tim Scott, 12% for Jenny Sanford, and 10% for Trey Gowdy with no one else in double digits.

Though Colbert has been campaigning for the spot, Republican Gov. Nikki Haley, who is responsible for picking DeMint's replacement, dashed what little hope fans had for a Colbert appointment on her Facebook page on Friday.


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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