Tim Scott named as Jim DeMint's replacement

The conservative Republican will become the only black member of the Senate

Published December 17, 2012 5:02PM (EST)

          (Facebook/RepTimScott)
(Facebook/RepTimScott)

Nikki Haley has chosen Rep. Tim Scott, R-S.C., to replace Sen. Jim DeMint when he steps down in January to head up the Heritage Foundation.

The New York Times' Caucus blog reports that three Republican officials say that Scott will take the spot, making him the first black senator from the South since the late 1800s -- and the only black senator in Congress.

From the Times:

Ms. Haley seriously considered a number of potential contenders, particularly Jenny Sanford, the ex-wife of former Gov. Mark Sanford, who supported Ms. Haley in her race two years ago. But in choosing Mr. Scott, she selected a lawmaker with a strong conservative voting record during his two years in Congress.

As Right Wing Watch reports, Scott is a Tea Party Republican with a record that is virtually as conservative of that of DeMint, who is one of the most far-right members of the Senate. For example, from RWW:

In the “traditional values” section of his campaign website Scott lists legislation he has supported promoting abstinence education, defunding United Nations family planning programs, imposing abortion restrictions on women in the District of Columbia, and “protecting” Christmas.


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.

MORE FROM Jillian Rayfield


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Jim Demint Nikki Haley Republicans South Carolina Tim Scott