Rep. Tim Scott’s (R-S.C.) appointment to the seat being vacated by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) was greeted warmly by his soon-to-be colleagues in the upper chamber.
“I want to congratulate Congressman Scott on his appointment to the United States Senate,” said Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). “As a solid conservative who fights hard for the values and principles he believes in, Tim will help us find real, lasting solutions to the economic challenges facing our nation in the 113th Congress. This is truly an historic moment for the Palmetto State from a governor who’s broken more than a few barriers in her own career.”
Gov. Nikki Haley made the announcement at noon today with Scott, DeMint, and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) at her side.
“I applaud Governor Nikki Haley’s decision to send Tim Scott to represent the people of South Carolina in the United States Senate,” said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). “I’ve gotten to know Congressman Scott since his election to the House of Representatives two years ago and know him to be a passionate, thoughtful and sincere advocate for the people of South Carolina and for limited government principles. He is a worthy successor to my good friend Senator Jim DeMint, who remains a role model for those of us drawn to public service and the desire to keep America an exceptional nation.”
“For a Republican Party reported to be in the midst of some serious soul searching, Gov. Haley knocked it out of the park with her choice of Tim Scott,” Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) said. “He is the real deal – an effective leader and messenger against Washington reckless spending and dysfunction. I look forward to working with him closely in the Senate.”
“I look forward to working with soon-to-be Senator Scott in the months and years ahead to advance the principles of a limited and effective government,” Rubio said.
Scott’s House colleagues who also could have gotten the appointment were gracious in their praise of the appointee.
“Governor Nikki Haley’s decision to appoint Tim Scott to the United States Senate is a historic day for South Carolina and our nation. Tim is an honorable, principled conservative and I have no doubt that he will continue to carry out these beliefs when representing all of the Palmetto State,” said Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.).
“Over the past two years, Tim Scott has held firm to his convictions and done his best to change the ways of Washington by restoring faith in politics. Throughout our years in public service, I have been fortunate enough to establish a friendship with Tim,” he added. “I cannot imagine a more deserving and credible candidate to replace Senator Jim DeMint.”
“I am extraordinarily pleased that my friend and fellow ‘Four Horseman’ member Tim Scott has been appointed to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Jim DeMint,” said Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.). “Tim will clearly be ready to go on day one – something I believe to be extremely valuable and necessary during a time when our country is facing so many tough and immediate challenges. I have tremendous respect for Tim, and I know he will represent South Carolina well. The South Carolina freshman delegation came to Washington as a team, and we will remain one, even with one of our own moving across the way.”
Scott will become the only black senator. The Congressional Black Caucus, of which Scott is not a member, did not have reaction as of this post.
“It was pretty chilly for a long time,” Scott told PJM in June about his relationship with the CBC. “I won’t say that the chill’s out of the air. We have at least a cordial interaction.”
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