“REPUBLICANS” EYE FIRST DISTRICT SEAT AMID U.S. SENATORIAL SPECULATION
U.S. Rep. Tim Scott (R-Charleston) is the choice of national Republicans – and most South Carolina Republicans – to fill the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by fiscal conservative Jim DeMint.
But will S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley appoint him? He’s clearly on her “short list,” although the governor and Scott are not particularly close. In fact Scott is exceedingly tight with S.C. House Speaker Bobby Harrell – one of Haley’s political archenemies. That explains why Haley is aggressively exploring a possible “caretaker” option for the seat – as well as other options.
It also explains why Scott (or at least a group supporting him) is campaigning so aggressively for the seat.
In the event Haley bows to the pressure and appoints Scott, though, it would set off a furious battle to fill his first congressional district seat.
And surprise, surprise … three Lowcountry politicians are already making phone calls in an effort to line up support.
First up we have S.C. Senator Larry Grooms (R-Berkeley), one of the few fiscal conservatives in the South Carolina Senate and the primary sponsor of a long overdue universal parental choice bill. Then there’s former House Majority Leader Jimmy Merrill (RINO-Daniel Island), a consummate special interest insider who has been in the S.C. General Assembly for the last 12 years. Finally, there’s S.C. Rep. Chip Limehouse – a top lieutenant of Harrell’s who has been in the S.C. House for the last 18 years. In addition to being one of Harrell’s “fixers,” Limehouse is also one of the biggest liberals (literally and figuratively) at the S.C. State House.
Those are just the names we’ve heard so far … obviously if Haley appoints Scott others will begin signaling their intentions, too.
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9 comments
One name that should be on the top of the list is Dickie Schweers. Dickie is currently on Charleston County Council. Dickie is a solid fiscal conservative, with a great record of opposing tax increases and big government efforts.
It should not be a surprise to anyone political in the lowcountry that that there might be a special election for Tim’s seat.event that Romney had won and named Tim to the cabinet.
I can think of no better name for a *public servant* than Dickie.
And, exactly what cabinet agency is an insurance salesman qualified to head?
Sheers?
Hahaha!
It’s SC State House Representative Ralph Norman by a nose.
Chip “pass-the-butter” Limehouse spends more time eating / “continuous grazing” than any activity except sleeping.
23-inch neck.
Has watched Animal House 200 times. Worships Bluto.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZN4r8p6KbU
Graduated in the bottom decile at The Citadel.
Questions?
Minnow, do your homework. He went to USC, as did Folks.
Has Andre Bauer bought himself a house in Charleston yet?
So it’s a lawn jockey race?