Gov. Nikki Haley announces Tim Scott’s appointment to the U.S. Senate

COLUMBIA, SC – December 17, 2012 – Governor Nikki Haley today announced U.S. Rep. Tim Scott as her appointment to fill the vacancy created by United States Senator Jim DeMint’s retirement.

Flanked by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and U.S. Sen. DeMint – as well as U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02), U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy (SC-04), U.S. Rep. Mick Mulvaney (SC-05) and U.S. Rep.-elect Tom Rice (SC-07) – the governor made today’s announcement during a Statehouse press conference as U.S. Rep. Scott’s mother, Frances Scott, looked on. Video of the governor’s announcement is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhLbcnoqLNM

Gov. Haley said, What we looked for in a new senator is a fighter – someone with courage and leadership for our state and nation at a time when we need it most, and someone who understands South Carolina’s issues and knows her people. That’s what we found in Tim Scott. It’s a great honor for me to appoint Tim as our next U.S. Senator.

I am deeply honored to accept Governor Nikki Haley’s appointment as United States Senator, said U.S. Rep. Scott. As much as there is honor in such an occasion, I am even more humbled at the confidence she has shown in me, and at the task that is now before me.  Representing the entire state of South Carolina and all of its citizens is a sacred duty.  I look to the Lord’s grace to give me the strength and wisdom to fulfill that duty in a way that reflects well on our state and our country.

Gov. Haley said, Tim Scott has proven himself time after time. Hislife story is a great South Carolina story, filled with thedifficulties and the successes that are familiar to so many of ourcitizens.

Prior to being elected to Congress in 2010, Scott served on Charleston County Council for 13 years, including four terms as Chair and in the S.C. House of Representatives for two years where he was elected Chairman of the Freshman Caucus and House Whip.  He was the owner of Tim Scott Allstate and partner of Pathway Real Estate Group.

Backgrounders on the U.S. Senate appointment process and on previous appointed senators are attached.